Wild on the Water
Latta Nature Preserve, NC.
Wild on the Water, an annual guided paddling tour on Mountain Island Lake at Latta Nature Preserve, is Charlotte Wildlife Steward's annual fund-raising event. Paddlers enjoy a close-up view of an active osprey nest platform and other area wildlife during the paddle. Environmental education is also part of this outing as we learn about local flora and fauna as well as facts about our region's drinking water source. Lunch is provided along with regional environmental news and information. We wrap up the event with a raffle of great prizes. This event is a smooth, laid back day on this beautiful part of the Catawba River and provides the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Come paddle with us! If paddling is not your thing but you would like to support us, we welcome your donations.
Our next Wild on the Water event will be Saturday, June 11, 2022.
*Register by April 15 and be entered in a drawing for an ENO hammock (value >$100). Registration deadline is May 15. Each paddler must be registered if in a tandem kayak or two in a canoe. See the link to register at the bottom of the page.* Once registered, you'll begin to receive updates about this event.
If paddling is not your thing, volunteer with our team in areas such as traffic control, registration, lunch set up, etc. Please click on the link below to register as a volunteer.
Check-in is at 9:00am. Event wraps up by 12:30pm.
Our next Wild on the Water event will be Saturday, June 11, 2022.
*Register by April 15 and be entered in a drawing for an ENO hammock (value >$100). Registration deadline is May 15. Each paddler must be registered if in a tandem kayak or two in a canoe. See the link to register at the bottom of the page.* Once registered, you'll begin to receive updates about this event.
If paddling is not your thing, volunteer with our team in areas such as traffic control, registration, lunch set up, etc. Please click on the link below to register as a volunteer.
Check-in is at 9:00am. Event wraps up by 12:30pm.
Additional information about our Wild on the Water event
Latta Nature Preserve is located at 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Follow Sample Road into the nature preserve and watch for our WoW signs for parking. If you bring your own boat, you will park at the Gar Creek entrance area, and paddle around to the picnic area. If you are using one of our boats, continue down to the end of the road, past Latta Plantation and follow the signs to the picnic area. We will all gather there and depart as a group.
Raffle prizes are being added weekly so check back here for updates:
Raffle prizes are being added weekly so check back here for updates:
- Grand Prize from Great Outdoor Provision Co. - Kayak valued at $429
- Autobell - year car washes
- ENO - Double Nest hammock
- Wildology - Hummingbird feeder and Gift Certificate
- Magnolia Coffee - Gift basket
- Cloister Honey - Gift basket
- Wild Birds Unlimited - Gift Certificates
- more to come...
Frequently asked questions:
- What are the hours of this event? Check in is 9:00am. Event ends at 12:30pm.
- Do you have to have a kayak, canoe, or SUP? No. We can provide you with a kayak (single or tandem), or a canoe on a first come, first served basis, determined by your registration date and time. These usually get claimed quickly, so don't delay. We don't have SUPs available.
- If I have my own boat, do I still have to pay? Yes, all participants pay the registration fee of $50 and have the option of raising more money with donations. All proceeds go towards the preservation of wildlife and their habitat in North Carolina. With development comes loss of habitat. Help us give back.
- What do I get for my registration fee? Plenty! You get one of our WoW dry bags. You get a raffle ticket towards our great prizes. You get a delicious lunch provided by The Common Market and healthy snacks from Whole Foods. You get environmental education during our paddle. You get the opportunity to view some of Mountain Island Lake's unique residents. And, you get the incredible satisfaction that you are helping North Carolina's wildlife and their habitat by supporting CWS' local efforts and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation's statewide efforts.
- Explain how I can earn more raffle tickets towards prizes? This is where things get really fun! Reach out to friends, family, and businesses to sponsor your participation with donations. Your sponsors can donate any dollar amount starting at $5.
- The first $50 you pay or raise gets you one raffle ticket.
- Raise $100 and get three raffle tickets.
- Raise $250 and get seven raffle tickets.
- Raise $500 and get 15 tickets.
- Raise $750 and get 25 tickets.
- Everyone who raises $1000 gets 35 tickets and an ENO hammock.
- What if I have to.... you know...? There are free public restrooms on site maintained by Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
Scenes from previous Wild on the Water events: Mark your calendar for our annual Wild on the Water event, taking place on the second Saturday in June. |
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