Don't let the city of Charlotte fool you! The preserve is located in an area with very high crime. There have been two murders in the Driftwood Drive area in the past months. One happened just one day ago. The area is crawling with illegals and local natives. It is not safe for you to "sit on a bench and look at the birds". I have lived here in Charlotte all of my life, and I won't even go to Central Avenue anymore, much less hang out in the wooded areas. You would have to be a fool! The area is a jungle! Stay away!