Upcoming Events at Stevens Creek Nature Center: Birding, Squirrel Appreciation Day Hike, more…

Stevens Creek Nature Center. Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Stevens Creek Nature Center, at 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina, is within Stevens Creek Nature Preserve.

The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.

Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.

Events at Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve

Visit Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register online. Also check out the intended age range.

To register, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center. We provide links to register and for more information for each event, when available.

Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!

Birding at Stevens Creek
January 8 and 22, and February 5 and 19, 2026
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+

Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, we’ll work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair from us.

Friday Fire and S’mores
Most Fridays from November 7, 2025, to February 27, 2026 (not November 28 or December 26)
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration needed)
All ages

Feel the marshmallow magic and ask for s’more! No registration needed, just drop by the fire pit most* Fridays this winter to whip up your favorite gooey, toasty fireside delight and soak in the cozy campfire vibes.

Saturday S’mores (drop-in)
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free

Feel the marshmallow magic and ask for s’more! No registration needed, just drop by the Stevens Creek Nature Center fire pit to whip up your favorite gooey, toasty fireside delight and soak in the cozy new year campfire vibes.

Nature Nerds Walk & Talk
Monday, January 12, 2026
Monday, February 9, 2026
Monday, March 9, 2026
10 to 11:15 p.m.
Free (sign up at above link)
Ages 18+

Everyone can be the teacher and share their nerdy knowledge! From new nature facts to trivia of your favorite tv show, meet your fellow nerds out in nature for a Walk and Talk. Our Environmental Educator will lead you along our first trail loop to share fascinating science facts and open the discussion for new discoveries. New topics every month!

Squirrel Appreciation Day Hike
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
All ages

January 21st is National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Celebrate these marvelous mini mammals by taking a walk through their forest home. Explore their habitat, behaviors, food sources, learn about their role in the environment, and maybe even see a few springing through the branches!

National Serpent Day — Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes
Sunday, February 1, 2026
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 4+

February 1st is National Serpent Day. Celebrate these slitheringly sweet creatures and discover all the effort that goes into keeping them healthy in our nature centers. Experience a day in the life of Stevens Creek animal care staff as you assist with daily upkeep, a hands-on meet-and-greet and feeding!

Adult/Senior Cards, Games and Puzzles (drop-in)
2nd Tuesday of month
2 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 18+

Bring a friend or make new ones at Stevens Creek’s new monthly drop-in time for social card games, board games and puzzles. They provide a variety of options but feel free to bring your own as well and teach everyone a new game! BYO snacks and beverages as desired.

Black History Month Nature Series: African American History
Saturday, February 14, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at link above)
Ages 10+

Kick off Black History Month as we dive into the history of African Americans within the National Park System and their major contributions to those outdoor spaces. This lively discussion-style presentation is best suited for ages 10 and up.

Owl Prowl
Friday, February 20, 2026
5:30 to 7 p.m.
$5 for Meck County residents; $6 for non-residents (register at link above)
Ages 4+

Step into the world of nocturnal wonders as we explore Stevens Creek for nature’s most secretive predator – owls! Inside the nature center, search for prey bones in an ‘owl pellet’ (gross but cool!) and investigate other owl adaptations. Then head out on a walk to look and listen for territory-marking hoots.

Mosaic Bird Bath Making
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$5 for Meck County residents; $6 for non-residents (register at link above)
Ages 5+

Bring new life to your old, unused, or broken glass/ceramic materials while by providing safe, clean drinking water for native wildlife. Dinner plates, mugs, plant pots, and glassware can transform into beautiful mosaic art for a bird bath. Let your creative juices fly wild as you create your own design in a provided terra cotta saucer. Mosaic materials provided but participants are urged to bring their own.

Invasive Species Hike
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Free

February 23rd-27th is national invasive species awareness week. On this gentle 1 mile walk, practice identifying common invasive flora and fauna, discuss how they affect native wildlife and how you can help! Open to all but geared towards middle school age and up.

Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.

However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.

Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.

Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area

Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here: