Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature … great opportunities to learn, explore and discover...
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www.parkandrec.com Explore All Of The Nature Preserves and Greenways That Park and Recreation Has To Offer Follow Us The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is responsible for the protection and conservation of Mecklenburg County’s parks designated as Nature Preserves. Nature Preserves provide habitat for both common and rare plants and animals, preserve the beauty of Mecklenburg’s natural areas and provide sites for educational activities and the observation of wildlife and natural communities. Staff offer more than 5,000 programs annually, perform natural resource management on over 26 preserves protecting over 7,600 acres, maintain more than 30 miles of nature trails and operate three nature centers and a public campground. Nature Centers The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources operate three nature centers at three of their largest preserves. They provide great opportunities to learn, explore and discover what nature has to offer. The nature-themed programs are free or low cost for all residents to enjoy. With public programs to field trips, outdoor recreation opportunities and special events throughout the year there is always something exciting for visitors. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and Nature Center Latta Plantation Nature Preserve is the County’s largest nature preserve and protects over 1,400 acres. The preserve forms a green peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water source for over 700,000 residents in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. It includes upland and bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, streams and a Piedmont Prairie restoration site protecting the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower and Michaux’s sumac. The Preserve is part of the Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society due to its diversity of bird species. Amenities and Other Facilities The Preserve offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can literally spend the entire day at the Preserve. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts will find two landing areas that provide access to Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake. Numerous fishing opportunities are available. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a NC State Fishing License. Picnic shelters can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Latta Plantation Nature Center features live, native animals, a discovery hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, garden pond and demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several trails. Other facilities located in the preserve include: Carolina Raptor Center, an education and rehabilitation facility dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey and home to the Southeast’s largest eagle aviary. Latta Plantation Equestrian Center, a facility providing guided horseback rides, pony rides, horse shows, lessons and tack store. Historic Latta Plantation, a restored 19th century federal-style home and living history farm of James Latta, open to public tours and interpretive programs. Nature Preserves and Greenways Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation 5841 Brookshire Blvd • Charlotte, NC 28216 Tel 980-314-1000 www.parkandrec.com September 2016 www.parkandrec.com Greenways Greenways are linear parks that connect people and places by linking neighborhoods, offices, parks, schools and shopping areas. They also protect water quality and wildlife habitat while providing alternative ways to move through our city, suburbs and small towns. The Mecklenburg County greenway system is quickly becoming one of the finest in the nation. Greenways are vegetated natural buffers that improve water quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and provide wildlife habitat. Greenway trails provide recreation, transportation, fitness and economic benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 38 miles of developed and 150 miles of undeveloped greenways in Mecklenburg County. Center for Biodiversity Studies The James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies (CBS) is located at Reedy Creek Nature Center. At CBS you will find scientists hard at work studying the plant and animal life of the Piedmont region. The CBS houses a wonderful natural history collection, documenting the unique plants and animals that occur in our area. Our namesake, Dr. James F. Matthews, Professor Emeritus of Biology at UNC Charlotte, continues to contribute to knowledge of the natural history of the Piedmont as regular volunteer at CBS. Have a question about plant and animal life in the Piedmont of North and South Carolina? Check out our website meckflora.mecklenburgcountync.gov If you have plants or animals that you would like to have identified, please contact us at 704-599-8465 or [email protected] Camping Would you like to take the "Great Urban Escape?" McDowell Campground has 56 campsites ranging from RV to primitive sites. Group camping is available at Copperhead Island just a few miles up the road. Campsites may be reserved seven days a week. Unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made by calling 980-314-2267(CAMP) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Sunday. Natural Resources The Natural Resources Section is responsible for the protection and management of natural resources in Mecklenburg County natural areas including those in parks, greenways, nature preserves and natural heritage sites. Total acreage of these unique land assets currently stands at about 21,000 acres with about 7,600 acres protected as Nature Preserve. The Division contributes to regional environmental leadership and research by partnering with other public agencies and non-profit organizations in neighboring counties and throughout the state. The Division strives to achieve the goals specified in the adopted Mecklenburg Community Vision 2015 by “protecting our natural resources” and identifying and actively working to protect “environmentally sensitive areas”. The primary focus of the Division is to preserve natural resources, including all native plant and animal species and natural community types that comprise Mecklenburg County’s unique natural heritage. McDowell Nature Preserve and Nature Center McDowell Nature Preserve protects over 1,100 acres of forest fields and shoreline habitat along the shores of Lake Wylie. With over eight miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, picnic areas and playgrounds, there is plenty to do for an entire day. McDowell is also home to the county’s only public campground. Amenities The property includes shelter rentals, a large pavilion and a waterfront deck. The year-round (weekends only December through February) campground accommodates everything from motor homes to primitive camping and offers full service Rent-A-Tent camping where tents, cots and other gear are provided and set-up prior to your arrival. Numerous fishing opportunities are available. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a NC State Fishing License. Picnic shelters can be used on a first-come, first- served basis or reserved for special events. McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the over 1,100-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve’s natural communities, flora and fauna. The Center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens and demonstration compost area. The preserve has a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing and canoeing. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Nature Center Reedy Creek Nature Preserve protects over 900 acres of natural, forested habitat within Reedy Creek Park. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of terrains while enjoying scenic views of small lakes, forests, fields, streams and wildlife. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is also home to Reedy Creek Nature Center and the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies. Amenities Anglers will find numerous fishing opportunities in both Dragonfly and Slider Ponds. Those 16 years of age and older must have a NC State Fishing License. The adjacent 116-acre Reedy Creek Park offers three reservable large (80 person) picnic shelters, a reservable indoor (150 person) picnic shelter, five reservable small (15 person) picnic shelters, numerous picnic tables, an 18-hole disc golf course, two volleyball courts, a basketball court, a playground and swing garden, two softball fields, a soccer field, restrooms and Barkingham Park dog park. Reedy Creek Nature Center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, rain garden and a demonstration compost area. Self- interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.
Transcript of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature … great opportunities to learn, explore and discover...
www.parkandrec.com
Explore All Of The Nature Preserves and Greenways That Park and Recreation Has To Offer
Follow UsThe Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is responsible for the protection and conservation of Mecklenburg County’s parks designated as Nature Preserves.
Nature Preserves provide habitat for both common and rare plants and animals, preserve the beauty of Mecklenburg’s natural areas and provide sites for educational activities and the observation of wildlife and natural communities. Staff offer more than 5,000 programs annually, perform natural resource management on over 26 preserves protecting over 7,600 acres, maintain more than 30 miles of nature trails and operate three nature centers and a public campground.
Nature CentersThe Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources operate three nature centers at three of their largest preserves. They provide great opportunities to learn, explore and discover what nature has to offer. The nature-themed programs are free or low cost for all residents to enjoy. With public programs to field trips, outdoor recreation opportunities and special events throughout the year there is always something exciting for visitors.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and Nature CenterLatta Plantation Nature Preserve is the County’s largest nature preserve and protects over 1,400 acres. The preserve forms a green peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water source for over 700,000 residents in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. It includes upland and bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, streams and a Piedmont Prairie restoration site protecting the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower and Michaux’s sumac. The Preserve is part of the Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society due to its diversity of bird species.
Amenities and Other FacilitiesThe Preserve offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can literally spend the entire day at the Preserve. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts will find two landing areas that provide access to Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake. Numerous fishing opportunities are available. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a NC State Fishing License. Picnic shelters can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
Latta Plantation Nature Center features live, native animals, a discovery hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, garden pond and demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several trails.
Other facilities located in the preserve include:Carolina Raptor Center, an education and rehabilitation facility dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey and home to the Southeast’s largest eagle aviary.
Latta Plantation Equestrian Center, a facility providing guided horseback rides, pony rides, horse shows, lessonsand tack store.
Historic Latta Plantation, a restored 19th century federal-style home and living history farm of James Latta, open to public tours and interpretive programs.
Nature Preservesand Greenways
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation 5841 Brookshire Blvd • Charlotte, NC 28216
Tel 980-314-1000
www.parkandrec.com
September 2016www.parkandrec.com
GreenwaysGreenways are linear parks that connect people and places by linking neighborhoods, offices, parks, schools and shopping areas. They also protect water quality and wildlife habitat while providing alternative ways to move through our city, suburbs and small towns. The Mecklenburg County greenway system is quickly becoming one of the finest in the nation. Greenways are vegetated natural buffers that improve water quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and provide wildlife habitat. Greenway trails provide recreation, transportation, fitness and economic benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 38 miles of developed and 150 miles of undeveloped greenways in Mecklenburg County.
Center for Biodiversity StudiesThe James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies (CBS) is located at Reedy Creek Nature Center. At CBS you will find scientists hard at work studying the plant and animal life of the Piedmont region. The CBS houses a wonderful natural history collection, documenting the unique plants and animals that occur in our area. Our namesake, Dr. James F. Matthews, Professor Emeritus of Biology at UNC Charlotte, continues to contribute to knowledge of the natural history of the Piedmont as regular volunteer at CBS.
Have a question about plant and animal life in the Piedmont of North and South Carolina? Check out our website meckflora.mecklenburgcountync.gov
If you have plants or animals that you would like to have identified, please contact us at 704-599-8465 or [email protected]
CampingWould you like to take the "Great Urban Escape?" McDowell Campground has 56 campsites ranging from RV to primitive sites. Group camping is available at Copperhead Island just a few miles up the road. Campsites may be reserved seven days a week. Unreserved campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made by calling 980-314-2267(CAMP) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Sunday.
Natural ResourcesThe Natural Resources Section is responsible for the protection and management of natural resources in Mecklenburg County natural areas including those in parks, greenways, nature preserves and natural heritage sites. Total acreage of these unique land assets currently stands at about 21,000 acres with about 7,600 acres protected as Nature Preserve. The Division contributes to regional environmental leadership and research by partnering with other public agencies and non-profit organizations in neighboring counties and throughout the state.
The Division strives to achieve the goals specified in the adopted Mecklenburg Community Vision 2015 by “protecting our natural resources” and identifying and actively working to protect “environmentally sensitive areas”. The primary focus of the Division is to preserve natural resources, including all native plant and animal species and natural community types that comprise Mecklenburg County’s unique natural heritage.
McDowell Nature Preserve and Nature CenterMcDowell Nature Preserve protects over 1,100 acres of forest fields and shoreline habitat along the shores of Lake Wylie. With over eight miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, picnic areas and playgrounds, there is plenty to do for an entire day. McDowell is also home to the county’s only public campground.
AmenitiesThe property includes shelter rentals, a large pavilion and a waterfront deck. The year-round (weekends only December through February) campground accommodates everything from motor homes to primitive camping and offers full service Rent-A-Tent camping where tents, cots and other gear are provided and set-up prior to your arrival. Numerous fishing opportunities are available. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a NC State Fishing License. Picnic shelters can be used on a first-come, first- served basis or reserved for special events.
McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the over 1,100-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve’s natural communities, flora and fauna. The Center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens and demonstration compost area. The preserve has a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing and canoeing.
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Nature CenterReedy Creek Nature Preserve protects over 900 acres of natural, forested habitat within Reedy Creek Park. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of terrains while enjoying scenic views of small lakes, forests, fields, streams and wildlife. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is also home to Reedy Creek Nature Center and the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies.
AmenitiesAnglers will find numerous fishing opportunities in both Dragonfly and Slider Ponds. Those 16 years of age and older must have a NC State Fishing License. The adjacent 116-acre Reedy Creek Park offers three reservable large (80 person) picnic shelters, a reservable indoor (150 person) picnic shelter, five reservable small (15 person) picnic shelters, numerous picnic tables, an 18-hole disc golf course, two volleyball courts, a basketball court, a playground and swing garden, two softball fields, a soccer field, restrooms and Barkingham Park dog park.
Reedy Creek Nature Center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, rain garden and a demonstration compost area. Self- interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department • Recreate All Year • www.parkandrec.com
The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources manages over 7,600 acres of parkland that provide wildlife habitat, protect high quality forests, provide water quality protection for our lakes and streams and countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with 35 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing piers, canoe/kayak launches and wildlife viewing areas.
Our greenway system has over 42 miles of paved trails and continues to grow every year. Greenway properties protect water quality and wildlife habitat while also providing a high-quality alternative transportation option for walking, running or biking. This map will help you find a trail near your house or workplace. For more, visit www.parkandrec.com
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Greenways Many greenways also have neighborhood connections and access points. For directions and detailed maps, please refer to our website at parkandrec.com
Briar Creek (Plaza Midwood)0.42 Miles • Parking at 1812 Masonic Dr or 1628 Masonic Dr
Briar Creek (Myers Park)0.91 Miles • Parking at Alexander Graham Middle School or 2200 Runnymede Ln
Campbell Creek1.1 Miles • Parking at 2116 Margaret Wallace Rd (gravel lot across from fire station)
Four Mile Creek (Matthews, NC)1.9 Miles • Parking at Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Irwin and Stewart Creek Complex2.9 Miles • Parking at 215 North Sycamore St (Ray’s Splash Planet), 1123 Greenleaf Ave (Frazier Park), 3204 Manchester Dr, 2964 Barringer Dr, 1960 Lela Ave or 1704 Freedom Dr
Irwin Creek #20.83 Miles • Parking at 1414 Clanton Rd or 1520 Clanton Rd
Little Sugar Creek (NoDa Section) 0.95 Miles • Parking at 2100 North Davidson St, 745 E 12th St or 624 Parkwood Ave
Little Sugar Creek (Midtown Section)4.17 Miles • Parking at 1116 Metropolitan Ave, 1421 E Morehead St, Freedom Park, 1656 Sterling Rd or North Side of Westfield Rd between Tranquil Ave and Brandywine Rd (on street parking)
Little Sugar Creek (Huntingtowne Farms Section)0.79 Miles • Parking at 2701 Burnt Mill Rd, 2203 Huntingtowne Farms Ln, 6901 Rockledge Dr or 2203 Ramblewood Ln
Lower Mcalpine, McMullen and Four Mile Creek Complex5.8 Miles • Parking at 5803 Bevington Pl, 11823 Johnston Rd or 8135 Pineville-Matthews Rd
Mallard and Clark’s Creek Complex7.1 Miles • Parking at 9729 Mallard Creek Rd, 4424 Saxonbury Way, 210 East Mallard Creek Church Rd (Kirk Farm Fields) or 9014 Mallard Creek Church Rd
McAlpine Creek (Upper)7.6 Miles • Parking at 300 Boyce Rd ( James Boyce Park), 8711 Monroe Rd (McAlpine Creek Park) or 110 Old Bell Rd
McDowell Creek1.52 Miles • Parking at 16830 Cranlyn Rd or 8925 Townley Rd
Six Mile Creek0.92 Miles • Parking at 17820 Marvin Rd
South Prong Rocky River (Davidson, NC)9.17 Miles • Parking at 859 South St, 19719 Davison-Concord Rd or 13007 Robert Walker Dr
Toby Creek Greenway1.6 Miles • Parking at 210 East Mallard Creek Church Rd (Kirk Farm Fields)
Torrence Creek (Huntersville, NC)1.4 Miles • Parking at 13121 Bradford Hill Ln (on-street parking along Bradford Hill Ln at the greenway entrance)
Walker Branch0.48 Miles • Parking at 12655 South Tryon St or 14501 Rivergate Pkwy
West Branch Rocky River (Davidson, NC)1.1 Miles • Parking at 18232 Shearer Rd
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Nature PreservesNature Preserves are open daily 7:00 am to sunset.
Big Rock • 6500 Elmstone Dr22 Acres • Hiking Trails
Clarks Creek • 5542 Hucks Rd99 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Playground
Cowan’s Ford • 5335 Neck Rd878 Acres • Picnic Tables, Wildlife Observation Deck
Evergreen • 1336 Norland Rd77 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms (Opening In 2017)
Flat Branch • 11833 Tom Short Rd42 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms
Iswa • 9909 Wilkinson Blvd 137 Acres • Fishing, Hiking Trails
Latta Plantation • 6211 Sample Rd1,478 Acres • Canoe/Kayak Launch, Carolina Raptor Center, Equestrian Center, Fishing Areas and Pier, Hiking and Equestrian Trails, Historic Latta Plantation, Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms
McDowell • 15222 York Rd1,126 Acres • Campground (Tent and RV), Canoe/Kayak Launch, Copperhead Island (Boat Launch), Fishing Areas and Piers, Hiking Trails, Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, Playgrounds, Bathrooms
Reedy Creek • 2900 Rocky River Rd832 Acres • Hiking Trails, Nature Center and Center For Biodiversity Studies, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Bathrooms
Ribbonwalk • 4501 Nevin Rd190 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Tables
Rural Hill • 4431 Neck Rd497 Acres • Hiking Trails, Historic Rural Hill
Sherman Branch • 12501 Rocky River Rd210 Acres • Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Picnic Tables
Stephens Road • 5901 Stephens Rd 352 Acres • Hiking Trails
Stevens Creek • 15700 Thompson Rd280 Acres • Hiking Trails, Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Bathrooms (Opening In 2018)
West Branch • 18232 Shearer Rd 91 Acres • Hiking Trails
www.parkandrec.com
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SOUTHEAST GREENWAY
BRIAR CREEK
GREENWAY
MALLARD CREEK & CLARK’S CREEK
GREENWAYS
IRWIN & STEWART
CREEK GREENWAYS
IRWINCREEK
GREENWAY
BRIAR CREEK
GREENWAY
SUGARCREEK
GREENWAY
SUGARCREEK
GREENWAY
SUGARCREEK
GREENWAY
LOWER MCALPINE,MCMULLEN CREEK
& FOUR MILE CREEK GREENWAYS
FOUR MILE CREEK
GREENWAY
MCALPINE CREEK & CAMPBELL CREEK
GREENWAYS
MCDOWELLCREEK
GREENWAY
TORRENCE CREEKGREENWAY
SIX MILE CREEK
GREENWAY
WALKERBRANCH
GREENWAY
LAKE NORMAN
SAM FURR RD
NC HWY 73
STATESVILLE RD
WT H ARRIS BLVD
SUGAR CREEK RD
UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD
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TRYO
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N GRA
HAM S
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N TRYON ST
WT HAR
RIS BLVD
ALBEMARLE RD
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INT
HIL
L R
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PINEVILLE - MATT HEWS RD
PROVIDENCE RD
NC HWY 51
LANCASTER HWY
YORK RD
PARK
RD
SOU
TH B
LVD
S TRYON ST
WEST BLVD
WILKINSON BLVD
FREEDOM DR
INDEPENDENCE BLVD
OLD STATESVILLE R
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BROOKSHIRE BLVD
BEATTI E
S FO
RD
RD
SUGARCREEK
GREENWAY
SUGARCREEK
GREENWAY
IRWIN & STEWART
CREEK GREENWAYS
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N TRYON ST
N TRYON ST
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GRAHAM ST
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WEST BLVD
PROVIDENCE RD
Uptown Charlotte
Map Key
Nature Preserves
Greenways
Street Connector
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