STEELE CREEK NEWS

July Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(June 28, 2023) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for July 2023. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and search by program keyword or number, or call (980) 314-1128. To request a modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact staff at (980) 314-1192 or email TRInfo@MeckNC.gov.

The McDowell Nature Center is located at 15222 York Road within the McDowell Nature Preserve (off NC Highway 49 across from Palisades High School). Direct questions to the McDowell Nature Center at 980-314-1128 or email MDNP@mecknc.gov.

See volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Connect.

Program Name: MDNP: Surprise Saturdays
All Ages
#139854 Sat, July 1st 10am-12pm
#139855 Sat, July 22nd 10am-12pm
Get a new perspective on the outdoors this summer with the Surprise Saturdays series. On select Saturdays, create new memories through a nature craft, science experiment, or other surprise activity at the nature center. No pre-registration required. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.

Program Name: MDNP: Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet
All Ages
#139735 Sun, July 2nd 3pm-3:30pm
#139736 Sun, July 9th 3pm-3:30pm
#139737 Sun, July 16th 3pm-3:30pm
#139739 Sun, July 23rd 3pm-3:30pm
#139741 Sun, July 30th 3pm-3:30pm
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about animal adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!
Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Book and Look
All Ages
#139753 Mon, July 3rd 10am-11am
#139755 Mon, July 10th 10am-11am
#139756 Mon, July 17th 10am-11am
#139757 Mon, July 24th 10am-11am
FREE
On select Mondays, Nature Book and Look offers preschoolers and their families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature! Each week, a new fun and educational topic is presented with a nature book followed by a hands-on activity, craft, or exploratory hike! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Evening Kayak
Ages 18+
#139936 Wed, July 5th 6:30pm-8:30pm
#139946 Wed, July 12th 6:30pm-8:30pm
#139938 Wed, July 26th 6:30pm-8:30pm
$20 residents/$24 non-residents
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. Discover the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: 1st Friday Evening Kayak
Ages 18+
#139865 Fri, July 7th 6:30pm-8:30pm
$20 residents/$24 non-residents
On the 1st Friday of the month come 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. Discover the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding
Ages 12+
#139944 Sat, July 8th 2pm-4pm
#139945 Sat, July 29th 2pm-4pm
$25 residents/$30 non-residents
Jump into a new adventure on a Stand-up Paddleboard while exploring the beauty of Lake Wylie! Discover the strokes, maneuvers, and rescue techniques of SUP's with our ACACertified Instructors. All equipment provided! No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike). This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.

Program Name: MDNP: Lake Wylie Kayak Tour
Ages 5+
#139988 Sat, July 8th 9:30am-11:30am
#140012 Sun, July 9th 2pm-4pm
#140016 Sat, July 29th 9:30am-11:30am
$20 residents/$24 non-residents (Single)
$25 residents/$30 non-residents (Tandem)
Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve with our experienced instructors while enjoying nature with your family. Discover the natural history that makes Lake Wylie a great destination for wildlife viewing. All equipment provided. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Kayaking 101: Beginner Skills
Ages 18+
#139949 Sun, July 9th 9:30am-11:30am
$25 residents/$30 non-residents
Once you feel comfortable getting around in a kayak, you may want to sharpen your flatwater skills. Let our ACA certified instructors teach you the strokes and skills to take your paddling techniques to the next level. This intimate setting will provide you with more time to practice specific maneuvers and give you lots of opportunities for individualized feedback. All equipment provided! Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Adult Trail Trekkers
Ages 18+
(FlexReg) #140041
Tues, July 11th 10am-11:30am
Tues, July 18th 10am-11:30am
Tues, July 25th 10am-11:30am
FREE
Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adults-only hike. Discover what is happening seasonally throughout the preserve. Meets on the boardwalk in front of the Nature Center unless e-mailed otherwise day of the event. Pre-registration is required.

Program Name: MDNP: Outdoor Classroom: Fascinating Fish!
Ages 5+
#139770 Thurs, July 13th 3pm-4pm
$4 residents/$5 non-residents
Adults are free w/child
Have you ever wondered what fish species call Lake Wylie home? Come to the McDowell Pavilion to discuss local freshwater fish and their adaptations for a successful life underwater. At the end, we will also have an opportunity to get creative and "design" our own fish! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Hike
All Ages
#140035 Fri, July 14th 10am-11:30am
FREE
Enjoy a morning hike with the family at McDowell Nature Preserve. This hike will be on uneven terrain and will be approximately 2 miles. If bringing small children's strollers are not advised. Pre-registration required (for child and adult alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Drop-In Crafting
All Ages
#139849Sun, July 16th 1pm-3pm (Pasta Snakes)
FREE
Treat yourself or your young ones to a creative afternoon activity. Drop in on select Sundays from 1 to 3pm for a free craft at the nature center. No pre-registration required. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.

Program Name: MDNP: Preschool Explorers Series: Shark Week
Ages 4-6
#139748 Fri, July 21st 1:30pm-3pm
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
Little ones and an experienced Naturalist will explore nature together starting with a story and then rotating through discovery stations that expand upon the story which may include: crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and/or outdoor exploration.
No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: MeckTeen Explorers
Ages 12-14
#140031 Thurs, July 27th 9am-3pm
$15 resident/$18 non-resident
Hey MeckTeens! Get outside and explore cool areas around you! Every month we will take a trip to a park in the Carolinas. This month we will be visiting Crowders Mountain State Park. Please come prepared to be outside for the whole program. Please note some of these trips will take place offsite and will require traveling in a county van. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Kids Hiking Club
Ages 8-13
#139954 Fri, July 28th 9:30am-11:30am
FREE
Hey kids, get outside and enjoy your morning with the Kids Hiking Club! This group will meet monthly and explore McDowell Nature Preserve. All kids will receive a trail passport and a 100-mile hike club card to document their trail journeys and collect prizes along the way. This is a drop off program with a staff member and 1-2 parent chaperones. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required. Pre-registration required.