Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge is an 868 acre peninsula bounded by the upper reaches of Mountain Island Lake. Mountain Island Lake is the primary drinking water source for over 700,000 people in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. The refuge protects a diversity of natural communities, four miles of shoreline, and a natural heritage site.

Location and Directions
Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge is located in northwestern Mecklenburg County at the west end of Neck Rd., reached from Beatties Ford Rd.

Directions
Traveling north on I-77, take exit 18, W.T. Harris Blvd. Turn left and proceed 1.7 miles west to Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd. Turn left and go 1.2 miles to Beatties Ford Rd. Turn right and proceed north 3 miles to Neck Rd. Turn left on Neck Rd. and continue 3.1 miles to the refuge entrance.   

Traveling south on I-77, take exit 25, Hwy. 73/Sam Furr Rd. Turn right and proceed 1.3 miles west. Continue left onto Hwy 73/West Catawba Ave. for another 1.9 miles to Beatties Ford Rd. Turn left and proceed 3.6 miles to Neck Rd. Turn right on Neck Rd. and continue 3.1 miles to the refuge entrance.   

History and Description
At 868 acres, this is one of the largest and possibly the most important remaining tracts of land remaining in Mecklenburg County for wildlife. Visitors can drive a 1.5 mile gravel road that passes through a patchwork of grassy fields, shrubland and forest. The road leads to a parking lot and roofed observation deck overlooking an expansive restored Piedmont Prairie and two ponds.

The story of Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge dates back to May 9, 1961, when the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission voted to proceed with the creation of Cowan's Ford Waterfowl Refuge. Four thousand acres were

eventually leased from Duke Power and other landowners along the Catawba River extending south of Cowan's Ford dam at Lake Norman. From 1961 to 1992, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, in cooperation with Catawba Waterfowl Inc., managed the refuge. 

In August 1992, Mecklenburg County purchased 668 acres of the waterfowl refuge and renamed it Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge to reflect a change in management towards all wildlife, not just waterfowl. The entire property was designated as nature preserve following the approval of the Nature Preserve Master Plan in 1997. 

In 1999, Cowan's Ford was one of the preserves dedicated as the Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area – a designation by the National Audubon Society for its important waterfowl and bottomland forest habitat. The Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area was the first designated Important Bird Area in North Carolina.

The refuge's diversity of natural communities include upland hardwood and bottomland hardwood forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests, and grasslands. In addition, several man-made features include power line right-of-ways, two ponds, and two small impoundments that function as temporary wetlands. The refuge also protects the Duck Cove natural heritage site, known for its bottomland hardwood forests, a threatened natural community in North Carolina.

In addition to the significant natural resources here, Cowan's Ford also protects cultural resources. In October, 2009 Mecklenburg County purchased an additional 211.9 acres adjacent to the existing refuge. This parcel contained a two story plantation house that was built 1795 - 1800. This historic home can be seen on the north side of Neck Rd. This is the former

residence of Robert and Margaret Davidson, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Plans are being developed for the future preservation and public access to this historic site.

Education and Programs
Access to the refuge beyond the parking area and observation deck is through guided walks led by Park and Recreation staff, or with Mecklenburg Audubon Society members with a permit. 

Amenities
Within Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge, Neck Road is gravel, winding about 1.5 miles west and ending at a public parking lot. A short trail leads from the parking lot to a covered observation deck. From the observation deck there are excellent views of a restored Piedmont Prairie grassland and two ponds. There is an educational kiosk that provides information on

the area. There are no restroom facilities at the refuge.

Flora and Fauna
Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for over 200 species of birds – more than any other site in Mecklenburg County. In addition, 22 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, and 20 species of mammals have been documented here. Although most of the mammals in the refuge are secretive and difficult to see, Cowan's Ford is home to Bobcats, Coyotes, Beavers and Northern River Otters. You will have to be very observant - and lucky - to see these. Other animals that can be seen more easily include White-tailed deer, Great Blue Herons, Wild Turkeys, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Red-tailed Hawks.

In spring and summer a diverse array of birds can be found. Open, grassy or shrubby areas are productive for Blue Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Yellow-breasted Chats, Eastern Towhees and Field Sparrows. Eastern bluebirds are frequently seen on the power lines along the road. Listen for the distinctive "Bob-white" call of the Northern Bobwhite. In areas with young pines mixed with open fields, look and listen for Prairie Warblers. Forested areas are home to species such as Brown-headed Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Red-eyed Vireos, Summer Tanagers, Scarlet Tanagers, and Wood Thrushes.

In warmer months, look around the parking lot for Six-lined Racerunners – a swift, yellow-striped lizard associated with grasslands and barren areas. The ponds in front of the observation deck holds River Cooters, Painted Turtles, Yellow-bellied Sliders and Snapping Turtles. In spring, listen for Upland Chorus Frogs, Spring Peepers, Northern Cricket Frogs, Southern Leopard Frogs, American Toads and Fowler's Toads.

From November through March the ponds in front of the viewing platform often harbor waterfowl. Most frequently seen are Hooded Mergansers, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Wood Ducks and Canada Geese.

There are many threats to the refuge in the form of invasive species. In 2009, feral hogs were discovered here, which root up the soil and damage plants. Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellata) is also a serious threat to the forest and must be controlled through active management.