Programs

Summer Trolley Tour PROGRAM FULL

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 7/13, 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.

Coffee Talk & Tour at Lanterman's Mill

Join Mill Manager Eric for an exclusive, private tour of Lanterman's Mill and an exploration into the history of this iconic, beloved Youngstown treasure. The Talk & Tour includes your choice of beverage (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate). Dress for the weather as the mill does not have air conditioning. This program may appeal more to history-minded adults, but older, interested children with an adult may attend. Register/ pay by 7/14 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $10 per person

Park Wanderings

Join Educator Miss Lynn for Park Wanderings, a leisurely stroll at different Park location. This month let's wander to Scholl Recreation Area off Bears Den Rd. Dress for the weather. Register/pay by 7/16, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5

Birding the George L. Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary) PROGRAM FULL

Enjoy birding with Jeff Harvey on this early morning hike at the George L. Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary), 2650 W. Calla Rd. Space limited. Boots required. Moderate. 1.25 mi. Register by 7/17, online or call Ford Nature Center 330.740.7107 x 129. FREE

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.