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STEELE CREEK NEWS

December Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(October 28, 2018) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for December. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature Preserve" under location.


Program name: McDowell Sunday Striders
Date of Program: December 2, 2018 – 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 required.

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain at a moderate pace. Wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. 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: Get Crafty: Decorating Trees for Birds
Date of Program: December 2, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: As winter approaches, migrating and resident birds are bulking up by eating more. Relax and chat as we string edible garland with popcorn, cranberries and O cereal to adorn the trees and feed the birds. All food provided is for the crafts, but feel free to bring your own snacks. No pre-registration required (NOTE: all other programs require pre-registration).

Notes: Parent participation required. 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: McDowell Family Campfire
Dates of Program: December 5 and 19, 2018 – Both are Wednesday’s
Time of program: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Fire! S' mores! Fun! Friends! Get all of these at a McDowell Nature Preserve campfire. Meeting place will be at McDowell Campground to spend the evening learning about fire safety, making s' mores and new friends! Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Parent participation required. Please dress appropriately for the weather and 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: Trails and Tails: McDowell Nature Preserve
Date of Program: December 8, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 9:30am to 11:30am

Price: Free
Ages: 5 and up

Description of program: Have a K-9 companion? Want to meet other dog lovers in Mecklenburg County? Join McDowell staff as we come together with our "Tails" and hit the "Trails." Each month we will meet at a different park, preserve or greenway around the Charlotte area. This month's location is at McDowell Nature Preserve. Please call Chad Moore at 980-314-1128 for more information.

Notes: Please bring mutt mitts and a leash no longer than 6' in length. Come prepared to hike at least 2 miles on uneven terrain. Wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy closed toed shoes. Bring a water bottle for you and water for your four-legged friend as well!

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: McDowell Family Campfire
Date of Program: December 8, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Fire! S' mores! Fun! Friends! Get all of these at a McDowell Nature Preserve campfire. Meeting place will be at McDowell Campground to spend the evening learning about fire safety, making s' mores and new friends! Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Parent participation required. Please dress appropriately for the weather and 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: Babes in the Woods
Date of Program: December 10, 2018 – Monday
Time of program: 10:00am to 11:00am

Price: Free
Ages: 0 to 3

Description of program: Hit the (paved) trail with your little one and experience what nature has to offer this month. Stretch your legs while you chat with other parents and a McDowell Naturalist in a casual, social setting. In case of inclement weather, we will meet inside the Nature Center for indoor playtime. Pre-registration required.
Notes: Parent participation required. Stroller-friendly program; groups welcome but must register each child individually. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own water bottle. Parking is at the "Four Seasons Trail" head below the Nature Center parking lot.

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: Berries and Holly
Date of Program: December 12, 2018 – 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: Geminid Meteor Shower Party
Date of Program: December 14, 2018 – Friday
Time of program: 5:00am to 7:00am

Price: $4.00
Ages: 12 and up

Description of program As the moon sets at midnight on the peak viewing night of the Geminid Meteor Shower, we will take a leisurely early morning stroll through the McDowell Prairie for a viewing of this spectacular celestial event. With cooperative weather, we hopefully will potentially see up to 100 meteors an hour as we take a 2 hour hike through the prairie, stopping along the way to gaze up at the stars until the sun rises. An email will be send out prior to the event with more information. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Meeting place will be at the Four Horse Rd entrance of the McDowell Prairie. 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, long pants and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own water bottle. Red flashlights will be provided. Be advised that event will be cancelled if inclement weather arises.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Winter ID Hike
Date of Program: December 15, 2018 - Saturday
Time of program: 10:00am to 11:30am

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Although the trees may be sleeping, there is plenty going on, on the forest floor. Let's rustle up the leaves and look for flora that thrives in the colder temperatures.
Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike 3-4 miles on uneven terrain at a moderate pace. Wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Please bring your own water bottle. The Nature Center will be closed due to renovations so plan accordingly. Restrooms are located at the McDowell Large Pavilion and near the Waterfront Deck.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Where do all the Animals Go?
Date of Program: December 21, 2018 - Friday
Time of program: 11:00am to Noon

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Brrrr! It sure is cold outside! Join a McDowell Nature educator in uncovering a mystery. What mystery you may ask? The mystery of the missing animals! Prepare for an observational hike that will take us less than a mile so we can solve this mystery.
Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Parent participation required. Wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Please bring your own water bottle. The Nature Center will be closed due to renovations so plan accordingly. Restrooms are located at McDowell Large Pavilion and near the Waterfront Deck.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Prairie Bird Hike
Date of Program: December 29, 2018 - Saturday
Time of program: 6:00am to 9:00am

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Explore this unique habitat in search of wildlife, in particular birds. We will set out early at a leisurely pace with binoculars and field guides in tow. Bring your "Life List" or learn how to start one while we hike this hidden gem within the preserve. Open to novice and skilled hikers alike, this adult-only hike will cover 3-4 miles on uneven terrain. Pre-registration required.

Notes: Meet at the nature center for a shuttle to the prairie. This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike 3-4 miles on uneven terrain at a moderate pace. Wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. 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: 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 additional 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

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