STEELE CREEK NEWS

May Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(April 23, 2023) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for May 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.

See volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Connect. .

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Book and Look All Ages
#139040 Mon, May 1st 10am-11am
#139041 Mon, May 8th 10am-11am
#139042 Mon, May 15th 10am-11am
#139043 Mon, May 22nd 10am-11am
FREE
Journey through a nature BOOK and take a LOOK at the nature around us with a hike, hands-on activity, or a craft. Pre-registration required for adult & child alike.

Program Name: MDNP: Adult Trail Trekkers: 40 Acre Rock
Ages 18+
#139009 Tues, May 2nd 9am-2:30pm
$35 resident/$42 non-resident
Adult Trail Trekkers are adventuring offsite today to explore 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve. This preserve is known for being one of the best wildflower spots in South Carolina. It features a 14-acre giant granite Flatrock which provides habitat to endemic species. 40 Acre Rock is located in Kershaw, SC about 1 hour and 20 minutes from McDowell. Participants should expect to hike 2.5 miles and keep an eye out for wildflowers. Transportation, a snack, and a naturalist
guide are included. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: Paddle Sports
Ages 8-11
#139214 Thurs, May 11th 1pm-4pm
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
With adequate preparation, you can have fun in the wilderness! The goal of this program is to introduce kids to spending time in the woods for fun and gaining skills in both kayaking and paddleboarding. Please note this program will meet at the Waterfront Deck. This is a drop-off program. Adult participation NOT required. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Hike
All Ages
#139213 Fri, May 12th 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: Preschool Explorers Series: Water Dance
Ages 4-6
#139008 Fri, May 12th 1:30pm-3pm
$5 residents/$6 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: Trails and Tails - Latta Nature Preserve
All Ages
#139219 Sat, May 13th 9:30am-11:30am
FREE
Have a K-9 companion? Want to meet other dog lovers in Mecklenburg County? Together with our "Tails" we will hit the "Trails". Each month we will meet at different parks, preserves or greenways around the Charlotte area. Please call Chad Moore at 980-314-1565 for more information.

Program Name: MDNP: Photography Hike
Ages 18+
#139050 Sat, May 13th 2pm-3:30pm
FREE
Enjoy a hike guided by a naturalist from the McDowell Nature Center on one of the preserves scenic trails. This hike will have many opportunities to pause and photograph what the preserve has to offer such as plants, trees, Lake Wylie, and wild animals that call the preserve home. Pre-registration is required.

Program Name: MDNP: Evening Kayak
Ages 18+
#139110 Wed, May 3rd 6pm-8pm
#139111 Mon, May 17th 6pm-8pm
#139112 Mon, May 24th 6pm-8pm
#139113 Mon, May 31st 6pm-8pm
$20 resident/$25 non-resident
Experience twilight while paddling the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie. Get a chance to view the setting sun over Lake Wylie with our experienced instructors, discover the history of Lake Wylie, meet new people in a fun environment and search of wildlife such as Blue and Green Herons, Kingfishers, and possibly Beavers. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Kids Hiking Club: Prairie Exploration
Ages 8-13
#139212 Fri, May 5th 9:30am-12:30pm
FREE
This special edition of Kids Hiking Club will be an extended time. We will spend it thoroughly exploring the McDowell Prairie! 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. Pre-registration required. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required.

Program Name: MDNP: Archery 101 (Youth)
Ages 10-12
#139109 Sat, May 6th 10am-12pm
$15 resident/$18 non-resident
Bows and arrows are some of the oldest tools humans have every used, and still use to this day! Participants will start with basic terminology, practice proper form and safety with a recurve bow, then use their new-found knowledge with a little target practice. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Crafting
Ages 5+
#139032 Sun, May 7th 2pm-3pm (Twig Dolls)
#139033 Sun, May 21st 2pm-3pm (Painted Rocks)
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
Tap into your artistic side with a nature-based craft! Participants can expect to practice their creativity and open their eyes to the natural wonders around them. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Adult Trail Trekkers-May 2023
Ages 18+
FlexReg #139157
Tues, May 9th 1pm-2:30pm
Tues, May 16th 1pm-2:30pm
Tues, May 23rd 1pm-2:30pm
Tues, May 30th 1pm-2:30pm
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: Mommy & Me: Afternoon of Art
All Ages
#139044 Sun, May 14th 2pm-4pm
FREE
Drop-in to the McDowell Nature Center between 2pm and 4pm to engage in an afternoon of creativity to celebrate Mother's Day! A variety of nature craft materials will be provided to spend
some quality time with your loved ones and get in touch with your artistic side this holiday! Pre-registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.

Program Name: MDNP: Kids Hiking Club
Ages 8-13
#139209 Fri, May 19th 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. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Wellness By Nature - Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
Ages 18+
#139010 Sat, May 20th 10am-12pm
$30 resident/$36 non-resident
The natural world offers many benefits for the mind, body and soul. Our 'Wellness by Nature' programs focus on these benefits and our connection to nature. Bring a whole new perspective to your asana practice with yoga on a SUP! Become immersed in nature, gain piece of mind, and challenge your balance and strength. This class includes a brief paddle basics class along with a gentle vinyasa practice led by an experienced and certified 200 RYT instructor. Prior experience is not necessary. All gear is included. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Yoga and Hiking Amongst the Trees
Ages 18+
#139011 Sat, May 20th 2:30pm-4:30pm
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
What better way to relieve stress than to take your practice outside in our beautiful nature preserve. Practice grounding and breath in the fresh air during our asana practice led by a
naturalist and certified yoga teacher. Enjoy a deep stretch after your hike and meditation in the woods. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Outdoor Classroom: World Turtle Day
Ages 5+
#139046 Tues, May 23rd 3pm-4pm
$4 resident/$5 non-resident
Shellebrate World Turtle Day on May 23rd at the McDowell Nature Center! Get an up-close encounter with one of our turtle ambassadors by discovering their natural habitat, how we care for them, and how they are different from other turtles around the world! Pre-registration is required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Trip
Ages 7-12
#139006 Thurs, May 25th 11am-4pm
$15 resident/$18 non-resident
Further your knowledge from our previous class, Fantastic Flowers, by taking a field trip to the UNCC Botanical Gardens and taking a tour of their greenhouse and adjacent gardens. We will explore different varieties of flora with this hands-on program that is aligned with NC DPI K-12 Standards and Curriculum. Pre-registration required. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required.

Program Name: MDNP: Explore the Carolinas: Spider Lily Paddle
Ages 18+
#139114 Fri, May 26th 8am-4pm
$35 resident/$42 non-resident
Nature is everywhere! Explore what the Carolinas have to offer by visiting different parks and greenways. This month we are going to paddle on the Catawba River to see the Rocky Shoals
Spider Lilies at Landsford Canal State Park up close! This paddle will be approximately 2 miles on the Catawba River bordering Landsford Canal State Park. The Catawba River is a slow-moving river with some small riffles we will navigate, some paddling experience is required. Participants will meet at McDowell Nature center and then take a county van to the location. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Fun with Fishing!
All Ages
#139004 Sat, May 27th 10am-2:30pm
FREE
McDowell Nature Preserve will be hosting a one-day event on May 27th as part of the National Fishing and Boating Week 2023. From 10am-2:30pm we will have access to our Red Fox Shelter and surrounding area for anglers to fish for free, no license required. Experienced and new anglers alike will check in with staff at the Red Fox Shelter to participate under our license waiver. No tackle? No problem! Bring your own bait and gear, or simply borrow our poles and tackle on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. Please note, you will need a driver's license or ID to borrow our equipment as part of our Tackle Loaner Program. Pre-Registration is NOT required. This is NOT a drop off program. Adult participation required.

Program Name: MDNP: Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet
All Ages
#139034 Sun, May 28th 2pm-2:30pm
#139035 Sun, May 28th 4pm-4:30pm
FREE
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close up encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animals' adaptations and everyday life out in the wild! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).