Programs

Bugs Up Close and Personal With the Bugman, Mark Berman

Bugs Up Close and Personal with The Bugman, Mark Berman, returns for another small session encounter with so many bugs for families to learn about, hold, and touch. Mark Berman has been showing people bugs since he was 5 years old, and he expresses that passion and love for bugs in such an engaging way that you will never look at a bug the same way again. This private show will feature The BugMan's original up-close videos and live bug demonstrations that are sure to wow both children and adults. Seating is limited for this intimate event. Be sure to register early as the event filled up quickly last year. Registration is required. Register/pay by by 7/17 online or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129 for more information. $15 per child / per adult

Bug Day!

Join us for Ford Nature Center's Bug Day 2025! There will be live bug exhibits, including "The BugMan", Mark Berman, from Columbus, Ohio; Katie Shipka with a butterfly exhibit, and Don Kovach, the local "Bee-Manager." Other fun activities will include gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, bug crafts, a bug tattoo station, a special Pop-Up Library visit from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, and the return of the "Bad Bug" Forest Walk. Children who complete all of the Bug Day activities will earn a "Masters of Bugology" certificate. Make plans to attend and get your fill of some creepy-crawlies! Parking at Ford Nature Center is limited, but there will also be parking that requires a short hike to the nature center at Pioneer Pavilion and Slippery Rock Pavilion. Those who park at Slippery Rock Pavilion will have an special opportunity to take a "Pollinator Promenade" through the forest to get to Ford Nature Center. Snacks, a framed photo at our Bug-themed photo booth, and trolley rides will be available for purchase (cash only). No registration required. FREE

MetroMutts: Newport Wetlands Hike

Join us for a moderate 2-mile hike along the shade-covered West Channel and Islands Trail. Meet at the Newport Wetlands Parking Lot. Members free, non-members $10. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

Hike with a Naturalist: McGuffey Wildlife Preserve

Join a monthly educational exploration of Mill Creek MetroParks' properties. What we encounter is based on the seasonal goings-on of life in the Park. This month we will explore McGuffy Wildlife Preserve. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Difficulty: easy. Registration required. Register by 7/18. No walk-ins. No pets. Rain or shine. FREE.

Turtles Walk & Talk

Take a hike with a Park Educator around the Lily Pond - prime turtle habitat! Learn all about the unique biology and behavior of the Park's turtle species. Meet at the Lily Pond. Difficulty: Easy. Rain or shine. Dress for the weather. Registration required. Register by 7/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $3.

Summer Trolley Tour

Enjoy Summer in Mill Creek Park with natural and historic views aboard the Cohasset Express. Limited seating. Boards at Ford Nature Center. Register/pay by 7/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults: $10 R, $12 NR; Seniors/Youth: $7 R, $9 NR. Accessibility Notice: The Cohasset Express Trolley is not accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or with certain mobility impairments.

Summer Trolley Tour

Enjoy Summer in Mill Creek Park with natural and historic views aboard the Cohasset Express. Limited seating. Boards at Ford Nature Center. Register/pay by 7/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults: $10 R, $12 NR; Seniors/Youth: $7 R, $9 NR. Accessibility Notice: The Cohasset Express Trolley is not accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or with certain mobility impairments.

Science Class: Stream Macroinvertebrates

Why let the kids have all the fun? The Science Class series invites ages 18+ to dig in to their natural curiosity and explore the living world with a Park Educator through hands on learning. Think of a seventh grade science class for adults! This season we will be learning about macroinvertebrates and what they can tell us about stream health. Splash around in the Bear Creek and learn to classify the critters we catch. Register/pay by 7/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5

Youth Archery Camp (Ages 6-12)

Join us for Archery Camp at the MetroParks Farm this summer! During the 4-day camp, participants receive one-on-one instruction that provides them with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a compound bow. Location: MetroParks Farm Archery Range in Canfield, OH. Registration deadline is July 21, 2025. Cost: $60 Mahoning County residents, $70 non-Mahoning County residents. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

July Stargazing Party With YSU Astronomy Department

Join Park Staff, YSU Planetarium Engineer, Curt Spivey, and YSU Astronomer, Dr. Patrick Durrell for a star talk and stargazing opportunity! The event is scheduled for Monday 7/21 but may be moved if another evening that week shows more promising weather. We are hoping to have a cloudless night for this event. Those who register will be directly notified of any change in the stargazing event which will take place sometime between 7/21 and 7/25 depending on the weather reports. Walk-ins also welcome. We will meet at the MetroParks Bikeway MetroParks Farm Trailhead (7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd.). Be prepared for some limited walking and time spent standing outside. Registration recommended so that you can be notified of date changes due to more promising weather opportunities. Register by 7/19, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. FREE.