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STEELE CREEK NEWS
March and Summer
Camp Programs at McDowell Nature Center
(February
3, 2019) The
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a
wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed
below are programs for March as well as Summer
Camps. To sign up or for more
information, go to the
Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature
Preserve" under location.
Program name: Preschool Explorers
Dates of Program: March 1, 2019
Theme Winter Trees Friday March 14 and 15, 2019 Theme
Geocaching Thursday & Friday March 28 and 29, 2019 Theme
Creek Week Thursday & Friday Times of program: 10:00am to
10:45am and 11:00am to 11:45am
Price: $4.00 Ages: 2 to 5
Description of program Little ones and adults discover nature
together through crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor
exploration. Choose one time-slot per week/theme. Winter Trees is
(Friday only) or Geocaching or Creek Week. Meet, touch and give your
favorite animal a special treat. Pre-registration is required.
Notes: Parent participation required. Please plan to arrive
early to get settled and be ready by program start time.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: Explore the Carolinas
Date of
Program: March 2, 2019 - Saturday Time of program: 8:00am to
6:00pm
Price: $14.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of
program: Adventure is out there!! Spend the day exploring and
discovering new places in the Carolinas. Trips will all be within 2
hours of Charlotte. Meet at McDowell Nature Center for all trips and
ride in a van to the destination of the day. The first Saturday of
each month will take us to a new spot to explore. This month:
Uwharrie National Forest. Pre-Registration is required.
Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Please wear
sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Please bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottle.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: Project WET Educator Training
Date of Program: March 2, 2019 - Saturday Time of program: 9:00am
to 3:30pm
Price: $25.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description
of program: Project WET is a water-based curriculum aligned with NC
NCDPI Science, Math, ELA, and S.S standards. This interdisciplinary
curriculum will allow teachers to incorporate water literacy
throughout the year with fun, interactive, and a unique approach to
understanding how we manage water resources. For more information
visit www.projectwet.org. Please note: to receive the curriculum
guide and credit for the workshop, you must be present for the
entire time. Pre-Registration is required.
Notes: Please
dress to get dirty/wet or bring a change of clothes and shoes. Light
refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Sponsor: McDowell
Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte,
NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Date of Program:
March 4 - 8, 2019 Monday to Friday Time of program: 9:00am to
4:30pm
Price: Free Ages: 5 and up
Description of
program: Are you prepared for all the types of severe weather that
could affect our area? Become prepared and more knowledgeable about
severe weather at our week-long table display. No pre-registration
required (NOTE: all other programs require pre-registration).
Notes: This is a drop-in program March 4-8 Monday-Friday
9am-4:30pm.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website:
parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name:
Volunteer Opportunities w/Mecklenburg County
Date of Program:
March 5, 2019 - Tuesday Time of program: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Price: Free Ages: 18 and up
Description of program: Learn
about volunteer opportunities at the 3 nature centers.
Pre-registration is required.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature
Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC
28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Night Hike
Date of Program: March 6, 2019 -
Wednesday Time of program: 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Price: Free
Ages: 5 and up
Description of program: Explore and listen for
nocturnal animals in the preserve on this night hike! Learn about
animal eye and hearing adaptations while enjoying the preserve after
dark. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and
child alike).
Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile
hike club. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress
appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking approximately 2-3
miles on uneven terrain. Please bring your own water bottle.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: Nature Exploratorium
Date of
Program: March 8, 2019 - Friday Time of program: 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Price: Free Ages: 6 to 11
Description of program:
Active play builds happy kids! Hike deep into wild at McDowell
Nature Preserve to find new and unexplored areas for fun and
adventure. Participants will create games and activities while
learning from nature. What will you discover? Pre-registration
required.
Notes: This is not a drop-off program. Parent
participation required. Come prepared to hike no more than 1 mile on
uneven terrain and to get messy! Please wear sturdy, closed-toe
shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring
your own water bottle.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and
Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program
name: Invasive Plant Removal Work Day
Date of Program: March 9,
2019 - Saturday Time of program: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Price:
Free Ages: 12 and up
Description of program: Wanted:
Elaeagnus sp. Also known as Silverberry. Reward: Protection of
McDowell Nature Preserves native species and natural communities.
Meet the staff at McDowell Nature Center to connect with people and
nature all while making a positive difference in the community by
removing invasive plant species. Pre-registration required (for all
participants, adult and child alike).
Notes: Come prepared
to cut down small shrubs with provided hand tools. Please bring your
own sunscreen, bug spray and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be
working outdoors for 3 hours.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature
Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC
28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Weed Warriors: Invasive Crafting
Date of Program:
March 10, 2019 - Sunday Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: Free Ages: 18 and up
Description of program: What
can you do with all your invasive trimmings from English Ivy to
Autumn Olive? Make beautiful crafts! Learn how to use invasive
species in a crafty way after removal to decorate your home. This
drop-in program will have several ideas and materials you can use to
make a beautiful creation to take home and learn about invasive
species while doing it. No pre-registration required (NOTE: all
other programs require registration).
Notes: This is an
adults only crafting class because of the nature of materials used.
Dress to get messy!
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and
Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program
name: Adult Hiking Series: Congaree Trip
Date of Program: March
12, 2019 Tuesday Time of program: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Price: $14.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of program Get
up and get active with a McDowell Naturalist during this day long,
special edition adult hike at Congaree National Park. Travel to
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and hike through the
largest old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the US. We
will also explore the Visitors' Center to learn about the diverse
flora and fauna of this unique environment. Pre-registration
required.
Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike
club. Come prepared to hike approximately 2 to 3 miles on uneven
terrain. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and
weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own
water bottle. We will meet at 9am and return by 5pm. Please bring
bag lunches/snacks/water bottle to have a picnic in the park.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222
York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: End of Winter Kayak Tour
Date of Program: March 13, 2019 - Wednesday Time of program:
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Prices: $20.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of program: Paddle away the winter blues while enjoying
the transition of winter to spring during this 2-hour kayak tour. We
will explore the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve along the shores
of Lake Wylie in search of wildlife such as green herons,
kingfishers, and possibly even beaver. Pre-registration required.
Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring your
own water bottle, towel and extra clothes.
Sponsor: McDowell
Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte,
NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: St. Patricks Day Treasure Hunt
Date of Program:
March 16, 2019 - Saturday Time of program: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Price: Free Ages: All Ages
Description of program:
Test your natural knowledge as you follow the Leprechaun's clues
through the woods to find the hidden treasure. This self-guided
treasure hunt requires only a sturdy pair of shoes and your brain.
Meet at the Nature Center for your first clue and may the luck of
the Irish be with you! Drop-in's welcome; activity is ongoing. No
pre-registration required (NOTE: all other programs require
registration).
Notes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own
water bottle. Meet at the nature center for your first clue!
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: McDowell Sunday Striders
Date
of Program: March 17, 2019 Sunday Time of program: 1:00pm to
2:00pm
Price: Free Ages: 18 and up
Description of
program: Enjoy the great outdoors while getting fit as we set off at
a comfortable, yet steady pace through the nature preserve. Open to
novice and skilled hikers alike, this adult hiking club will cover
2-3 miles on uneven terrain. Pre-registration is required.
Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared
to hike approximately 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear
sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable
clothing. Please bring your own water bottle.
Sponsor:
McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980)
314-1128
Program name: Family Scavenger Hunt
Date of
Program: March 17, 2019 Sunday Time of program: 3:00pm to
4:00pm
Price: Free Ages: All Ages
Description of
program: Families will explore spring wildflowers in the nature
preserve during this self-led scavenger hunt. Compete for prizes and
learn about nature while getting fit and exploring the preserve's
trails. No pre-registration required (NOTE: all other programs
require pre-registration).
Notes: Parent participation
required. This is a drop-in program. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe
shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Sponsor:
McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980)
314-1128
Program name: Global Recycling Day: Recycling Center
Field Trip
Date of Program: March 18, 2019 Monday Time of
program: 12:45pm to 3:15pm
Price: $8.00 Ages: 8 and up
Description of program: Have you ever wondered where your
recyclables go? In celebration of Global Recycling Day, take a trip
to our local Mecklenburg County Recycling Center. Discover how
recyclables are sorted, processed, and find out what they will
become once remade. This program is designed for kids but adults who
attend must register. Pre-registration required (for all
participants, adult and child alike).
Sponsor: McDowell
Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte,
NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Natural Happenings: Wildflowers
Date of Program:
March 24, 2019 - Sunday Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Price: $4.00 Ages: 4 to 12
Description of program:
Discover how plant and animal adaptations allow them to successfully
survive in amazing ways. This interactive program will include a
craft and investigation of the plant or animal in question.
Pre-registration required.
Notes: Parent participation
required.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website:
parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Creek
Week: Dip Netting for Water Quality
Date of Program: March 25,
2019 - Monday Time of program: 4:45pm to 6:00pm
Price:
$5.00 Ages: 5 to 16
Description of program: Celebrate
Mecklenburg County's Creek Week with this interactive afterschool
program. Fish and dip net our local stream to catch little critters
that help us determine water quality. Pre-registration required.
Notes: This is not a drop-off program. Class will meet at the
Four Seasons parking lot. Please bring shoes that can get wet and
muddy with a back strap. Rain boots or old sneakers work as well.
Also, bring a towel and extra change of clothes to leave in the car.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222
York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Adult Hiking Series:
Spring is Here
Date of Program: March 26, 2019 Tuesday Time
of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Price: Free Ages: 18 and up
Description of program Get up and get active with a McDowell
Naturalist during this 90-minute, adult only hike through McDowell
Nature Preserve. Pre-registration required.
Notes: This hike
qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike
approximately 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy,
closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing.
Please bring your own water bottle.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature
Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC
28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Backpacking Series Trip
Date of Program: March 29 -
31, 2019 Friday to Sunday Time of program: Leave time is 1:00pm
Price: $60.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of
program Not all who wander are lost! Put your knowledge of
backpacking to use with a team of McDowell Outdoor Recreation
Specialists as we wander into the woods for 2 nights and 3 days of
backpack camping in Uwharrie National Forest. Pre-registration
required.
Notes: For more information please contact Chad
Moore or Taylor Besu at 980-314-1128.
Sponsor: McDowell
Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte,
NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Creek Week: Frog Slog
Date of Program: March 30,
2019 - Saturday Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Price:
Free Ages: 5 and up
Description of program: In celebration
of Creek Week, don your muck boots and slog through our creek and
wetland in search of early spring frogs. Chorus Frogs, Spring
Peepers and Cricket Frogs may be out calling and mating this time of
year. We'll mimic their calls and use nets to catch as many as we
can spot. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and
child alike).
Notes: Parent participation required. Please
bring shoes that can get wet and muddy with a back strap. Rain boots
or old sneakers work as well. Also, bring a towel and extra change
of clothes to leave in the car.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature
Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC
28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: W.O.W Birthday Parties at McDowell Nature Center
Date of Program: Call McDowell Nature Center to schedule date of
party Time of program: Call McDowell Nature Center to schedule
time of party
Price: $185 Ages: 4 to 12
Description
of program: An Unique Twist on Birthday Parties. You get an exciting
and one of kind nature themed program that includes hands-on
learning and exploration, as well as a craft that children can take
home! Birthday parties are for ages 4-12 year olds with up to 15
of their friends. Parties will be at McDowell Nature Center
Classroom Program cost is $185 which includes a 1-hour program,
themed gift bag per child, and the use of the classroom for two
addition hours before or after the program.
Sponsor:
McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980)
314-1128
Summer Camps 2019
Programs require pre-registration.
Register online at
www.parkandrec.com, in person at McDowell Nature Center, or call
980-314-1128. After registering, you will receive a camp info
packet which includes contact and medical forms. All forms must
be completed and returned to the Nature Center by June 1st. All
campers will receive a water bottle and a camp t-shirt during their
first camp of the summer.
Program name: Itty Bitty Camp
Dates of Program: July 1-5 (no camp 7/4) Time of program: 10:00am
to 11:30am
Price: $35.00 Ages: 3 to 4 with adult
Description of program: Little ones and their favorite adult play
and learn together, using all their senses to explore the natural
world. Each day includes 1-2 themes, games, live animals, crafts,
songs and snack time. Parent participation required.
Sponsor:
McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980)
314-1128
Program name: 5 to 6 Year Old Camps
Dates of
Program: June 24-28 - Adventure Trek AM Session June 24-28 -
Adventure Trek PM Session August 5-9 - Forest Exploration AM
Session August 5-9 - Forest Exploration PM Session Times of
program: AM Session 9:00am 12:00pm PM Session 1:00pm
4:00pm
Price: $85.00 Ages: 5 to 6
Description of
program: Young children who are crazy about nature love to get
outside and get messy. Choose AM or PM per theme.
Adventure
Trek - Campers discover the adventurer inside themselves. This week
features free-choice nature playtime mixed with favorite camp
activities like stream play and fire building. Kids are guaranteed
to come home dirty! Forest Exploration - Campers survey the
layers of the forest, from ground to canopy. Theyll uncover how the
forest can be home to so many different plants and animals.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: 7 to 9 Year Old Camps
Dates
of Program: July 8-12 Animal Care 1 July 22-26 Nature Venture
1 July 29-August 2 Nature Venture 2 August 19-23 Animal
Care 2 Time of program: 9:00am 4:00pm daily
Price:
$170.00 Ages: 7 to 9
Description of program: Young
children who are crazy about nature love to get outside and get
messy. Choose 1 week per theme.
Animal Care - Campers handle
and care for a variety of wild and captive animals. Camp concludes
with a camper-led live animal show! Nature Venture - Campers
traverse the outside realm meeting animals, geocaching, stream
stomping and making friends. Every day brings new adventures and
opportunities to grow.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and
Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program
name: 10 to 12 Year Old Camps
Dates of Program: June 17-20
Coastal Explorers Camp Time of program: 9:00am 4:00pm Monday;
overnight 9:00am Tues to 2:00pm Thurs; no camp Fri.
Price:
$263.00 Ages: 10 to 12
Coastal Explorers Camp - Dive deep
to discover how marine biology, conservation and coastal ecology
connects us to the ocean. Monday, get comfortable learning how to
seine and cast net, identify coastal critters and set up camp.
Then it's off to Huntington Beach State Park for 3 days of salty fun
and learning. Campers will come home with sandy toes and
unforgettable stories. All food and supplies provided. *Mandatory
prep meeting June 15 at 10am
Dates of Program: August 12-16
Water Sports Camp Time of program: 9:00am 4:00pm Monday to
Friday
Price: $170.00 Ages: 10 to 12
Water Sports
Camp - Campers get wet and wild, trying out a different water sport
each day. Including Stand-up Paddle Boarding, canoeing, and
kayaking, this camp is packed full of aquatic adventure.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Science-based and Week-long Camping Adventures
for 13-15 year olds
Naturalist in-Training Camp
Dates
of Program: August 5-9 Time of program: 9:00am 4:00pm Monday
to Friday
Price: $200.00 Ages: 13 to 15
Description
of camp: If you love to be outside, learn about flora and fauna, and
share your passion for nature with others, you might already be a
Naturalist In-Training. Delve deeper into the field of
environmental science and connect with other teens who share your
interests. Youll meet local scientists, conduct field research, and
tour labs and museums. On Friday, present your newly acquired
expertise to friends and family during an open house ice cream
social.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website:
parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Traveling Teens
Summer Camp: North Carolina Mountains
Dates of Program:
August 5-9
Price: $400.00 Ages: 13 to 15
Description of camp: One of the oldest mountain ranges in North
America has a story to tell. Uncover the secrets of the
Appalachian Mountains during this 5-day/4-night camping experience.
Well hike on the parkway, tube down the New River, and visit
Appalachian State University. We'll also give back to the Boone
community through a service project. *All food and supplies
provided. *Register by July 1, 2019. *Mandatory pre-trip
prep meeting to be scheduled.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature
Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC
28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
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