What we’re about
This group is for anyone who enjoys all outdoor recreation activities. McDowell Nature Preserve is located on the banks of Lake Wylie. McDowell offers a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. Activities range from hikes with the family to evening kayaking for the adults. To learn more about activities McDowell has to offer call McDowell Nature Center at 980-314-1128.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED for all programs through McDowell Nature Center. Since McDowell Nature Preserve is a Mecklenburg County run Nature Center and Park, registration through the calling the nature center or online at parkandrec.com is required due to county policy. All RSVPs and comments have been turned off for all events. Registering through the county website is how you RSVP and attend. Some events do require a price.
To request a modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact staff at 980-314-1192 or email [TRInfo@MeckNC.gov](mailto:TRInfo@MeckNC.gov).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Lake Wylie Sunrise KayakMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve, Charlotte, NC
Explore the sunrise along the edges of McDowell Nature preserve with our experienced instructors, learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required at Lake Wylie Sunrise Kayak. Please call the McDowell Nature Center with any questions at 980-314-1128.
- Herbal CraftingMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve, Charlotte, NC
In this hands-on workshop, you'll craft your own salve while delving into its history and various uses. You'll explore herbs commonly featured in salves, uncovering their unique benefits, and discover different techniques for making them. We will be using olive and sunflower oil, beeswax, and shea butter as a base to create a salve with lavender and calendula flowers. By the end, you'll have your own handmade salve and a deeper understanding of the process This program is intended to be only informational and is not intended for any medical purposes. Pre-registration required at Herbal Crafting. Please call the McDowell Nature Center with any questions at 980-314-1128.
- Creek Seekers Stream WatchMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve, Charlotte, NC
Stream Watch is a community science program designed to collect data about the health of our local streams. This program will run almost every Friday in the summer to collect consistent information about our stream. The first 45 minutes will be our optional abiotic stream assessment portion. The second 45 minutes of the program will be our creek exploration for critters in the water. Cool down this summer with your family, get involved in your community with assessing the health of our streams, and catch some interesting critters. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required at Creek Seekers Stream Watch. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required. Please call the McDowell Nature Center with any questions at 980-314-1128. Thank you!
- Natural Pigments - InksMcDowell Nature Center and Preserve, Charlotte, NC
In this three-part series, we will explore the different elements of nature that give it color. We will be using plants and minerals to create vibrate pigments. We will use those natural pigments to make art. All levels of experience are welcomed! Pre-registration required at Natural Pigments-Inks. Please call the McDowell Nature Center with any questions at 980-314-1128.
