Stop by Charlotte Nature Museum’s backyard . . . for Community Science Day.

Meet artist Daniel McCormick who is creating an ecological installation sited at the newly established Carolina Thread Trail (more on that later) adjacent to the Museum's parking area at the edge of Little Sugar Creek.

Plus, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place Staff will have lots of fun activities on offer including Museum animal encounters and drop-in science stations. And, don’t miss our friends from Queens University of Charlotte, who will be on-hand to help you navigate through the art of science.

What’s the Carolina Thread Trail?
The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of greenways and trails that will reach 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens. It will link... Keep reading.

During the past several days, I have received several questions about silver to gray colored small snakes with dark brown blotches in backyards, garages or in the driveway. The snakes in question are juvenile black rat snakes. Juvenile black rat snakes have a distinctly different color pattern than the mostly black adult and are non venomous.

The black rat snake is commonly found in Mecklenburg County and has adapted well to the urban habitat. Like all snakes, the black rat snake is valuable to the environment because they prey on ‘pests’ and help maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Young black rat snakes when threatened will rise up, assume a coiled position and rattle its tail to scare off potential predators. This defense behavior and their unique markings often... Keep reading.

While enjoying a walk on the Paw Paw Nature Trail my eye was drawn to an elaborate web of silk with a distinct zigzag in the middle. Before me was an impressive Black and Yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia), a type of orb weaver. The spider’s cephalothorax (small front body part) had distinct silver hairs and its abdomen (large back section) was oval to egg shaped with distinctive black and yellow markings. The spider’s body was approximately .5 inches in length, with long legs that have black and red bands. Upon further observation, I noticed that each leg of the spider had three claws on the ends, which is characteristic of the family.

As you enjoy time outdoors, whether it is taking a walk, sitting on the porch or strolling on the Paw Paw Nature Trail, take a moment and... Keep reading.

Charlotte Nature Museum is embarking on a new partnership with Parks and Recreation to manage and remove invasive exotic plants species. You may ask what an invasive exotic plant is — invasive exotic is the term used to describe a plant that is fast growing, super aggressive and is not native to the area.
“Green Invaders” will often take over areas of land, clog water waterways and rob native plants of the nutrients and resources to ensure their long-term survival. Damage to the environment from “green invaders” is costly from both a monetary and biodiversity perspective. Once a green invader moves into an area habitats are severely changed which affects its ability to support the native plants, birds, insects and animals that once lived there. ... Keep reading.

Welcome to the new Charlotte Nature Museum Website. As the leaves begin to don their new fall colors and the beautiful outdoors begin to change we too are changing our look with a new website. The team at Charlotte Nature Museum is busy creating new experiences and activities designed to strengthen you and your family’s connection to the natural world.

You will note the launch of the new HabiTrek Workshop series designed to facilitate learning and play in the outdoors and provide close encounters with the Museum’s resident animal collection.

Also, be certain to drop in and get cozy by the campfire with Grandpa Tree. Our very own talking tree is showing off his new fall colors and introducing new critters roaming around in his 100-year-old forest.

Whether you... Keep reading.