STEELE CREEK NEWS

February Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(January 22, 2017) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for February. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature Preserve" under location.

Program name: Junior Naturalist Series: Soil Sampling
Date of Program: February 2, 2017 – Thursday
Times of program: 10:00am to 11:00am – for Ages 7 to 9
10:00am to 11:30am – for Ages 10 to 12

Price: $5.00
Ages: 7 to 12

Description of program: Join a McDowell Nature Educator in this new, 6-part series that will get kids exploring the natural world. We will highlight many ecological and scientific features the Nature Preserve has to offer by enjoying nature walks, crafts, outdoor skills and educational lectures. By attending 5 out of 6 sessions, kids will earn a completion award. Registration is required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Family Nature Hike
Date of Program: February 4, 2017 - Saturday
Time of program: 10:30am to Noon

Price: Free
Ages: 6 and up

Description of program: Visit McDowell Nature Preserve and take a 2-3 mile guided hike with a naturalist, where you will discover about the local flora and fauna. 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: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Hiking for Mindfulness: Winter Landscapes
Date of Program: February 4, 2017 - Saturday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Price: $1.00
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: If you were asked to draw a tree, what would it look like? Join McDowell Nature Staff for an adults-only session on mindfulness in nature, focused on the wintertime landscape. 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 1.5 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: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes
Date of Program: February 5, 2017 – Sunday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Thinking of getting a pet turtle or snake? Want to see what it takes to care for a variety of reptiles and amphibians? This behind-the-scenes opportunity allows children and adults to feed, water, clean and care for McDowell's resident animals. As a reward for all your hard work you will get up-close and personal with your favorite animals! Registration is required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Babes in the Woods
Date of Program: February 6, 2017 - Monday
Time of program: 10:00am to 11:00am

Price: Free
Ages: 0 to 3

Description of program: Tuck your little one in a stroller and join one of our educators for an easy walk along our paved nature trail. Relax, chat, and experience what nature has to offer this month in a casual, social setting. In case of inclement weather, meet inside the Nature Center for indoor playtime. Registration is required.

Notes: Meeting place will be 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: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Family Campfire
Date of Program: February 6, 2017 - Monday
Time of program: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Come join McDowell Nature staff as we warm up next to a roaring family campfire. Learn how to light a fire as well as fire safety. We will enjoy s'mores as our tasty treat. Registration is required

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Creature Feature
Date of Program: February 7, 2017 – Tuesday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 12

Description of program: Drop by for a visit with a Nature Center Naturalist and chat about some of their favorite creatures here at McDowell! Stay as long as you like and get to know the featured creature of the day. Registration is required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: McDowell Sunday Striders
Dates of Program: February 12 and 26, 2017 - Sunday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Join staff from the McDowell Nature Center on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for our NEW adult hiking club. Get fit while enjoying the outdoors as we set off at a comfortable yet steady pace through the McDowell Nature Preserve. These hikes are for those who are new to hiking or even the more skilled participant and will cover 2-3 miles on uneven terrain. 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: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Sunday Nature Happenings
Dates of Program: February 12 and 26, 2017 – Both Sunday’s
Time of program: 3:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Join a naturalist from the McDowell Nature Center on select Sundays for a drop-in nature program. Each program will feature a different nature activity such as an animal encounter, family hike, scavenger hunt, craft and more. Dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure.

Notes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Please bring a water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Artsy Adult Club: Love is in the Crafting
Date of Program: February 14, 2017 - Tuesday
Time of program: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Price: $3.00
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Crafting can be relaxing and therapeutic...especially when done in a nature center! If you love crafting but don't have the space or supplies to create some of the latest nature-themed or up-cycled projects, then this is the class for you! In each class we will have samples of 2-3 completed projects and provide all the supplies, space and time for you to finish on your own! This is an adult only class because the advanced nature of the supplies that will be used. Registration is required.

Notes: Dress to craft!

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: TGIF at McDowell!
Dates of Program: February 17 and 24, 2017 – Both Friday’s
Time of program: 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 9

Description of program: TGIF! Come to McDowell Nature Preserve on Friday afternoons for a variety of fun and nature based educational activities, from hikes, games, crafts, exploring, etc. Meet new friends in a exciting new setting. Registration is required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Get CRAFTY: Snowy Days
Date of Program: February 18, 2017 - Saturday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 and up

Description of program: Join us for a Snowy Craft Day at McDowell Nature Center! Stop by between 2:30pm and 4pm to create a nature-inspired snowy craft to take home! Registration is required.

Notes: Dress to get messy!

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Junior Naturalist Series: Pollution
Date of Program: February 20, 2017 – Monday
Times of program: 10:00am to 11:00am – for Ages 7 to 9
10:00am to 11:30am – for Ages 10 to 12

Price: $5.00
Ages: 7 to 12

Description of program: Join a McDowell Nature Educator in this new, 6-part series that will get kids exploring the natural world. We will highlight many ecological and scientific features the Nature Preserve has to offer by enjoying nature walks, crafts, outdoor skills and educational lectures. By attending 5 out of 6 sessions, kids will earn a completion award. Registration is required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224


Program name: Off-Trail Adventure Hike
Date of Program: February 24, 2017 - Friday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 16 and up

Description of program: Uncover the secrets of the preserve that are not accessible by trails! Join our Outdoor Recreation staff as we explore unique features that are only accessible off-trail. Come prepared to "bushwhack" with long pants, sturdy waterproof shoes and an adventurous spirit. Registration is required.

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Please wear sturdy, waterproof closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking approximately three 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: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Family Fort Building
Date of Program: February 25, 2017 - Saturday
Time of program: 11:00am to 1:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 and up

Description of program: Learn the survival skill of shelter building with your family. Work together using materials found in the woods to build a sturdy, weather-resistant shelter. Registration is required.

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather and work gloves are recommended but optional. Be prepared to hike so please wear sturdy shoes.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Track Trails: Nature's Relationships
Date of Program: February 25, 2017 - Saturday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 8 and up

Description of program: Let's take a guided nature hike to see what we can find in the McDowell Nature Preserve! Participants will receive the "Nature's Relationships" guide to aid in exploring our woods in search of local flora and fauna. This hike will cover our new Track Trails program, which is an easy 1.2 mile hike along our trail system. 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 1.2 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: (704) 588-5224

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: $150
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 $150 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: (704) 588-5224

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