STEELE CREEK NEWS

January Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(December 18, 2022) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for January 2023. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and search by program keyword or number. 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: Adult Trail Trekkers
Ages 18+
#134536 Tues, Jan 3rd 1pm-2:30pm
#134537 Tues, Jan 10th 1pm-2:30pm
#134538 Tues, Jan 17th 1pm-2:30pm
#134539 Tues, Jan 24th 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: McDowell Campfire
All ages
#134774 Wed, Jan 4th 6:30pm-8:00pm
#134775 Wed, Jan 11th 6:30pm-8:00pm
#134776 Wed, Jan 25th 6:30pm-8:00pm
FREE
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+
#134674 Thurs, Jan 5th 9am-11am
#134675 Thurs, Jan 12th 9am-11am
#134676 Thurs, Jan 19th 9am-11am
#134677 Thurs, Jan 26th 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: Full Moon Hike
All Ages
#134771 Fri, Jan 6th 6:30pm-8pm
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
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. This hike qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Family Nature Hike
All Ages
#134769 Fri, Jan 6th 10am-11:30am
#134770 Fri, Jan 20th 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. This hike qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required (for child and adult alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Geocaching Adventure
Ages 6+
#134678 Sat, Jan 7th 1pm-3pm
FREE
Hunt for hidden treasure in the woods with other participants using a GPS. No prior experience or special equipment needed! A naturalist will be there to guide you through this 2- to 3-mile geocaching experience. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Archery 101: Teens
Ages 10-12
#134714 Sat, Jan 7th 10am-12pm
$15 resident / $18 non-resident
Bows and arrows are some of the oldest tools humans have ever used, and still use to this day. Teens get a grip on basic terminology, practice proper form and safety with a recurve bow and compound bow, then use their new-found knowledge with a little target practice.
Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Crafting : Loom Weaving
Ages 5+
#134679 Sun, Jan 8th 2pm-3:30pm
Adults free accompanying child
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
Tap into your artistic side with a family-friendly, 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: Sunday Stroll with a Naturalist
Ages 18+
#134703 Sun, Jan 8th 12:30pm-2pm
#134704 Sun, Jan 15th 12:30pm-2pm
#134705 Sun, Jan 22nd 12:30pm-2pm
#134706 Sun, Jan 29th 12:30pm-2pm
FREE
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll through the woods with a McDowell Nature Center Naturalist. Each season is a new opportunity to explore what nature has to offer such as wildflowers, migratory birds, animal tracks, and owl calls. This hike qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration is NOT required for this program but highly recommended.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Book and Look
All Ages
#134687 Mon, Jan 9th 10am-11am
#134688 Mon, Jan 23rd 10am-11am
#134689 Mon, Jan 30th 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: Kids in the Woods
Sprites: Ages 5-7
Pathfinders: Ages 8-13
#134529 Wed, Jan 11th-Feb 15th 1pm-4pm
#134527 Wed, Jan 11th-Feb 15th 1pm-4pm
$65 resident/$78 non-resident
This 6-week child-led class is held ENTIRELY outdoors! Children are allowed to sprout and grow at their own pace as they explore, experience, and come to appreciate the wonder of the natural world. Our more capable and oldest Kids in the Woods venture to new locations within the preserve to stretch their legs and develop their confidence. They may decide to investigate a stream, bushwhack off-trail, build a stick fort, or muck around in the beaver cove - all under the guidance of an experienced environmental educator. Research has shown that time spent in nature, especially engaged in play, is critical to a child's development. Not only does outdoor play lead to increased physical activity, but it can alleviate symptoms of ADHD and asthma as well as promote creativity, self-discipline, problem solving skills, cooperation, and confidence. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: Forts and Fires
Ages 8-11
#134778 Thurs, Jan 12th 1pm-3pm
$5 resident/ $6 non-resident
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 fort and fire building.
No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.


Program Name: MDNP: Kids Hiking Club
Ages 8-13
#134772 Fri, Jan 13th 9:30am-11:30am
#134773 Fri, Jan 27th 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: Archery 101: Adults
Ages 10-12
#134713 Fri, Jan 13th 10am-12pm
$15 resident / $18 non-resident
Bows and arrows are some of the oldest tools humans have ever used, and still use to this day. Get a grip on basic terminology, practice proper form and safety with a recurve bow and compound bow, then use your new-found knowledge with a little target practice. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Poe-Tree
All Ages
#134702 Sat, Jan 14th 2pm-3pm
FREE
Experience the McDowell Nature Preserve in the winter by spending time amongst the trees getting introduced to the different types of poetry inspired by and written about nature! You will have an opportunity to write your own poems inspired by what you see in the preserve, and have them displayed in a poetry book located inside the nature center!

Program Name: MDNP: Outdoor Classroom: Celebrating Native Birds!
All Ages
#134699 Tues, Jan 17th 3pm-4pm
Adults free accompanying child
$4 resident/$5 non-resident
January is the month to celebrate birds! Explore fun facts on species ranging from raptors to native song birds, while also trying to spot some in the wild! No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Owl Prowl
Ages 6+
#134777 Wed, Jan 18th 6pm-8pm
$5 residents/$6 non-residents
Explore McDowell Nature Preserve after dark in search of these nocturnal wonders of the sky! Discover the roles owls play in the ecosystem, how to identify owl calls, and make your own to attract them. The program starts with a brief introduction inside and the remaining portion will be outside on our trails. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child
alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Preschool Explorers Series: Evergreens in Winter
Ages 4-6
#134532 Fri, Jan 20th 1:30pm-3pm
$8 resident/$10 non-resident
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: Winter Tree ID Hike
Ages 18+
#134686 Sat, Jan 21st 1pm-2:30pm
FREE
Want to identify trees even when they have no leaves? Develop the skills to recognize species in the winter by looking at bark, buds, fruits and more. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Yoga and Hiking Amongst the Trees
Ages 18+
#134673 Sat, Jan 21st 2:30pm-4:30pm
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
What better way to relieve stress than take your practice outside in our beautiful nature preserve! Practice grounding and breathe in the fresh air during our asana practice led by a naturalist and
certified yoga instructor. This practice includes a trail hike and meditation. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Crafting: Clay Creatures
Ages 5+
#134685 Sun, Jan 22nd 2pm-3:30pm
Adults free w/ child
$7 resident/$8 non-resident
Tap into your artistic side with a family-friendly, 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: Public Homeschool: Heat Transfer
#134524 Ages 7-9
#134525 Ages 10-12
Thurs, Jan 26th 1:30pm-3pm
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
Flow through the various mechanisms of heat transfer as we warm up with thermal convection, conduction, and radiation. Explore this hot topic with a hands-on program that is aligned with NC DPI K-12 Standards and Curriculum. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Trash Trackers
Ages 12+
#134533 Fri, Jan 27th 9:30am-11:30am
FREE
Connect with others and nature while making a positive difference in our Nature Preserves. In this program, participants will help keep Mecklenburg County beautiful by removing trash. This month's location: Flat Branch; 11833 Tom Short Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277. Please register through Volunteer Connect under "Nature Centers." - https://volunteer.parkandrec.mecklenburgcountync.gov/
No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Weed Warriors
Ages 12+
#134534 Sat, Jan 28th 9:30am-12pm
FREE
Wanted: Elaeagnus sp. Also known as Silverberry.
Reward: Protection of McDowell Nature Preserve's native species
and natural communities.
Connect with people and nature all the while making a positive difference in our natural communities by removing invasive plant species.
Please register through Volunteer Connect under "Nature Centers."
https://volunteer.parkandrec.mecklenburgcountync.gov/
No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: New Year Nature Vision Board
Ages 5+
#134692 Sun, Jan 29th 2:00pm-4:00pm
All Ages
Free
Do you have any nature related goals for 2023? Maybe you want to visit a different nature preserve or hike a new mountain! Come to the Nature Center and get your creativity and inspiration
flowing by creating a vision board that is unique to you! Participants can bring some of their own materials if they would like. Recycled and natural materials, glue, and cardboard will be provided. Pre-registration is not required for this drop-in program.

Program Name: MDNP: Adult Trail Trekkers: Morrow Mountain
Ages 18+
#134535 Tues, Jan 31st 8:30am-5pm
$35 resident/$42 non-resident
Adult Trail Trekkers are adventuring offsite today to hike one of our local state parks. Morrow Mountain State Park is located just 50 miles northeast of Charlotte and runs along the banks of the Yadkin River.
Participants should expect to hike around 5-7 miles of the park's 37 miles of hiking trails. Transportation, a snack, and a naturalist guide are included. This hike qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required.

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