Get Going Guide - Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
McDowell Nature Center
Homeschool-Spring Edible Plants
Every plant has a story, and many of our spring
wildflowers were important as food or medicine
to both European settlers and Native Americans.
In this class we’ll search for edible plants and get
a true “taste” of history. Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 7 - 12 $3.00
#44003 Mar 22 Fri 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Homeschool Map & Compass
This class will serve as a basis for learning to
navigate with map and compass. Students will
learn about the essentials of a map, what the
features on a topographic map mean, parts of
a compass, and how to use a compass with a
map. These skills will provide the foundation for
learning land navigation. Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 9 - 12 $3.00
#43915 Apr 10 Wed 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Homeschool - Invasive Species
What do Snakehead Fish, Fire Ants and Kudzu
have in common? These are all invasive species
– living things humans have brought to places
we wish we hadn’t! We will learn what makes a
species invasive, which invasive species are in our
area, and things everyone can do to help control
these invaders. Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 7 - 12 $3.00
#44006 May 17 Fri 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Homeschool - Weather Watchers
How is weather different from climate? How
do you track a hurricane? In this class we’ll
become meteorologists and learn how to
use tools including barometers, hygrometers,
anemometers, and sling psychrometers to gather
data and create our own weather forecast.
Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 7 - 12 $3.00
#44004 Apr 19 Fri 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Homeschool Adventure Hike
Join us at McDowell for a hike on our trails.
We will attempt to spot signs of wildlife as
we trek through the hills and varied landscape
in the McDowell Nature Preserve.
Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
All Ages FREE
#44665 May 1 Wed 10:30am to 12:00pm
For More Information or to Register Visit
www.parkandrec.com
Homeschool Series Field Trip:
Reed Gold Mine
Pack a lunch and join us for a trip to the Reed
Gold Mine! This National Historic Site was the
location of the first gold discovery in the United
States and tells the story of the original “gold
rush” to North Carolina. We explore underground
tunnels, enjoy our lunch “picnic style,” learn how
local geology shaped Charlotte’s history, and even
pan for gold! Participants age 8 to adult are all
welcome to meet us at McDowell Nature Center
at 9 am to ride in our van (or drive separately).
Parents are welcome, but not required to attend.
Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 8 to Adult $15.00
#44005 Apr 24 Wed 9:00am to 5:00pm
Homeshool Family Field Day
Bring the whole family out for a fun filled day
by the shores of Lake Wylie! Enjoy a collection of
fun activities including games, fishing, kayaking
and hiking. A hotdog lunch will be served so just
bring a towel and desire for fun! Registration
Required.
Copperhead Island Specialty Park
Ages 4 and Older $8.00
#44007 May 24 Fri 9:00am to 2:00pm
Adults
The Hikers Palate
It’s starting to warm up a bit for our Nighttime
outings group. Every month’s activities in the
park are designed to provide an inexpensive
night out, enjoying the outdoors. Activities
will change each month and will range from
natural and cultural history to good ole’ outdoor
adventure. We will also feature some type of
hor d’oeuvres and will incorporate it into the
evening’s activities. This is no family picnic, so
don’t forget the sitter! Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 18 and Older $10.00 per event
#44039 Mar 15 Fri 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Night Caching: Explore the woods in search of
the McDowell caches at night while your food is
prepared over the campfire. Each dish will be a
popular appetizer with some kind of twist. Wear
long pants and hiking boots, as you might
head off trail and over difficult terrain. All
maps and flashlights will be provided. If you
have a head lamp, we suggest you bring it as
well. Meet behind the Nature Center.
#44040 Apr 19 Fri 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Caribbean Kayaking: While kayaking, we will
experience local lake ecology and discuss the
Catawba River Basin and the role it plays in
the region. The evening features multiple
dishes from the Antilles including a traditional
Puerto Rican Pincho (kabob) with Mojito sauce.
We’ll splash it down with some traditional
Caribbean refreshments. Meet at the
Waterfront ready to kayak with closed toed
shoes and a water bottle.
#44041 May 17 Fri 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Creole Creek Hike: We’ll hike the creeks
in search of life to test the water quality.
The evening’s pairings will feature some
refreshments that complement the spicy Cajun
food. Bring a change of clothes and closed
toed shoes to get wet in. We will meet behind
the Nature Center.
Adult Fitness Hike
Springtime is here! Get active with McDowell
Nature Center staff as we set out on a moderate
pace around the preserve. This is a great hike
for all fitness levels including those who are new
to exercise. Wear shoes suitable for moderate
hiking. Bring water.
Registration Required.
McDowell Nature Center
Ages 18 and Older FREE
#44030 Mar 31 Sun 3:00pm to 4:30pm
#44031 Apr 28 Sun 3:00pm to 4:30pm
#44033 May 19 Sun 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Register 1 of 3 Ways:
Registration is required for most programs
whether or not there is a fee. Select an option:
1. CLICK on Eparks at www.parkandrec.com
and use the course code number.
2. CALL 311 (704.336.7600) or the number
listed for that program.
3. COME to the location where the program
is offered.
Recreation & Nature Center addresses and
phone numbers listed on pgs. 31, 38 and 44.
Phone and Web registration requires
payment with Visa or MasterCard only.
Get Going Guide • Spring 2013 www.parkandrec.com
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