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STEELE CREEK NEWS

February Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(January 22, 2018) 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: Program name: Discover McDowell
Dates of Program: February 2 & 16, 2018 – Both are Friday’s
Time of program: 9:00am to 10:30am

Price: Free
Ages: 18 to 65

Description of program: Step on or off-trail with McDowell Naturalists as we discover the secrets of the preserve through citizen science and exploration on foot. Citizen science is scientific research conducted by the public or community in a collaborative effort. 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 1-3 miles on uneven terrain. 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: Have No Fear

Date of Program: February 4, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 3:30p

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Scared of snakes? Bugged out by bugs? Terrified of turtles? Have no fear - these animals are not out to get you and are actually quite beneficial! Separate fact from fiction about some commonly misunderstood animals, like the brown recluse spider, venomous snakes, and snapping turtles. Learn why these animals should be revered instead of feared. Registration is required for ALL participants, adult and child alike as classroom space is limited.

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

Program name: Beginner Backpacking Series

Dates of Program: February 7 to April 11, 2018 – All Wednesday’s (every 2 weeks but no class on April 4th)
Time of program: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Price: $20.00
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Do you like to gaze at the stars and warm up by a fire? Then let's go backpacking! In this 5-session series you will learn from our Outdoor Recreation Specialists the basics of backpacking. Each session is a different topic, from food and water, trip planning and risk management, to gear needed. At the end of the five sessions, you will be eligible to go on a backpacking trip with our staff (price and date not included). Registration is required.

Topics and dates are:
2/7/2018 Gear
2/21/2018 Trip Planning/Risk Management
3/7/2018 Food/Water
3/21/2018 Leave No Trace/Last Minute Prep
4/11/2018 Pre-trip Meeting

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

Program name: McDowell Campfire

Date of Program: February 8 & 22, 2018 – Both are Thursday’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! 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: February 10, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 9:30am to 11:30am

Price: Free
Ages: 10 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. NO ONLINE REGISTRATION – MUST CALL CHAD MOORE AT 980-314-1128 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Notes: Please bring mutt mitts and a leash no longer than 6' in length. Also, 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: February 12, 2018 – 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 with other parents and experience what nature has to offer this month in a casual, social setting. In case of inclement weather, we will meet inside the Nature Center for indoor playtime. Registration is required.

Notes: Meeting place will be at the Four Seasons Trail parking lot, below the Nature Center. In case of inclement weather, we will meet inside the Nature Center.

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: February 13, 2018 – Theme – For the Love of Nature - Tuesday
February 27, 2018 – Theme – Winter Blues - Tuesday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:15pm

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. 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: Make me a Valentine!

Date of Program: February 14, 2018 – Wednesday
Time of program: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Create a gift from the heart on this day filled with love. Drop-in anytime from 10am to 4pm and enjoy a room filled with supplies and inspiration for your Valentine crafting needs. Share the love for our native animals of the nature center and help us decorate their exhibits. Registration NOT required.

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

Program name: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Date of Program: February 16, 2018 – Friday
Time of program: 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Price: $5.00
Ages: 6 to 8 and 9 to 12

Description of program: Have you ever thought you can't help the Earth because you're a kid? Wrong! From recycling and composting, to writing letters and educating others, everyone can do something to become more sustainable. We'll tackle this important topic in a positive way to empower kids to do their part. This program is designed for homeschoolers but anyone may attend. Registration is required.

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

Program name: Get CRAFTY!

Date of Program: February 17, 2018 - Saturday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 9

Description of program: Get Crafty is a craft class where kids will create a cool beautiful craft to take home. Be inspired by winter nature to be creative as you can be. Stop by McDowell Nature Center between 3-4:30pm to GET CRAFTY! Registration is required.

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 Sunday Striders

Date of Program: February 18, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Join staff from the McDowell Nature Center on the 3rd Sunday 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 rough uneven terrain for an extended period of time at a moderate pace. 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: Frog Fables and Turtle Tails

Date of Program: February 18, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 3:45pm

Price: Free
Ages: 2 and up

Description of program: Step inside the world of turtles, frogs and snakes through a literary adventure and animal meet n' greet. Families will join a naturalist for a short story followed by a visitor from the nature center's animal ambassador program. Each month will feature a different animal. Registration NOT required, walk-ins welcome.

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: Girls with Grit

Date of Program: February 19, 2018 – Monday
Time of program: 8:30am to 4:00pm

Price: $15.00
Ages: 11 to 14

Description of program: Sorry, boys! In this middle school, girls-only program, girls will develop new skills, explore the natural world and create lasting friendships while conquering recreational 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 girls to explore the great outdoors! 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: Track Trails: Nature's Relationships

Date of Program: February 24, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 9

Description of program: Let's take a guided nature hike to see what we can find in the McDowell Nature Preserve! Participants will receive a 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: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. 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: Natural Happenings: Owl Prowl

Date of Program: February 25, 2018 - Sunday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Join a naturalist from McDowell Nature Center for this SPECIAL EDITION of Natural Happenings. 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. Registration required for all participants, adult and child alike.

Notes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Portions of program may take place outside. 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: $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: (980) 314-1128

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