Programs

Ready, Set, GROW Gardening Program

Ready, Set, GROW is a weekly gardening program for a child and an adult partner (Children must be in Grade 2 or older). The duo will join Park educators to learn the basics for growing their own garden. Each duo will have their own 3'x 10' raised garden bed to plant, tend, and harvest all summer long at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. This program meets on Thursdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm from March 26th through August 27th and includes lessons on basic gardening skills, hands-in-the-dirt time in your own garden, cooking, and other garden-related activities. At the first session on Thursday, March 26th you will be introduced to gardening by planting your own seeds to take home. All materials (garden bed, plants, seeds, tools, etc.) will be provided. Registration required. Register/pay by 3/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. $150 for each adult/child pair.

Traveling Naturalist: Lily Pond

Our Traveling Naturalist is back on the road! Stop by the Lily Pond for a wildlife touch table and Q&A with a Park Educator. Hot chocolate available first come first served! All are invited to stop by to chat. Call 330.740.7107 x 129 for details. FREE

Creature Feature: Family Owl Pellet Dissection

Learn about the secretive world of owls! Bring the family to enjoy an educational, interactive program about Northeast Ohio's owls. Then, dissect an owl pellet and get up close in personal with an owl's lunch. One owl pellet will be provided per participant over the age of 6. Register/pay by 3/26, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5

Earth Hour Night Hike

Lights out! Take a night hike to celebrate Earth Hour at Collier Preserve. Learn about how the natural world depends upon the dark. Ages 12+. Difficulty: Moderate. 1.5-2mi. Registration required. Register by 3/26, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE

MetroMutts Club Membership

Join our MetroMutts program to emBARK on monthly, dog-friendly hikes through Mill Creek Metroparks! First-time MetroMutts members will receive a drawstring bag, water bottle, dog bowl, dog waste bag holder, and sticker. Family membership includes immediate family and up to 3 dogs for $40.00. Individual membership includes one dog and one person for $30.00. An additional dog or person is $5.00. Call Wick Recreation Center for more details.

April Full Moon Hike - Pink Moon

Join Park staff for a moon-lit evening hike on the night of the April Pink Moon through beautiful George L. Fordyce Park. Ages 12+. Register/pay by 3/30, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5

Woodcock Walk

Catch a glimpse of a bird with a big personality on an evening hike in search of American Woodcocks at Collier Preserve. We may even get lucky and witness their impressive "sky dance" displays! Difficulty: Moderate. Dress for the weather. Wear appropriate footwear. Registration required. Register by 4/9, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Ages 10+. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE

Wildlife Track and Sign Hike - Sawmill Preserve

Animals don't cover their tracks. Head on out with a Park Educator to find and identify animal tracks and other signs of life in the early Spring landscape of Sawmill Nature Preserve. What we encounter is totally dependent upon the season and the activity of the wildlife on the land. Ages 10+. Difficulty: Moderate. ~2mi. Proper winter footwear required - some small water crossings and deep mud. Dress for the weather. Register by 4/1, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREE

Fishing in the Park

Join us at for a fun evening of fishing! This outing is primarily for youth anglers ages 3-12 years old and will take place at the Lake Newport Boathouse off of W. Newport Drive. Fishing equipment and bait is provided for all registered youth participants. A valid fishing license is required for participants 16+ years old. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

Forest Babies

Join Park staff for Forest Babies, a program for your youngest ones, ages 1-3 years old. Enjoy bonding time together while exploring the Lily Pond Circle Trail and then creating a simple nature craft or completing an activity to take home. Please be sure you and your little one are dressed for the weather as this program will include outdoor nature time. Register/pay for your Forest Baby (adults need not register) by 4/6, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Only registered children may attend. Please do not bring unregistered children to this program. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per child.