CREEK WEEK 2026
There’s more wildness in Cabarrus County than meets the eye. Just across from Concord Mills, Abby Weinshenker has discovered a quiet wetland tucked beside the Rocky River. She’s followed otter tracks, spotted surprising birds, explored restored floodplains and learned that sometimes the best way to find nature is simply to stop, get quiet and pay attention. As Cabarrus County’s Soil and Water Conservation District resource education coordinator, Abby is helping others do the same, connecting students and residents with the creeks, wildlife and green spaces hiding in plain sight.
Now, she’s helping bring Creek Week back to Cabarrus County, creating more ways for people to get curious about the waterways flowing through their own backyards. Her work is about much more than environmental education. It’s about helping people notice, explore and care for the natural places that make this community special. And in 2026, that work earned Abby statewide recognition as Environmental Educator of the Year. Ready to discover a little more wild in your own backyard? Read the full story by Chris Miller of The Cabarrus Compass (subscription needed).
Creek Week is back! After a successful first year, Cabarrus County’s weeklong celebration of local waterways returns September 25 through October 3, inviting residents to get outside, get curious and discover the creeks, rivers and wetlands right in their own backyard. From creek stomps and frog walks to workshops, art, trivia and litter cleanups, there are plenty of ways to jump in. The celebration’s centerpiece is the Creek Week Festival at Frank Liske Park on September 26, featuring live animals, creek stomping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboats, boat building and even rubber ducky rescues.
But Creek Week is about more than a calendar full of fun activities. It’s about bringing local organizations, educators and the community together to explore and celebrate the natural resources that connect us all. Because as Creek Week organizer Abby Weinshenker says, there’s a lot more nature in Cabarrus County than people realize. And the more we notice, explore and understand our waterways, the more we have reason to care for them. Come find your creek!
September 25 at 4 p.m. - Craft Day - Mt. Pleasant Library Bottle Cap Mosaic
September 25 at 7 p.m. - City of Concord Movie Night - Dorton Park
September 26 at 10 a.m. - Creek Week Festival - Frank Liske Park - Look for the CWA Booth here!
September 29 at 10 a.m. - Creek Stomp - City of Concord | REGISTER
September 29 at 6 p.m. - Trashy Art Night - Clearwater - Youth Council Meetup with guest speaker
September 30 at 2 p.m. - Art Upcycle - Mt. Pleasant Active Living Center
October 1 at 3 p.m. - Raingarden and Erosion Workshop - Afton Active Living Center
October 1 at 7 p.m. - Trivia - High Branch Brewing (Rain Barrel Giveaway)
October 2 at 7 p.m. - Frog Walk - Camp Spencer | REGISTER
October 3 at 9 a.m. - Litter Sweep (Social afterwards) | REGISTER
Now, she’s helping bring Creek Week back to Cabarrus County, creating more ways for people to get curious about the waterways flowing through their own backyards. Her work is about much more than environmental education. It’s about helping people notice, explore and care for the natural places that make this community special. And in 2026, that work earned Abby statewide recognition as Environmental Educator of the Year. Ready to discover a little more wild in your own backyard? Read the full story by Chris Miller of The Cabarrus Compass (subscription needed).
Creek Week is back! After a successful first year, Cabarrus County’s weeklong celebration of local waterways returns September 25 through October 3, inviting residents to get outside, get curious and discover the creeks, rivers and wetlands right in their own backyard. From creek stomps and frog walks to workshops, art, trivia and litter cleanups, there are plenty of ways to jump in. The celebration’s centerpiece is the Creek Week Festival at Frank Liske Park on September 26, featuring live animals, creek stomping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboats, boat building and even rubber ducky rescues.
But Creek Week is about more than a calendar full of fun activities. It’s about bringing local organizations, educators and the community together to explore and celebrate the natural resources that connect us all. Because as Creek Week organizer Abby Weinshenker says, there’s a lot more nature in Cabarrus County than people realize. And the more we notice, explore and understand our waterways, the more we have reason to care for them. Come find your creek!
September 25 at 4 p.m. - Craft Day - Mt. Pleasant Library Bottle Cap Mosaic
September 25 at 7 p.m. - City of Concord Movie Night - Dorton Park
September 26 at 10 a.m. - Creek Week Festival - Frank Liske Park - Look for the CWA Booth here!
September 29 at 10 a.m. - Creek Stomp - City of Concord | REGISTER
September 29 at 6 p.m. - Trashy Art Night - Clearwater - Youth Council Meetup with guest speaker
September 30 at 2 p.m. - Art Upcycle - Mt. Pleasant Active Living Center
October 1 at 3 p.m. - Raingarden and Erosion Workshop - Afton Active Living Center
October 1 at 7 p.m. - Trivia - High Branch Brewing (Rain Barrel Giveaway)
October 2 at 7 p.m. - Frog Walk - Camp Spencer | REGISTER
October 3 at 9 a.m. - Litter Sweep (Social afterwards) | REGISTER
Abby Weinshenker is Resource Education Coordinator for Cabarrus Soil and Water Conservation District and Program Chair for the Concord Wildlife Alliance, where she develops educational programs, coordinates speakers and community events, and connects people with local wildlife and conservation. With degrees in Marine Science and Environmental Studies and a master’s degree focused on Wildlife Management from UNC Wilmington, Abby brings both scientific expertise and a passion for environmental education to her work. She recently earned her Environmental Education Certification and was honored as Environmental Educator of the Year through the 61st Annual NC Wildlife Federation Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.