Mill Creek MetroParks nature programs for May, June | Programs include children’s activities, hikes and nature walks.
Hikes & nature walks
Recreational Hikes. Newport Wetlands parking lot, West Newport Drive, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 740-7114. www.mil….
Volunteer-led hike. Moderate 2-4 miles. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, May 22.
Mindful Meandering: Forest Bathing Hike. Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Mill Creek Metroparks, 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Register by May 20, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Reconnect with nature using Japanese forest bathing principles. Led by certified forest-therapy guide Alyson Scheibe. Hike is less than 1 mile. Dress for the weather. No restroom facilities. No walk-ins. No pets. 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. $12.
Frog Walk. Newport Wetlands, East Newport Boat Launch, West Newport Drive, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. Register/pay by May 21 online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Learn about and search for frogs with park educators. Hike is approximately 1.5 miles. Wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to get muddy. No walk-ins, no pets. 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, May 23. $3.
May Full Moon Hike. Newport Wetlands parking lot, West Newport Drive, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. Register/pay by May 21, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Moderate, 2-mile hike. Bring a flashlight, if you have one. No walk-ins. No pets. 8:30-10 p.m., Thursday, May 23. $3.
Park Wanderings. Outdoor concourse, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. Register/pay by May 29, online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Led by park educator Miss Lynn. The group will take in the spring bulb display. Dress for the weather. Easy 0.5-mile walk. No walk-ins. No pets. 9-10 a.m., Friday, May 31. $5.
Who’s Hootin’: Owl Prowl. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register online by June 6 or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129. Led by a park educator and an Ohio-certified naturalist. The group will listen for owls along the East Cohasset Trail. Moderate, 2-3-mile hike. Dress for the weather. No pets, no walk-ins. 7:30-9 p.m., Saturday, June 8.
Recreational Hikes. Meet at overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman. 330-740-7114. www.mil…. Easy, 2-4 mile hike led by a Park volunteer. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, June 12.
Wildflower Wander. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Registration by June 13 online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Explore native wildflowers and other plants with park educators and an Ohio-certified naturalist during a leisurely hike around the Ford Nature Center and Lily Pond. No walk-ins, no pets. 10 a.m., Saturday, June 15.
June Mushroom Meander. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay by June 16, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Hike will be 2-3 miles on uneven terrain. Led by a part educator and Ohio-certified naturalist. Wear hiking shoes and bring a mushroom field guide, if you have one. Registration required. No pets, no walk-ins. 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 18. $3.
June Full Moon Hike. Lanterman’s Mill parking lot, Mill Creek MetroParks, East Park Drive, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay by June 19, online or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129. Join MetroParks staff for a moderate, 2-mile hike. Bring a flashlight, if you have one. No walk-ins, no pets. 9-10:30 p.m., Friday, June 21. $3.
10 Miler. Bears Den Cabin. Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown. 330-740-7114. This 10-mile hike starts at Bears Den and travels around Lake Cohasset, Lake Newport and Lanterman’s Gorge. Difficult due to distance and terrain. A 5-mile option will be available for those interested in a shorter hike. Call for details. 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 23.
Recreational Hikes. Wick Recreation Area parking lot, Mill Creek MetroParks, 1861 McCollum Road, Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7114. Moderate, 2-4 mile hike. Volunteer-led. 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, June 26.
Park Wanderings. Meets at the Lily Pond, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay by June 26, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Park educator Miss Lynn will lead a walk at the Lily Pond to look for turtles and other wildlife. Dress for the weather. Easy, 0.25-mile walk. No walk-ins, no pets. 9-10 a.m., Friday, June 28. $5.
Nature camps: children
Nature Things Summer Camp. Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. Register/pay online by June 19 or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129 for more information. This summer nature camp is appropriate for ages 5-9. Each weeklong session will focus on a new nature topic. Campers will be outside for the majority of the day in all kinds of weather. Spots are limited. A letter with additional information will be sent as soon as paid registration is received. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 24-28. $125 per child.
Nature education: children
Sprout Club – the Buzz on Honeybees. Ford Nature Education Center, Classroom A, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Features hands-on activities learning about honeybees. Register by May 14. 1-2 p.m., Thursday, May 16. $7.
Forest Babies. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Occurs in Classroom A. For ages 1-3. The group will explore the trails at Ford Nature Center and create a simple craft. Dress for the weather. Register by May 20. 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 22. $5.
Critter Tales – Worms. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. For ages 3-6 with an adult. Learn about worms with park educators. Features a story time and hands-on activities. Register by June 3. 11 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, June 5. $7.
Forest Babies. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Occurs in Classroom A. For ages 1-3. The group will explore the trails at Ford Nature Center and create a simple craft. Dress for the weather. Register by June 10. 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 12. $5.
Sprout Club – Wet & Wonderful Water. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Occurs in Classroom B. For ages 3-5 with an adult. Features hands-on activities about water. Register/pay by June 18. 1-2 p.m., Thursday, June 20. $7.
Nature programs
The Backyard Conservation Lecture Series – Sow & Grow: On-Site Planting Demo & Volunteer Initiatives. McMahon Hall, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. Register/pay by May 13, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Led 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. The seminar covers the native plants of the Ohio River watershed. Participants will discover the benefits of native plants. Gain insights on cultivating, explore diverse applications, and learn about grassroots backyard conservation efforts. Participants will receive complimentary milkweed seeds. 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 15. $5.
Rock the Park – a Geological Exploration of Mill Creek Park. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. Register/pay online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Explore the formation of Mill Creek Park throughout geologic time. Learn about how the Ice Age shaped the landscape. Where possible, the group will investigate geologic features up close. 10 a.m.-noon., May 18, June 22, July 11, July 27. $10 adult resident, $12 adult nonresident; $7 seniors/youth resident, $9 seniors/youth nonresident.
Nature Reads: Cannery Row. Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. Register by June 10, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129.
For ages 16 and older. Looking for a nature-themed classic to dig into this summer? Read John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row” and join the MetroParks for a book discussion. 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 12. Free.
Nature Trivia Night. Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. Register/pay by by June 11, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. For ages 16 and older. Brush up on all things nature and Mill Creek Park. Come on your own or bring a team of up to four, but be sure to register each member individually. Snacks and beverages will be provided. 6-7 p.m., Thursday, June 13. $3 per person.
Bird walks
Birding the Sanctuary. Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Mill Creek Metroparks, 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Register by May 16, online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead this early morning hike. Space is limited. Boots are required. Moderate, 1.25 miles. 8-9:30 a.m., May 18.
Coffee With the Birds. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay by May 23 online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. An educator will provide assistance as the group looks for spring birds that have recently returned from migration. Includes coffee and hot chocolate. Ages 12 and older. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 25. $5.
Coffee With the Birds. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. An educator will provide assistance as the group looks for spring birds that have recently returned from migration. Includes coffee and hot chocolate. Ages 12 and older. Register/pay by June 7. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8. $5.
Birding the Sanctuary. Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Mill Creek Metroparks, 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Register by June 20, online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead this early morning hike. Space is limited. Boots are required. Moderate, 1.25 miles. 8-9:30 a.m., June 22.
Birding the Springfield Forest. 11840 Springfield Road, North Lima 44452. Register by June 27, online or call 330-740-7107, extension 129. Jeff Harvey will lead this early morning hike. Space is limited. Boots are required. Moderate, 1.25 miles. 8-9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 29.
Trolley Tours
Spring Trolley Tour. Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. Register/pay online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. View natural and historic views aboard the Cohasset Express. 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., May 19, 21, 28, June 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 30. $10 adult resident, $12 adult nonresident; $7 seniors/youth resident, $9 seniors/youth nonresident.
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