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" - 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! 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
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
Valentine's Pop-In
Why should school-aged children have all the fun? Too young or too young-at-heart for a Valentine's Day party at a school? Pop into the Education Building located next to the Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Rd.) to create a nature-themed Valentine's Day card for that someone special! Stop in anytime between noon and 2:00 pm. Family friendly, supplies provided. Registration requested but not required. Register online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No pets. FREEFriday, February 13, 2026, Noon -2 pm
FNC Classroom B
FNC Classroom B
"Winter Talks" - The Cookie Table - a Steel Valley Tradition
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join local author and cookie table enthusiast Alice Crosetto on a delectable journey through the tradition of a cookie table at every celebration. Register/pay by 2/12, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years and older. $5Saturday, February 14, 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" - Youngstown and the Titanic
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Traci Manning, Curator of Education, Mahoning Valley Historical Society to learn about area residents who were aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic in both First and Third class - their stories, struggles, and sacrifices are set against the backdrop of the history of the ship. Explore their legacy and memories as the local area learned of the news and the survivors returned home. Register/pay by 2/12, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $5Saturday, February 14, 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
Valentine's Hike
In celebration of Valentine's Day, grab your favorite people and enjoy a hike around Lake Cohasset together. Enjoy views of green hemlocks, Pioneer Pavilion, the Suspension Bridge and much more! Moderate 2 to 3-mile hike with slight grades and some steps. Meet at the Ford Nature Center Parking lot (840 Old Furnace Road). Dress for the weather; hiking boots recommended. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Registration required. Register by 2/12 online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREESaturday, February 14, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
Ford Nature Center Parking Lot
Ford Nature Center Parking Lot
Walk with a Geologist: East Gorge Trail
Join Park Educator for a walk along the East Gorge trail to learn the geology and history of the Gorge and Lanterman's Falls. Meet at Lanterman's Mill Overflow Parking Lot. Be prepared for a 1 - 2-mile moderate walk; dress for the weather, study hiking boots are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 2/19, online or all 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
Lanterman's Mill Overflow
Lanterman's Mill Overflow
Throwback Thursday: Yellow Creek Park
Join a Park Educator as we travel back in time this Throwback Thursday to learn and explore the area of Yellow Creek Park. Did you know that the local iron industry's history was started here? Enjoy learning about the people, events, and geology of area while enjoying a warm beverage (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided). Registration required. Register/pay by 2/24, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Thursday, February 26, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
Yellow Creek Lodge
Yellow Creek Lodge
"Winter Talks" - Youngstown - The Story Behind Bruce Springsteen's Tale of Our Hometown
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Eric Simione, Lanterman's Mill Manager, to enjoy a morning in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building as we dive into Bruce Springsteen and the history behind the tale of his song "Youngstown" and its connections to Mill Creek Park. Registration required. Register/pay by 2/26, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years and older. $5Saturday, February 28, 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" - The Winter Sky and Beyond
Join Curt Spivey, Planetarium Engineer at Youngstown State University, for the Ford Nature Center's "Winter Talks" series! Discover what's visible in the winter night sky and catch up on the latest news and discoveries from the world of space and astronomy. The program will also include a telescope Q&A session. Register/pay by 2/26, online or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129. Adults 16 years or older. $5Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1-2 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A