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" - Bigfoot - Do You Believe?
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join local Bigfoot enthusiast, Amy Bue and members of her investigative team as they share their own Bigfoot experiences. Join us in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building to learn where Ohio ranks in the number of sightings by state and how many sightings there have been in Mahoning County. Bring your own Bigfoot stories to share. Coffee and hot chocolate provided Ages 16+. Register/pay by 1/15, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. $5Saturday, January 17, 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
Rock Talk
Do you have a favorite rock sitting around your home? Not sure what it is? Bring it to Ford Nature Center Education Building to meet with a Park Educator to learn how to identify your rock and how it was formed. Please bring a rock! Park Educator will be on site from 2 - 4 pm to answer your questions about your rock and have others on display for you to learn about. Walk-ins welcomed. No registration required. FREESunday, January 18, 2026, 2-4 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Throwback Thursday: Birch Hill Cabin & Lily Pond
Did you know that Volney Rogers once stayed in a cabin on the property of Birch Hill Cabin? Or that the Lily Pond was the first man-made body of water in Mill Creek Park? Join a Park Educator to learn about the history and stories of the Birch Hill area while enjoying a warm beverage (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided). Registration required. Register/pay by 1/20, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Thursday, January 22, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
Birch Hill Cabin
Birch Hill Cabin
"Winter Talks" - Once Upon a Bedrock: The Story Beneath Mill Creek Park
Join Diana Alexander, Geologist and Mill Creek MetroParks Educator, for an immersive geological journey through Mill Creek Park as part of the Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series. In the warmth and comfort of the Ford Nature Center Education Building, you'll explore the formation of the region and get hands-on experience with local rock types. Together, we'll travel more than 320 million years into the past to uncover the geologic story of Mill Creek Park, discovering how ancient bedrock formed, how Ice Age glaciers shaped the terrain, and how these powerful forces created the remarkable landscape we enjoy today. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Register/pay by 1/22, online or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129. Adults 16 years or older. $5Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
"Winter Talks" - if These Walls Could Talk: Stories of Ford Nature Center
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Mill Creek MetroParks Educator Diana Alexander for a journey through the history and memories of Ford Nature Center. Who once lived within its walls? What stories did they leave behind? And how did this historic home become the heart of the Education Department? Settle in for a cozy afternoon in the warm Education Building as we explore the many layers and hidden tales of Ford Nature Center. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Register/pay by 1/22, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16 years or older. $5Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1-2 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
"Winter Talks" - Buzzing with Life: Creating Pollinator-friendly Spaces
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series presents "Buzzing with Life: Creating Pollinator-Friendly Spaces" with Alyson Wakeen of Cambium. Learn how to cultivate habitat for important pollinators right in your own backyard. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Ages 16+. Register/pay by 1/29, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. $5Saturday, January 31, 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" - 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