STEELE CREEK NEWS

December Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(November 13, 2022) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for December 2022. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and search by program keyword. 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: Public Homeschool: Map and Compass
Ages 8-11
#133354 Thurs, December 8th 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 map and compass. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Explore Meck County
Ages 18+
#133344 Fri, December 9th 12pm-3pm
FREE
Nature is everywhere! Explore what Meck County has to offer by visiting different parks and greenways. This month we are going to hike along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The hike will be about 3 miles and qualifies for the 100-mile hike club. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Trails and Tails
All Ages
#133356 Sat, December 10th 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: Invertebrate Investigation
Ages 7+
#133330 Sat, December 10th 1:30pm-3pm
FREE
What is an invertebrate? Which invertebrates live in the stream and surrounding forested areas in Mecklenburg County? Explore fun facts, a game, and a chance to find local invertebrate species! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike.

Program Name: MDNP: A Tribute to Turtles
Ages 5+
#133329 Sun, December 11th 3pm-4pm FREE Did you know there are over 300 species of turtles, and these reptiles are found on every continent except Antarctica? Discover fun facts and games relating to our local species and find out how they are different from other turtles around the world! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Off Trail Hike
Ages 7+
#133690 Wed, December 14th 2pm-4pm
FREE
Uncover the secrets of the preserve! Come along as Outdoor Recreation Staff take you off-trail. Come prepared to "bushwack" and bring an adventurous spirit. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Preschool Explorers Series: Gifts from Nature
Ages 4-6
#133312 Fri, December 16th 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: Yoga and Hiking Amongst the Trees
Ages 18+
#133323 Sat, December 17th 2pm-4pm
$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 and qualifies for our 100-mile hike club. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Nature Crafting: Nature Journals
Ages 5+
#133938 Sun, December 18th 2pm-3:30pm
$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. Pre-registration required for adult & child alike.

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Wonderland: How Do Animals Survive It?
Ages 5+
#133331 Mon, December 19th 2pm-3pm
FREE
Have you ever wondered how some animals endure the cold months? Discover how animals like birds, snakes, rabbits, and even bees prepare for and survive the winter! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Wonderland: Holiday Geocache
Ages 7+
#133309 Tues, December 20th 2:30pm-4:30pm
FREE
Search for hidden treasure and a holiday surprise on this guided Geocaching adventure! This geocache program for newbies and pros alike will explore how to use a handheld GPS (or the app on a phone) and discover the diversity of caches around the Nature Preserve on a 2-3 mile hike. Preregistration required (for adult and child alike).

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Texture Collage
All Ages
#133327 Wed, December 21st 1:30pm-4:30pm
FREE
Discover nature by creating a winter collage out of foil, cotton, paper and other textured materials. Pre-registration is NOT required as this is a self-led activity

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Wonderland: Coloring & Cocoa
All Ages
#133306 Thurs, December 22nd 9am-3pm
FREE
A bit chilly? Enjoy time with your family warming up with hot cocoa and coloring during this drop-in program from 9am-3pm. Pre-registration is not required.

Program Name: MDNP: Public Homeschool: Nature Journaling
Ages 7-9 #133310
Ages 10-12 #133311
Thurs, December 22nd 1:30pm-3pm
$5 resident/$6 non-resident
Journaling isn't reserved just for artists! Scientists also use them to keep field notes! Discover new journaling skills and techniques with a hands-on program that is aligned with NC DPI K-12 Standards and Curriculum. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: School Day Out Adventure-Fort and Fire Building
Ages 10-12
#133355 Wed, December 28th 10am-3pm
$18 resident/$22 non-resident
Looking for your next adventure? Immerse yourself in a day of outdoor adventure by participating in both fort and fire building. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required.

Program Name: MDNP: Winter Wonderland: Coloring & Cocoa
All Ages
#133306 Thursday, December 22, 9am-3pm
#133308 Thursday, December 31, 9am-3pm
FREE
A bit chilly? Enjoy time with your family warming up with hot cocoa and coloring during this drop-in program from 9am-3pm. Pre-registration is not required.

Program Name: MDNP: Trash Trackers
Ages 12+
#133313 Friday, December 30, 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: Big Rock Nature Preserve; 6500 Elmstone Dr, 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)

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