Looking for outdoor fun? Steele Creek has options

McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, announces events for the month.

▪ Lake Wylie Evening Kayak Tour, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve and see the sun set over Lake Wylie with a kayak guide. Learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people. For ages 16 and older. Registration required. Paddle, PFD and kayak provided. Bring a towel, extra clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat and snack. Must be able to paddle for an extended period of time. Cost: $15.

▪ River Kayaking: South Fork Catawba River, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 6. Participants will learn how to read a river successfully and basic kayaking skills from certified instructors. All equipment provided. For ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Paddle, PFD and kayak provided. Bring a towel, extra clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat and snack. Must be able to paddle for an extended period of time. Cost: $30.

▪ Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour, 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Aug. 13 and 27. Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve and learn the basics of kayaking and natural history of Lake Wylie. Includes all equipment and is led by a certified instructor. Registration is required. Pack extra clothes, towel and water. Cost: $15 single (must be 10 and older); $20 tandem (ages 5-9 with adult).

▪ Trails and Tails: Crowders Mountain, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 13. Have a K-9 companion? Join McDowell staff with your canine. Must bring 6-foot leash and Mutt Mitts. Each month meetings at different park, preserve or greenway in the Charlotte area. For ages 10 and older. Free. Meet at the nature center.

▪ Seasonal Happenings: World of Bats, 3-4:15 p.m. Aug. 14. Explore echolocation and learn facts about North Carolina's only flying mammal. Program includes a bat craft for participants to take home. Registration is required. Free. For ages 8 and older. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring bottled water.

▪ Family Hike & Stream Stomp, 9:30-11 a.m. Aug. 17. Stroll with a naturalist along the Four Season's Trail. Learn about the local flora and fauna during the hike, and then cool down along the way back in the stream. Registration is required. Free. For ages 5-11. Wear closed-toed shoes with a back that can get wet and muddy. No flip flops. Wear old clothes, and bring a change of clothes and shoes. Meets at Four Seasons Trail.

▪ Sunrise Kayak Tour, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 19. Join McDowell staff for a kayak tour of Lake Wylie during early morning hours searching for wildlife. Registration is required. For ages 16 and older. Cost: $15.

▪ Third Sunday Scavenger Hunt, 3-4 p.m. Aug. 21. Join staff on a scavenger hunt learning about arthropods. Participants will complete this self-guided scavenger hunt and win prizes upon completion. This program includes a 1-1.5 mile, self-guided hike over uneven terrain. Registration is required. Free. For ages 8 and older. Dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Bring bottled water.

▪ Animal Encounter at the McDowell Nature Center, 3-3:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Learn about the animals at the campground. Enjoy a hands-on experience with a native resident of the nature preserve. Meets at the amphitheater. Free. For all ages.

To register or for more information, call 704-588-5224 or visit parkandrec.com.

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 12:01 PM with the headline "Looking for outdoor fun? Steele Creek has options."