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 Solstice Celebration
Join a Park Educator as we celebrate Winter Solstice! We will have a fire, hot beverages, and warm company for you to reflect on and renew on this solstice evening. Spend some time inside the Education Building warming up and creating a winter-themed craft. Fire will be located behind the Ford Nature Center Education Building. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available. Dress for the weather and bring a camp chair! Registration required. Register/pay online by 12/19 or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Sunday, December 21, 2025, 3-5 pm
Behind Education Building
Behind Education Building
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
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. $5Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30-6 pm
Collier Preserve Parking Lot
Collier Preserve Parking Lot
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
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
"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. Register/pay by 1/15, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $5Saturday, January 17, 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" - 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. 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
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
"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. 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