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STEELE CREEK NEWS
May Programs at McDowell Nature Center
(April
4, 2018) The
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a
wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed
below are programs for May. To sign up or for more
information, go to the
Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature
Preserve" under location.
Program name: Lake
Wylie Evening Kayak Tour Dates of Program: May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
All Wednesdays Time of program: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Price:
$15.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of program: Experience
twilight while paddling the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve. Get a
chance to view the setting sun over Lake Wylie with our experienced
instructors. Learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in
a fun environment. Registration is required.
Notes: Please
bring your own water bottle, towel, extra clothes, sunscreen, hat
and a snack. Must be able to paddle for an extended period of time.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222
York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Discover McDowell
Dates of Program: May 4 & 18, 2018 Both are Fridays Time of
program: 9:00am to 10:30am
Price: Free Ages: 18 and up
Description of program: Venture on or off-trail with staff as we
discover the secrets of McDowell Nature Preserve through citizen
science and exploration of native flora and fauna. Citizen science
is scientific research conducted by the public or community such as
bio-monitoring, tracking climate change and so much more!
Registration is required.
Notes: This hike qualifies for our
100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike 1 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:
Invasive Plant Removal Date of Program: May 5, 2018 Saturday
Time of program: 9:00am to Noon
Price: Free Ages: 10 and
up
Description of program: Wanted: Elaeagnus sp. Also known
as Silverberry. Reward: Protection of McDowell Nature Preserves
native species.
Meet the staff at McDowell Nature Center to
connect with people and nature all while making a positive
difference in your community by removing invasive plant species.
Registration is 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: Adult
Hiking Series Dates of Program: May 8, 2018 Theme Wild
Woodlands - Tuesday May 22, 2018 Theme Happy Trails - Tuesday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:15pm
Price: Free Ages: 18
and up
Description of program: May 8 - Get up and get active
while searching for wildflowers with a McDowell Naturalist during
this 75-minute, adult only hike through McDowell Nature Preserve.
May 22 - Get up and get active with a McDowell Naturalist during
this 75-minute, adult only hike through McDowell Nature Preserve.
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. We will be hiking approximately 2-3
miles on uneven terrain. Please bring a water bottle.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center Address: 15222 York
Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website: parkandrec.com Phone:
(980) 314-1128
Program name: Preschool Explorers Dates of
Program: May 10, 2018 Theme Life in the Lake Thursday May
11, 2018 Theme Life in the Lake Friday May 24, 2018 Theme
Bear Necessities Thursday May 25, 2018 Theme Bear
Necessities 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 Discover nature with your little one through
crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor exploration.
Select one-time slot per week/theme. A) Life in the Lake - practice
fishing and view live critters from Lake Wylie B) Bear Necessities -
bring your favorite teddy bear for a bear-style picnic. Registration
is 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: Sunrise Kayak: International
Migratory Bird Day Date of Program: May 11, 2018 Friday Time
of program: 6:00am to 8:00am
Price: $15.00 Ages: 18 and
up
Description of program: Celebrate International Migratory
Bird Day on a paddle along the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve.
View the sunrise and search for ducks, geese, cormorants,
kingfishers and herons. Learn introductory birding techniques, bird
identification and some of the history of Lake Wylie along the way.
No experience in kayaking or birding necessary. Kayaks, binoculars
and all gear provided. Registration is required.
Notes:
Meeting place will be at the Waterfront area. Please bring your
own water bottle, towel, extra clothes, sunscreen, hat and a snack.
Must be able to paddle for an extended period of time.
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: May 12, 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 Nature 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 toe shoes. Please bring your own water bottle 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: Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour
Date of Program: May
12, 2018 Saturday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Prices: $15.00 Single Ages 10 and up $20.00 Tandem - Ages
5 and up
Description of program: Paddle the edges of McDowell
Nature Preserve with our experienced instructors while enjoying
nature with your family. Learn about the natural history that makes
Lake Wylie a great destination for wildlife viewing. All equipment
provided. Registration is required.
Notes: Children 5-9 years
old are required to be in a tandem with an adult. One person
registers per tandem kayak; 10 and up can be in a single or tandem
as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own
water bottle, towel, extra clothes, sunscreen, hat and a snack. Must
be able to paddle for an extended period of time.
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:
May 14, 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. Registration is required.
Notes: Parent
participation required. Stroller-friendly program; groups welcome
but must register. 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: How Clean is the Stream?
Date of Program: May 18, 2018
Friday Time of program: 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Price: $5.00
Ages: 6 to 8 and 9 to 12
Description of program Prepare to
get wet as you roll rocks in search for salamanders, fish, insect
larva and more. What we find (or don't find) will tell us how clean
is our stream. This program is designed for homeschoolers but anyone
may attend. Registration is required.
Notes: Please wear old
sneakers or closed-toed water shoes and bring a change of
socks/shoes.
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: May 18, 2018 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 and wonderful McDowell Nature Preserve with a McDowell
Naturalist to find new and unexplored areas for fun and adventure.
Together, participants will create games and activities while
learning from nature. What will you discover? Registration is
required.
Notes: 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: Girls with Grit
Date of Program: May 19, 2018 Saturday
Time of program: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Price: $15.00 Ages: 11
to 14
Description of program: In this ladies-only program, we
will gather from all three nature centers to develop new skills,
explore the natural world and create lasting friendships as you
conquer recreational and environmental challenges. Spend the day
exploring nature preserves, as our staff of all female guides share
their knowledge in a positive social space and encourage you to
explore the great outdoors! Participants can be dropped off and
picked up at the nature center most convenient for you (please
choose option when registering), then we will travel to meet
participants from other nature centers to continue our adventure.
Registration is required.
Notes: This is a drop-off program -
parents must sign children in and out. Please dress appropriately
for the weather. Bring plenty of water, bagged lunch, snacks and any
other personal comfort items.
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: May 20,
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. 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
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Date of Program: May 20, 2018 Sunday
Time of program: 3:30pm to 4:15pm
Price: Free Ages: All
ages
Description of program: Discover the bounty of spring at
McDowell Nature Preserve through a competitive scavenger hunt!
Families will work together to find wildflowers, amphibians, birds
and other native plants and animals. Bring your smartphone to take
pictures of your discoveries. Since this is a timed activity,
participants must arrive no later than 3:30pm to participate for
prizes. Registration required for ALL participants, adult and child
alike.
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: Lake Wylie Sunrise Kayak Tour
Date
of Program: May 25, 2018 Friday Time of program: 6:00am to
8:00am
Price: $15.00 Ages: 18 and up
Description of
program: Explore sunrise along the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve
with our experienced instructors. Learn the history of Lake Wylie
and meet new people in a fun environment. Registration is required.
Notes: Please bring your own water bottle, towel, extra clothes,
sunscreen, hat and a snack. Must be able to paddle for an extended
period of time.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Website:
parkandrec.com Phone: (980) 314-1128
Program name: Natural
Happenings: Frogs and Toads
Date of Program: May 27, 2018 -
Sunday Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: Free
Ages: 4 and up
Description of program: Hop like a toad and
ribbit like a frog during this interactive edition of Natural
Happenings. Explore amphibian adaptations such as insect hunting and
camouflage. This activity includes creating a craft to take home and
share with the family. Registration is 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: Family Birding Hike
Date of Program: May 28, 2018
Monday Time of program: 9:30am to 10:30am
Price: Free
Ages: 8 and up
Description of program: Learn the ins and outs
of birding during this family-friendly hike. Guided by a McDowell
naturalist, families will discover areas in the preserve that are
prime birding spots, develop bird identification skills and enjoy
time in nature. Binoculars and field guides provided. Registration
is required for ALL participants, adult and child alike.
Notes: Parent participation required. 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: Scaly and Slimy
Date of Program: May 28, 2018 Monday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Price: Free Ages: 3 and
up
Description of program: Get up close and personal with the
resident reptiles and amphibians at the McDowell Nature Center.
Discover what it takes to care for these animals and why they are
important to the health of the nature preserve. Registration is
required for ALL participants, adult and child alike. Space is
limited due to the behind-the-scenes nature of this program.
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: 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
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