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" Series--FOREST THERAPY: Reconnecting With Nature
The Ford Nature Center presents the "Winter Talks" Series on FOREST THERAPY: Reconnecting with Nature with Alyson Scheibe. Join us in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building to learn about forest therapy, its history, and benefits. Registration required. Register/pay by 1/23, online or call 330-740-7107 x. 129. Adults 16+. $3Saturday, January 25, 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
NEW - Nature Explorers - Mad Science Day!
Calling all 1st-3rd graders! Join our new program - Nature Explorers - where each month we will explore nature through experiments and hands-on activities. This month is Mad Science Day! Be sure to wear clothes that can get messy. This is a child only program. Parents will drop off and pick up. Register/pay by 1/23, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. $7Saturday, January 25, 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
Winter Tracks and Signs Hike
Animals don't cover their tracks. Head on out with a Park Educator and learn to spot and identify animal tracks and other signs of life in the winter landscape of Vickers Nature Preserve. We'll learn how to better distinguish coyote from dog tracks, identify woodpecker cavities, what scat tells us about an animal's diet and health, and much more. Recommended for ages 12+. Difficulty: Moderate. Please wear proper boots and dress for the weather. Register by 1/23 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREESaturday, January 25, 1:30-3:30 pm
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
Hike With an Educator: Cohasset Loop
New! - 'Hike with an Educator' on the last Monday of each month at different Park locations. This month we will hike the trails along Lake Cohasset. Meet at Pioneer Pavilion Parking Lot. Difficulty: moderate. Registration requested, but not required. Walk-ins welcome. No pets. Rain or shine. FreeMonday, January 27, 9-11 am
Mill Creek Park: Pioneer Pavilion Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Pioneer Pavilion Parking Lot
MetroCyclers Club Membership
MetroCyclers is a cycling club that will explore the designated bike trails that Mill Creek MetroParks has to offer. Rides range from easy, moderate, to difficult 7-18 miles each. Members will receive an authentic cycling shirt, drawstring backpack, sticker, and water bottle. Bring your own bike and helmet. Cost: $30 Mahoning County Resident; $40 Non-Mahoning County Resident. Deadline to become a member is August 10, 2025. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.Friday, January 31, Midnight
Various locations
Various locations
MetroMutts Club Membership
Join our 12 month MetroMutts program where we will have an organized hike or activity each month. Every member will receive a drawstring bag, water bottle, dog bowl, dog waste bag holder, and window sticker. Family membership includes immediate family and up to 3 dogs for $40.00. Additional dog or person is $5.00. Individual membership includes one dog and one person for $30.00. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.Friday, January 31, Midnight
Wick Recreation Area: Wick Recreation Area
Wick Recreation Area: Wick Recreation Area
"Winter Talks" - Ford Nature Center: (Re)Building a Hub for Education
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Park Planning & Operations Director Justin Rogers as he shares the behind-the-scenes details on the recent Ford Nature Center rehabilitation project. Register/pay by 1/29, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $3Friday, January 31, 6-7 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
"Winter Talks" - Paranormal in Mill Creek Park
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join us and the Collective Paranormal Research Team as we share stories of recent paranormal investigations at several Park locations. Join us in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building to review evidence collected and decide for yourself if Mill Creek Park is really haunted! Register/pay by 1/30, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years or older. $3Saturday, February 1, 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
Owling Hike
Whooo's calling out in the forest? Barred owls! These feathered predators are particularly active in the Park this time of year. We'll learn about owl biology and ecology on a night hike near Lake Newport. We may even hear or spot some of these feathered predators on the prowl. Meet at the Newport Wetlands parking lot off West Newport Dr. Difficulty: Moderate. Please wear proper boots and dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight. Ages 12+. Register by 1/30 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk ins. No pets. FreeSaturday, February 1, 4:30-6:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Coffee With the Birds
Get cozy with the locals on a crisp winter morning! Enjoy a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and watch our feathered friends at the feeders in Nancy's Nook at the Ford Nature Center. A Park Educator will guide you in identifying the birds that frequent the Nature Center and interpret their behavior and ecology. Registration required; space is limited. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. Please register/pay by 1/31, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. $5Sunday, February 2, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center