STEELE
CREEK NEWS
McDowell
Nature Center Offers Environmental and Nature Programs
(March 21, 2002) The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Department's Division of Natural Resources offers environmental and
nature education programs for the general public on a variety of
topics from birds and butterflies to wetlands and interpretive
hikes. Programs are held at county nature centers, nature preserves,
parks, greenways, and occasionally at other sites throughout North
and South Carolina.
McDowell Nature
Center serves as the gateway to
McDowell
Nature Preserve and is the source for educational information on the preserve's
natural communities, flora, and fauna. The Center features live,
native animals, exhibits, and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can
stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife
Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird
feeding stations, butterfly gardens, garden pond, and demonstration
compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for
several nature preserve trails. For more information, contact us at
704-588-5224. Admission to the Center is free. An entrance fee to
McDowell Nature Preserve is charged March 1 through October 31 on
weekends and holidays.
Here are some
upcoming special activities at the McDowell Nature Center:
April 6 - 10-noon - Wildflower Walk
The McDowell Nature Preserve explodes
in a riot of color early every spring when the wildflowers begin to
bloom. During this 2.5 mile moderately strenuous hike,
learn to identify a variety of wildflower species. You will also
learn some of the intriguing natural history and folklore
surrounding these ephemeral flowers. Call (704)588-5224
to register $3 adult $2 child.
April 13-14 - Beginning Camping
Never camped before? Haven't
been out in years? Join the Sierra Club on a beginning
camping experience right here in Charlotte at the McDowell
Campground! Call Laura Blue at (704)376-1444 to register.
April 27 - 10-11am - Preschool
Naturalist Series: Buggin' Out
It has six legs and its' skeleton on
the outside, what is it? It's a bug of course! Come
get up close and personal with these unique creatures. We
will go on a bug hunt and create
our own special "bug" to eat. This is a morning
that will bring out the creepy crawlies in us all! Call
(704)588-5224 to register $3 per child.
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