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.
Think Green Pop-In
In celebration of upcoming St. Patrick's Day, pop into the Education Building located beside the Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Rd.) to create a nature-themed 'think green' craft! Family friendly, supplies provided. Registration requested but not required, register online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. FREESaturday, March 14, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom B
Ford Nature Center Classroom B
A Paranormal Investigation of Ford Nature Center
Join Park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society for a paranormal investigation of Ford Nature Center. Past investigations have been very interesting! Bring your own ghost hunting equipment if you like. Registration required. Register/pay by 3/12, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults only; 18 and older. No walk-ins. $40Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8-11 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Coffee With the Birds: Woodpeckers II
This month we explore the world of woodpeckers. Savor a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a woodpecker 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 3/13, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5Sunday, March 15, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Wildlife Track and Sign Hike - Vickers Preserve
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 early Spring landscape of Vickers Nature Preserve. What we encounter is totally dependent upon the season and the activity of the wildlife on the land. Vickers Nature Preserve is an amazing place to find evidence of the secretive lives of great horned owl, coyote, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail rabbits, red fox, and more. Ages 10+. Difficulty: Moderate. ~2mi. Proper winter footwear required - some small water crossings and deep mud. Dress for the weather. Register by 3/13, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREESunday, March 15, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
T'ai Chi Basics for Beginners Course
Learn this classic art of energy balancing while developing coordination, flexibility and leg strength. Designed for beginners, this course includes warm-ups, breathing exercises and the first steps of a classic T'ai Chi form. Learn to flow through your day feeling centered and attuned!Register online or call 330.740.7116 ext230. course $120Thursday, Mar. 19 - May 21, 2026, Noon -1 pm
Fellows Riverside Gardens: Radius Program Classroom
Fellows Riverside Gardens: Radius Program Classroom
Birding the George L. Fordyce Park
Enjoy birding with Jeff Harvey on this early morning hike at the George L. Fordyce Park, 2650 W. Calla Rd. Space limited. Boots required. Moderate. 1.25 mi. Ages 8+. Register by 3/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREESaturday, March 21, 2026, 8-9:30 am
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park
Hike with a Naturalist: Bears Den
Join a Park Educator on an educational exploration of the Bears Den area of the Park. What we encounter is based on the seasonal goings-on of life in the Park. Difficulty: moderate. 1.5mi - muddy/uneven terrain. Ages 13+. Registration required. Register by 3/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. Rain or shine. FREESaturday, March 21, 2026, 9-11 am
Mill Creek Park: Bears Den Field
Mill Creek Park: Bears Den Field
Walk with a Geologist: Bears Den
Join a Park Educator at Bear's Den Cabin to learn about the geology of Mill Creek Park. After a brief talk (approximately 30 minutes), we will hit the trails to explore the area around the cabin to learn the history and see the geology close up. Approximately 1 mile, moderate - difficult terrain (climbing up steep slopes and across rocks). Dress for the weather, wear proper hiking shoes. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 3/19, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins, no pets. $5Saturday, March 21, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
Bears Den Cabin
Bears Den Cabin
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, March 22, 2026, 2-4 pm
FNC Classroom A
FNC Classroom A
Throwback Thursday: Mill Creek Park North End
Join a Park Educator as we travel back in time on this Throwback Thursday to learn and explore the northern area of Mill Creek Park. Did you know that there is evidence of an ancient river channel here? Or that this area is home to the second oldest building in Mahoning County? 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 3/24, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Thursday, March 26, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A