Programs
Throughout the duration of MCMP events, programs and/or classes, there are opportunities for photographic and video coverage by MCMP which may include your participation or observance of the activity. MCMP reserves the right to use the photos and video at its discretion for media coverage and promotional materials, including broadcasts, reports, publications, social media and marketing materials of MCMP. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded at the event, please let the photographer or videographer know prior to being photographed or videotaped. MCMP shall otherwise assume that it has your permission to photograph or video you and/or your child's involvement and participation in this activity. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Engagement Department at 330.702.3000 ext. 120.
"Winter Talks" - Backyard Birds: Windows Into the Wild
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series presents "Backyard Birds: Windows Into the Wild". The birds at your bird feeder live incredible lives! Park Educator Emily Greve discusses their journeys, behavior, and ecology. We'll wrap up our discussion with techniques and tips that can improve your birding at any level. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Ages 16+. Register/pay by 1/29, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. $5Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1-2 pm
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Full Moon Hike - Snow Moon
Join Park Educators for a moon-lit evening walk through George L. Fordyce Park (formally Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary) and enjoy nature's sounds and sights all under the full Snow Moon! In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Ages 12+. Difficulty: moderate terrain, 2 miles. Register/pay by 1/29, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5Saturday, January 31, 2026, 5-6:30 pm
George L. Fordyce Park
George L. Fordyce Park
Coffee With the Birds: Bird Bodies I
This month we'll explore a few fascinating aspects of bird anatomy and physiology. Savor a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a themed mini lesson. Then enjoy guided birdwatching at the feeders outside Nancy's Nook at the Ford Nature Center. Registration required; space is limited. Register/pay by 1/30, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5Sunday, February 1, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Groundhog Day Pop-Up
Groundhogs everywhere are beginning to stir! Stop by to celebrate Groundhog Day at Ford Nature Center with fun and educational groundhog themed activities including a craft and a self-guided interactive hike. 12-2pm. Crafts available on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. FREE.Sunday, February 1, 2026, Noon -2 pm
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Traveling Naturalist: Ford Nature Center
A Park Educator will be on site inside Ford Nature Center with a wildlife artifact touch table to answer all your nature questions! All are welcome to stop by and chat! Call 330.740.7107 x 129 for details. FREESunday, February 1, 2026, 3-5 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
"Winter Talks" - The History of Lanterman's Mill
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series is featuring the history of Lanterman's Mill with Mill Manager, Eric Simione. Join us in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building for a morning of history and stories about this most iconic Youngstown landmark. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Registration required. Register/pay by 2/5, online or call 330-740-7107, x 129. Adults 16+ older. $5Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10-11 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
"Winter Talks" - Paranormal Evidence at Lanterman's Mill
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join us and the Collective Paranormal Research Team as we share evidence of recent paranormal investigations at Lanterman's Mill. Join us in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building to review evidence collected and decide for yourself if the Mill is really haunted! Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Register/pay by 2/5, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $5Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1-2 pm
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Coffee With the Birds: Bird Bodies II
This month we'll explore a few fascinating aspects of bird anatomy and physiology. Savor a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a themed mini lesson. Then enjoy guided birdwatching at the feeders outside Nancy's Nook at the Ford Nature Center. Registration required; space is limited. Register/pay by 2/6, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5Sunday, February 8, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Wildlife Track and Sign Hike - MetroParks Farm
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 winter landscape of Mill Creek MetroParks Farm. What we encounter is totally dependent upon the season and the activity of the wildlife on the land. Explore an active beaver pond, learn about the squirrel species that call the Park home, and so much more. Ages 10+. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper winter footwear required. Dress for the weather. Register by 2/6 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREESunday, February 8, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
MetroParks Farm: MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
MetroParks Farm: MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
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 trails at Ford Nature Center 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 by 2/9, online for your Forest Baby (adults need not register) 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.Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A