News About Town: During the morning commute yesterday (October 5 around 7:03am), Matthews Police patrol officers were called to I-485 near Idlewild Road after a man reported being shot at while driving. The victim did not recognize the shooter and described the car as a grey sedan. Shattered glass caused minor injury to the victim, who was otherwise unharmed. If you have any information regarding this crime, contact Detective Lori Valdes at lvaldes@matthewsnc.gov or 704-841-6717.
Malachite butterfly in the butterfly tent at Matthews Alive! several years ago. Photo kindly submitted by reader Mary Magee.
News Around Town: Fall into Nature on Saturday, 10/16 at Kids In Nature Day. The return of this annual Fall family event is located at Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Road) in Matthews from 10am-1pm. Come join Habitat and Wildlife Keepers, NCWF’s Great Outdoors University, and the Town of Matthews and bring the kids to enjoy a fun fall day at the park. From fishing, nature hikes, scavenger hunts to crafts and games the kids are guaranteed to have a great time. Also, new this year is a special area devoted to showing parents how to turn their own backyards into a Certified Wildlife Habitat. A Certified Wildlife Habitat not only benefits local wildlife, it provides teaching moments for kids and is pure family entertainment right in your own backyard. (h/t to HAWK for the info!)
One Good Thing: Flex your mental muscles when you WFH with the Backyard Naturalists podcast. You’ll hear the familiar voices of Debbie LeBlanc Foster and Laurie Horne as they explore nature in the Charlotte area. Episodes have already included popular topics like creating a wildlife habitat, how to spot a copperhead (FYI according to NextDoor there is no shortage of copperheads in the area), and how to incorporate water into your landscape. With a wealth of knowledge, the Naturalists are sure to educate and entertain.