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.

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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. FREE
Friday, January 2, 2026, Noon -3 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center

Back to Nature: Natural Bird Feeders

Although the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, the hustle and bustle for our feathered friends is not! During the winter months birds need a little extra help with finding food. Join a park educator at the Education Building at Ford Nature Center to create a natural birdfeeder to hang along the All-People's Trail. Dress for the weather, approximately 0.3 miles over flat terrain. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 1/1, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.
Saturday, January 3, 2026, Noon -1:30 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom B

Full Moon Hike - Wolf Moon

Join Park Educators for a moon-lit evening walk at the Collier Nature Preserve and enjoy nature's sounds and sights all under the full Wolf Moon! In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Ages 12+. Difficulty: moderate terrain, 2 miles. Register/pay by 1/1, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30-6 pm
Collier Preserve Parking Lot

Coffee With the Birds: Dark Eyed Juncos I

This month's programs will feature our friends from the north, the dark eyed junco. 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 1/2, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center

Winter Wildlife Track and Sign Hike - George L Fordyce Park

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 George L. Fordyce Park (formerly the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary). What we encounter is totally dependent upon the season and the activity of the wildlife on the land. Learn how to better distinguish coyote from dog tracks, identify woodpecker cavities, what scat tells us about an animal's diet, and so much more. Recommended for ages 10+. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper winter footwear required. Dress for the weather. Register by 1/2 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREE
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park

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 1/5, 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, January 7, 2026, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A

T'ai Chi Step One in the Gardens

Ease stress, improve health, and increase vitality. Join Marie Lew in warm-ups, breathing exercises, instruction of selected movements and narrated practice of a classic Chen T'ai Chi form. Register online or call 330.740.7116 ext230. Walk-ins welcome. $12/class
Wednesday, Jan. 7 - Dec. 16, 2026, Noon -1 pm
Fellows Riverside Gardens: Radius Program Classroom

Coffee With the Birds: Dark Eyed Juncos II

This month's programs will feature our friends from the north, the dark eyed junco. 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 1/9, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5
Sunday, January 11, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center

"Winter Talks" - Oak Hill Cemetery, a Virtual Tour

The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Traci Manning, Curator of Education, Mahoning Valley Historical Society to learn about the history of Oak Hill Cemetery with an image guided virtual tour. The program will explore several families and individuals interred at the Cemetery and will feature a guide to cemetery and funerary symbols, artwork, monuments, and statues. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Register/pay by 1/15, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $5
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10-11 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B

Winter Tree ID Hike

See the forest for the trees! Em"bark" on a wintry hike around the Ford Nature Center. A Park Educator will guide you on tree identification in the deep winter using various tools. Recommended for ages 10+. Difficulty: Easy. Please wear proper boots and dress for the weather. Register by 1/15, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11 am-12:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
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