MetroParks nature programs for spring | The Metro Monthly calendar covers the Youngstown-Warren area, Columbiana and western Pennsylvania.
CHILDREN’S & FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Valentine Craftivity Pop-In. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107. www.mil…. Features a Valentine’s Day-themed nature craft. Family-friendly event. The Metroparks provides supplies. 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11.
Forest Babies. Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 1-3 years. Explore the trails at Ford Nature Center and create a simple nature craft. Register your child and yourself by Feb. 12 (online or call). Children should dress for the weather. No pets. 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Sprout Club – Does Candy Grow on Trees? Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107. www.mil…. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Hands-on, learning activities about candy. Register/pay by Feb. 13. 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15. $7.
Little Tree Huggers’ Club. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 6-9 with an adult. Participants will learn about nature, explore award-winning literature, and create a mixed-media canvas art project to take home. Wear old clothes that can get some paint on them. This is a two-hour program and is not developmentally appropriate for children younger than 6. One adult per registered child due to space constraints. Register/pay by Feb. 22. No walk ins. 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. $15 per child; adults are free.
Critter Tales – Turtles. Education Building Classroom B, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 3-6 with adult. Learn about the red-footed tortoise with a MetroParks educator. Features a story time and hands-on activities. Register/pay online by Feb. 26. 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Feb. 28. $7.
Forest Babies. Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 1-3 years old and a caregiver. Explore the trails at Ford Nature Center and create a simple nature craft. Dressed for the weather. The program includes outdoor nature time. Register by March 11, online or call. No pets. 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, March 13.
Sprout Club – Super Spiders. Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Learn all about spiders. Features hands-on activities. Register/pay by March 19. Online or call. 1-2 p.m., Thursday, March 21. $7.
Little Tree Huggers’ Club. Classroom B, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 6-9 with an adult. Children will learn about nature, explore literature, and create a mixed-media canvas art project. Wear old clothes, due to painting. Program is not appropriate for children younger than 6 years old. One adult per registered child, due to space constraints. Registration required. Register/pay by March 21. $15 per child; adults free. 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 23.
Critter Tales – Rabbits. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 3-6 with an adult. Learn all about rabbits with a Metroparks educator. Includes a story time and hands-on activities. Register/pay by March 25. Register online or call. 11 a.m.-noon,Wednesday, March 27. $7.
Forest Babies. Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 1-3 years old and a caregiver. The group will explore the trails at Ford Nature Center and create a simple nature craft. Dress for the weather because the program includes an outdoor nature time. Register by April 15. No pets. 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 17.
Sprout Club – Busy as a Beaver. Education Building Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Learn about beavers in hands-on activities. Register/pay by April 16. Reserve online or call. 1-2 p.m., Thursday, April 18. $7.
Little Tree Huggers’ Club. Ford Nature Center; Education Building Classroom B, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. For ages 6-9 with an adult. Learn about nature, explore award-winning literature, and create a mixed-media canvas art project to take home. Wear old clothes that can get some paint on them. This two-hour program and is not developmentally appropriate for children younger than 6. One adult per registered child due to space constraints. Registration required. Register/pay by April 25. No walk ins. 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 27. $15 per child; adults are free.
Farm Animal Baby Shower. MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Welcome new arrivals to the barns. Entrance to the animal barns is free. Wagon rides, animal feed, and concessions will be available for purchase. Credit cards are accepted, but it’s cash only for wagon rides and animal feeding. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., May 4.
HIKES
Recreational Hikes. Newport Wetlands Parking Lot, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Meets at Newport Wetlands parking lot on West Newport Drive. Moderate, 2-4 miles. Volunteer-led hike. Call for details 330-740-7114. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Recreational Hikes. Meet at golf course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman. 330-740-7107. www.mil…. Easy 2-4 mile hike. Call for details 330-740-7114. Volunteer led hike. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Recreational Hikes. Meet at Volney Rogers Recreation Area Parking Lot. Call the Wick Recreation Area for details 330-740-7114. Moderate hike, 2-4 miles. Call for details 330-740-7114. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, March 6.
Recreational Hikes. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road, Mill Creek MetroParks, Austintown. 330-740-7107. www.mil…. Easy hike, 2-4 miles. Call for details. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, March 20.
Recreational Hikes. East Newport Boat Launch parking lot, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Moderate 2-4 miles. Call for details. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, April 10.
Recreational Hikes. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Easy 2-4 miles. Volunteer-led hike. Call for details 330-740-7114. 9-10 a.m.,, Wednesday, April 24.
HIKES & ACTIVITIES WITH PETS
MetroMutts: New Year New Trail. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill overflow parking lot (Idora), Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. 330-740-7115. www.mil…. Features a brisk MetroMutts hike on the East Park Hike and Bike Trail. Members are free, non-member are $10. Call for details 330-740-7114. Noon-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3.
MetroMutts: I Chews You Valentine Treat Making. McMahon Hall, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Bring your MetroMutt and bake a Valentine’s treat. Call for details. Refreshments will be provided. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10. Members, free; non-members, $10.
MetroMutts: Lucky Dog Hike. Parking Lot, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Features a St. Patrick’s Day hike on the Axtman Trail for All People and East Cohasset Hike and Bike Trail. Call for details. Pre-registration required before March 16. 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 16. Members free, non-members $10.
MetroMutts: Stop and Smell the Daffodils Daffodil Meadow Hike. E. Newport Boat Launch, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Easy, 1-mile hike with your dog. Pre-registration required before April 20. Noon-1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 20. Members free, non-members $10.
WINTER TALKS LECTURE SERIES
Winter Talks: Stories of Mill Creek Park. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Features the history and stories of Mill Creek Park with educator Miss Lynn. Register by Feb. 1. For adults and persons 16 and older. 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 3.
Winter Talks: History and Geology of Lanterman’s Mill. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Presented by Lanteman’s Mill manager Eric Simione and YSU geology professor Diana Alexander. Registration required. Register online or call by Feb. 7. For 16 and older. 5:30-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9.
Winter Talks: Backyard Birds and the Great Backyard Bird Count. Education Building. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Past Mahoning County Audubon president Jeff Harvey will identify the most common birds of winter and give tips for becoming involved in the upcoming bird count. Registration required. Register by Feb. 8, online or call. Adults 16+ years and older. 9-10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10. Free.
Winter Talks: History of the Mahoning River. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Mahoning Valley Historical Society Educator Traci Manning will discuss how the Mahoning River and its watershed played a significant role in the development of Youngstown. For 16 years and older. Register by Feb. 8. 1:30-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10.
Winter Talks: Frozen Ecosystems. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Zack Felger, outreach and education specialist for the Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District, will discusses winter ecosystems their impact on terrestrial and aquatic life. Registration required. Register by Feb. 14 online or call. For 16 and older. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16.
Winter Talks: Forest Therapy – Reconnecting With Nature. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Led by Alyson Scheibe. Learn about forest therapy, its history, and benefits. Pre-registration required. Register by Feb. 15. For 16 and older. 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17.
Winter Talks: Winter Wanders & Writing. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Hear Lit Youngstown members read winter-inspired poems and stories during a leisurely walk through the woods. Dress for the weather. Afterward, warm up inside and write winter poems or memories. No writing experience necessary. Registration required. Register by Feb. 15, online or call. For 16 and older. 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17.
Winter Talks: Winter Sky-Talk. Education Building, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Ward Beecher Planetarium engineer Curt Spivey will discuss the current night sky and provide a preview of upcoming astronomical events. Registration required. Register by Feb. 21. For 16 and older. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23.
PLANT & NATURE EDUCATION
Park Wanderings. Outdoor Concourse, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Join Educator Miss Lynn for an exploration of early-blooming flowers. Dress for the weather. Easy 0.5-mile walk. Register/pay by March 27. Register online. No walk-ins. No pets. 9-10 a.m., Friday, March 29. $5.
The Backyard Conservation Lecture Series – the Why & Where of Native Plants. MetroParks Farm: McMahon Hall. Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. This informative seminar will explore the Ohio River watershed’s native plants. Participants will discover the benefits of native plants for both people and wildlife. Gain insights on cultivating native plants on your property, explore their diverse applications, and learn about grassroots backyard conservation efforts. Participants will receive complimentary milkweed seeds to start your own native plant garden. Presented by Gary Davenport, project coordinator for the Mahoning County Land Bank, and Zack Felger, outreach and education specialist for the Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District. Register/pay by March 18, online or call. 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 20. $5.
The Backyard Conservation Lecture Series: Strategies for Site Prep & Planting Methods. Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Gary Davenport, project coordinator for the Mahoning County Land Bank, and Zack Felger, outreach and education specialist for the Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District, will present a program on the native plants of the Ohio River watershed. Discover the benefits of native plants and gain insights their cultivation. Register/pay by April 15. 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 17. $5.
BIRDING
Birding the Sanctuary. Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Register online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead this early morning birding hike. Moderate, 1.25 miles. Space is limited. Boots are required. Register by March 21. 8-9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 23.
Birding the Sanctuary. Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Register online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead this early morning birding hike. Moderate, 1.25 miles. Space is limited. Boots are required. Register at by April 18. Reserve online or call.8-9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 20.
Birding the Springfield Forest. 11840 Springfield Road, North Lima. 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead an early morning boring hike at the Springfield Forest. Boots required. Moderate. 1.25 miles. Register by April 25, online or call. 8-9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 27.
SPRING CLEANUP
Earth Day Cleanup. Wick Recreation Area, Mill Creek MetroParks, 1861 McCollum Road, Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other organizations will clean up litter across the MetroParks. Groups can register by April 9 to reserve a work area. 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, April 21.
TROLLEY TOURS
Park Wanderings. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7107, extension 129.www.mil…. This month the Cohasset Express Trolley visits Daffodil Meadow. Meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Limited seating. Dress for the weather. Register/pay by April 17, online or call. No walk-ins. No pets. 9-10 a.m., Friday, April 19. $5.
Daffodil Day Trolley Tour. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.mil…. Trolley boards at Fellows. Register/pay by April 18. Reserve online or call. 11 a.m.-noon and 12:30-1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 20. Adults: $10, resident; $12, nonresident; seniors/youth: $7 resident, $9 nonresident.
YOGA & T’AI CHI
Yoga Basics Course. Radius Room, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116, extension 230. www.mil…. Release physical and mental tensions while gradually improving strength and flexibility. Classes guided by instructor Karres Cvetkovich. Pre-registration required before March 31. This is an eight-week course. 9:15-10:30 a.m., Sundays, March 10-April 28. $96.
T’ai Chi Basics for Beginners Course. Radius Room, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116, extension 230. www.mil…. Learn this classic art of energy balancing while developing coordination, flexibility, and leg strength. Designed for beginners. Includes warm-ups, breathing exercises and the first steps of a classic T’ai Chi form. Register online or call. Pre-registration required before March 14. Noon-1 p.m., Thursdays, March 14–May 16. $120.
Outdoor Yoga Basics Course. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Radius Room, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116, extension 230. www.mil…. Pre-registration required before May 26. Release physical and mental tensions while gradually improving strength and flexibility. Classes guided outdoors by instructor Karres Cvetkovich. Register online or call. This is an eight-week course. 9:15-10:30 a.m., Sundays, May 5-June 23. $96.
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