STEELE CREEK NEWS

March Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(February 18, 2023) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for March 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. Click on the following link for more details about Group Programs and other Environmental Education & Nature Programs.

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.

Program Name: MDNP: McDowell Campfire
All Ages
#136936 Wed, Mar 1st 6:30pm-8pm
#136939 Wed, Mar 22nd 6:30pm-8pm
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
Fire! S' mores! Fun! Friends! Get all of these at a McDowell Nature Preserve campfire. Spend the evening discovering all things fire. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Adult Trail Trekkers+
Ages 18+
#136905 Thurs, Mar 2nd 9am-11am
#136906 Thurs, Mar 9th 9am-11am
#136907 Thurs, Mar 16th 9am-11am
#136908 Thurs, Mar 23rd 9am-11am
#136909 Thurs, Mar 30th 9am-11am
FREE
Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this adults-only hike. Discover seasonal changes around the preserve on this 2-hour hike. This hike qualifies for the 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Animal Ambassador Meet n' Greet
All Ages
#136915 Sun, Mar 5th 3pm-3:30pm
#136916 Sun, Mar 26th 3pm-3:30pm
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).

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Book and Look
All Ages
#136917 Mon, Mar 6th 10am-11am
#136918 Mon, Mar 13th 10am-11am
#136919 Mon, Mar 20th 10am-11am
#136920 Mon, Mar 27th 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
Ages 18+
#136900 Tues, Mar 7th 1pm-2:30pm
#136901 Tues, Mar 14th 1pm-2:30pm
#136902 Tues, Mar 21st 1pm-2:30pm
#136903 Tues, Mar 28th 1pm-2:30pm
FREE
Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adult only hike. Discover what is happening seasonally throughout the preserve. This hike qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Kids Hiking Club
Ages 8-13
#136935 Fri, Mar 3rd 9:30am-11:30am
#136934 Fri, Mar 24th 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: Woodland Wildlife
All Ages
#136898 Fri, Mar 3rd 10am-4pm
FREE
Celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3rd at the McDowell Nature Center! Drop in and discover the diversity of wildlife that calls our Nature Preserve home. Pre-registration not required. This is NOT a drop off program, adult participation required.

Program Name: MDNP: Spring Nature Crafts
All Ages
#136930 Sat, Mar 4th 1pm-3pm
FREE
Feeling like getting in touch with your creative side? Come to the McDowell Nature Center anytime between 1 and 3pm to engage in some fun nature crafts that celebrate the beginning of the spring season! Pre-registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.

Program Name: MDNP: Girl Scout Day
Sat, Mar 4th
Calling all Girl Scouts! Girl Scout Day is a day full of badges for all levels. Pick one or sign-up for multiple badges in the same day. See Badge selection below. This is a drop-off program. Pre-Registration Required.
135980 Brownie-Bugs 10:30am-11:30am
$5resident/$6 non-resident
#135976 Brownie-Hiker 10:30am-12pm
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
#135977 Brownie-Outdoor Adventurer 10:30am-12pm
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
#135979 Brownie-Senses 9:15am-10:15am
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
#135983 Cadette-Archery 1pm-3:30pm
$10 resident/$12 non-resident
#135988 Cadette-Trees 1pm-3:30pm
$10 resident/$12 non-resident
#135989 Daisy-Eco Learner 9:15am-10:15am
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
#135990 Daisy-Trail Adventure 9:15am-10:15am
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
#135991 Junior-Animal Habitats 10:30am-12pm
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
#135995 Junior-Flowers 9:15am-10:15am
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
#135993 Junior-Geocacher 1pm-3:30pm
$10 resident/$12 non-resident
#135996 Senior-Paddling 1pm-3:30pm
$10 resident/$12 non-resident

Program Name: MDNP: Full Moon Hike
Ages 7+
#136932 Tues, Mar 7th 6:30pm-8pm
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
How does the forest change as the sun goes down? See for yourself, hiking approximately 2 miles with a team of McDowell Outdoor Recreation Specialists as the full moon rises to light your way. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Senior Explorers: Studying Symbiotic Relationships
Ages 55+
#136927 Wed, Mar 8th 3pm-4pm
#136928 Wed, Mar 15th 3pm-4pm
#136929 Wed, Mar 22nd 3pm-4pm
FREE
Discover the different types of symbiosis, as well as common symbiotic relationships in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This program has two lecture-based sessions and one session where participants will have the opportunity to get outside and look for symbiosis happening in real time. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: Target Sports
Ages 8-11
#136940 Thurs, Mar 9th 1pm-3pm
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
With adequate preparation, you can have fun in the wilderness! The goal of this program is to introduce the audience to the idea of spending time in the woods for fun and gaining skills in target
sports. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Trails and Tails-James Boyce Park
All Ages
#136941 Sat, Mar 11th 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: Intro to Orienteering
Ages 5+
#136910 Sat, Mar 11th 1pm-3pm
$7 residents/$8 non-residents
Hone your navigation skills during this beginner-friendly orienteering class. A McDowell staff member will teach you basic map and compass skills, then you'll head out as a group to locate checkpoints around the preserve. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Yoga and Hiking Amongst the Trees
Ages 18+
#136904 Sat, Mar 18th 2:30pm-4:30pm
$7 residents/$8 non-residents
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. This practice includes a trail hike and meditation. The yoga portion will be done inside during the colder months. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Crafting: Origami Animals
Ages 5+
#136913 Sun, Mar 19th 2pm-3pm
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
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: Kickoff Spring Evening Kayak Tour
Ages 18+
#136933 Mon, Mar 20th 6pm-8pm
$20 residents/$25 non-residents
Paddle away the winter blues while enjoying the transition of winter to spring during this 2-hour kayak tour. We will explore the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve along the shores of Lake Wylie in search of wildlife such as green herons, kingfishers, and possibly even beaver. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Water Connects Us
All Ages
#136893 Wed, Mar 22nd 1:30pm-3pm
$4 resident/$5 non-resident
ADULT IS FREE WITH CHILD
Every living creature needs water to survive from the smallest bacteria to the largest of whales! Explore how water connects us all in this hands-on program.
No walk-ins accepted.
Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: Bird Basics
Thurs, Mar 23rd 1:30pm-3pm
Ages 7-9: #136889
Ages 10-12: #136890
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
Pick up a pair of binoculars and look to the treetops for this unique group of animals: birds! You are sure to ruffle some feathers with this hands-on program that is aligned with NC DPI K-12 Standards and Curriculum. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Preschool Explorers Series: Wildflowers
Ages 4-6
#136891 Fri, Mar 24th 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. This is a drop-off program. Adult participation NOT required.

Program Name: MDNP: Creek Cleanup Hike
Ages 18+
#136921 Sat, Mar 25th 2pm-3:30pm
FREE
Enjoy a hike guided by a naturalist from the McDowell Nature Center and celebrate Creek Week on one of the preserves scenic Creekside and lakeside trails. This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer and give back to nature by honoring the preserves waterfront and ensuring trash is not polluting our diverse waterways. Pre-registration is required.

Program Name: Program Name: MDNP: Outdoor Classroom: International Day of Forests
All Ages
#136922 Thurs, Mar 30th 3pm-4pm
$4 residents/$5 non-residents
ADULT IS FREE WITH CHILD
Come to the McDowell Pavilion to celebrate International Day of Forests! Discover the importance of trees and forests as primary producers and habitats as well as exploring some native tree species! No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Hike
All Ages
#136931 Fri, Mar 31st 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, strollers are not advised. Pre-registration required (for child and adult alike).).

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