Did you know that Charlotte has a nearly 200-acre nature preserve near Uptown? Well, it does. And Tuesday night you have a chance to enjoy it in an extra-special way with the local chapter of the Sierra Club.
Here are the deets:
RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is a 188-acre urban forest, located in north central Mecklenburg County only four miles from center city Charlotte. Like the city in which it's located, the preserve's name is derived from Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. The Queen's mother-in-law owned a woodland garden known as "RibbonWalk" because of how the paths "ribboned" their way through the forest. The preserve protects a diversity of forest and wetland habitats, including one of the oldest American beech tree groves in the region, over 75 trees designated in 1996 by the Mecklenburg County Treasure Tree Program as a "Treasure Tree Grove." Some beeches measure over 35 inches in diameter. RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is a hidden gem that needs protection and caring.
Make plans to join us for any and all activities! The meeting/event is free and open to the public and you do not have to be a member to attend. Free parking is available (carpool with a friend or neighbor). Children and friendly dogs (on a leash) are welcome.
Date: Tuesday, September 27
Location: RibbonWalk Nature Preserve
Times: Activities starting at 4:00 pm until dark. Meeting is 6:30 — 7:30 pm (bring a chair or blanket).
4:00 / 5:00 / 6:00 pm — Ribbonwalk hikes with Nature Preserve Manger Mike Campbell. Each walk will be approximately 30+ minutes to a different trail in the preserve.
4:00 to 6:30 — Invasive Plant Scavenger Hunt. Developed by Park & Rec Environmental Educator Laura Domingo. Self guiding identification of invasive plants. Materials and resources will be available.
6:30 — 7:30 Meeting and BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic). Pack a sandwich from home, pick up a salad on the way, grab a chicken dinner. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair. Ice, recyclable cups, tea, water and lemonade will be provided.
7:30 until dark — Hang around. Watch the sunset. Enjoy the trees. Relax.
Special Notes — There are no sanitary facilities at the preserve so plan accordingly. This is a Zero Waste event and we will “Pack it in, Pack it out”.
Directions
RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is located in north central Mecklenburg County a mile north of the intersection of I-85 and I-77. Get Directions
From Central or South Charlotte
Take I-77 North to I-85 North and exit onto Statesville Avenue/Road. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Statesville Road and go .6 of a mile and turn right onto Nevin Road. Follow Nevin Road for 1.2 miles and turn left when you see the RibbonWalk sign at the main entrance. This is also Hoyt-Hinson Road.
Download your personal map here…
For questions or more information, email Bill Gupton at sierraclub.centpiedchair@gmail.com