Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge

Amenities:  Handicap Accessibility, Information Available, Picnic Facilities

Unique Features:  A 660-acre peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake, Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge protects a diversity of natural communities, four miles of shoreline, and the Duck Cove natural heritage site. As a Mecklenburg County nature preserve, the refuge provides habitat for 206 species of birds, more than any site in Mecklenburg County and is part of the Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society due to its diversity of wintering waterfowl and breeding and migratory songbird species. In addition, 20 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, and 36 species of butterflies have been documented here. Among the unusual species that have been found at the refuge are: bald eagle, bobcat, river otter, silverbell, and southern rein orchid. An observation deck provides excellent views of several small impoundments where waterfowl are abundant during the winter and a large grassland area where white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and raptors are common year-round.

Habitats: Upland Forest, Wetland, Grassland, Floodplain Forest

Seasonal Information: Waterfowl peak in winter. Ospreys nest late spring to early summer. Peak neotropical migratory bird viewing from late April to early May.

Additional Information: Public access to the refuge is restricted to the main gravel road and the observation deck area, unless accompanied by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation staff on a program or tour.

Directions: From Interstate 77, Exit 16B. Travel Sunset Road West for approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto Beatties Ford Road and travel north for 6.5 miles. Turn left onto Neck Road. Travel 4 miles until the road bears left and turns to gravel. Continue half a mile to the refuge entrance.

Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge map

Hours: Open daily 7:00 a.m. – Sunset.

Contact Information:
Latta Plantation Nature Center
6211 Sample Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-1391
Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge