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STEELE CREEK NEWS

McDowell Nature Center Programs for November

McDowell Nature Center(September 27, 2016) The McDowell Nature Center is offering a variety of programs in November. Contact the Nature Center at 704-588-5224 for more information. To register online, go to McDowell Nature Center, select "Environmental Education & Outdoor Adventure Programs," then click on "Public Programs." Under Location, search for McDowell Nature Preserve. 

Program name: Family Campfire

Dates of Program: November 2 and 9, 2016 –
                                   Both Wednesday
                              November 11, 2016 - Friday

Times of program: 6:00pm to 7:30pm (November 2 and 9)
                              3:00pm to 5:00pm (November 11)

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 and conversation under the stars! 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: OH Deer!

Date of Program: November 4, 2016 – Friday

Time of program: 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 5 and up

Description of program: Join a McDowell Nature staff educator in learning all about deer! Learn how we manage our deer population through an interactive game. Registration is required.

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather as we will be going outdoors briefly.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Beaver Bites and Hike

Date of Program: November 4, 2016 - Friday

Time of program: 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 6 to 12

Description of program: Come and explore the largest rodents of Mecklenburg County in this one-hour hike from the McDowell Nature Center! We will hike on a semi-off trail to get an up-close look at a beaver lodge and dam and a possible beaver sighting. Registration is required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Asleep for the Winter: Insect Edition

Date of Program: November 5, 2016 - Saturday

Times of program: 10:00am to 10:45am and Noon to 12:45pm

Price: Free

Ages: 6 and up

Description of program: What do insects do to survive the winter? Come explore the life of bugs preparing for the colder months to come and gain an understanding of the science behind diapause! Registration is required.

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather and bring sturdy hiking shoes. Please bring a flashlight and water.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
 Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Take a Closer Look: Hiking for Mindfulness

Date of Program: November 5, 2016 – Saturday

Time of program: 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free

Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: What do you see when you think of a tree? A flower? A blade of grass? Join us for an adult only session on mindfulness in nature. We will hike along the scenic trails of McDowell Nature Preserve. Registration is required

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear closed-toe shoes for hiking. Please bring water.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Drop-In Leaf Arts and Crafts

Date of Program: November 6, 2016 – Sunday

Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: $2.00

Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Nature has provided the materials and inspiration for a variety of leaf crafts today. Drop in any time from 2-4pm to invent your own leaf creature, paint some re-leafs, decoupage a fall candle holder or make other leaf creations in the classroom. Parent participation required. Registration is required.

Notes: Anyone who will be making crafts will need to register/pay. Adults who are just assisting will not need to register/pay.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Great Gobblers!

Date of Program: November 9 and 23, 2016 – Both Wednesday

Time of program: 1:00pm to 1:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 2 to 5

Description of program: Does your little one love construction paper, crayons and glue? We do too! Come and handcraft a pinecone turkey with your preschooler and experience the wonder of childhood in Thanksgiving crafting. Parent participation required. 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: Fairy Houses and Gnome Huts

Date of Program: November 11, 2016 - Friday

Time of program: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Price: Free

Ages: 3 and up

Description of program: Come to McDowell Nature Preserve to build homes for fairies and gnomes! With your creativity and family, collect sticks, pebbles, bark, leaves and other naturally found items from the forest to build a whimsical fairy or gnome house. Create a simple or intricate home to connect with the outdoors, encourage respect for nature and unleash your creative side. Registration is required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Parent or guardian participation required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Basics of Backpacking

Date of Program: November 12, 2016 - Saturday

Time of program: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 16 and up

Description of program: Ever thought a backpacking trip would be fun but didn't know where to begin? Join McDowell Nature Staff members and learn about choosing the right pack, basic navigation skills and the do's and don'ts of planning a backpacking trip. Registration is required.

Notes: Although not required, you are able to bring your own backpacking gear if you would like to.

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: November 14, 2016 - 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: Artsy Adult Club: Harvest Crafts

Date of Program: November 15, 2016 - 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: Take Off the Turkey Hike

Date of Program: November 25, 2016 – Friday

Times of program: 10:00am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free

Ages: 5 and up

Description of program: Feeling a little stuffed? Join a McDowell Nature Center educator in this 2-3 mile leisure hike as we enjoy nature and learn along the way. This hike is great for those who are new to hiking or even the more skilled participant. Registration is required

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather. Not a stroller friendly hike. Please bring water.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Nature Journal

Date of Program: November 26, 2016 – Saturday

Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 5 to 12

Description of program: Come and join a McDowell Nature educator in creating a Nature Journal. Start with creating a journal indoors and end with adding the final touches to your journal with nature outdoors! 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: Family Fort Building

Date of Program: November 27, 2016 – Sunday

Times of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

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

Additional Programs if you want to advertise more programs:

Program name: Asleep for the Winter: Mammals Edition

Date of Program: November 14 and 28, 2016 – Both Monday

Time of program: 1:45pm to 2:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 6 and up

Description of program: What do some mammals hibernate during the winter months? Come explore the life of a critter preparing for the colder months to come and gain an understanding of the science behind hibernation! 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: Night Hike

Date of Program: November 16, 2016 – Wednesday

Time of program: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Price: Free

Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Come and join McDowell Nature Center staff for a night hike and enjoy exploring the preserve. Registration is required

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Please bring water.

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: November 25, 2016 – Friday

Time of program: Noon to 2:00pm

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. This hike will be at least 3 miles over rough, uneven and challenging terrain. Registration is required

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants and bring a bottle of water.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224

Program name: Adult Hiking Series: Autumn Days

Date of Program: November 29, 2016 – Tuesday

Time of program: 11:00am to 12:15pm

Price: Free

Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Get up and get active while learning about nature during this 75 minute, adult only hike through McDowell Nature Preserve. This hike is eligible for our 100-mile hike club. Registration is required

Notes: Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear closed-toe shoes for hiking. Please bring water.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
               Charlotte, NC 28278

Website: parkandrec.com

Phone: (704) 588-5224Space is LIMITED!

McDowell Nature Center

McDowell Nature Center is located in McDowell Nature Preserve, which is on the western side of Steele Creek at Lake Wylie near the Buster Boyd Bridge. Use the main entrance to McDowell Nature Preserve off York Road across from Palisades Park Elementary School to access the Nature Center.

McDowell Nature Preserve covers 1,125 acres and features a campground and primitive camping sites, fishing and boating access to Lake Wylie, eight miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The McDowell Nature Center is a museum with live animals and nature displays that offers a variety of educational and other nature programs. The Nature Preserve and Center are two of the jewels of Steele Creek!

Nature Center hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. The Nature Preserve is open from 7:00 AM to sunset daily

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