Programs

Coffee With the Birds: Woodpeckers

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+. $5

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. FREE

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 $120

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 3/17, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.

Fishing in the Park

Join us at the MetroParks Farm for a fun evening of fishing! This outing is primarily for youth anglers ages 3-12 years old and will take place at the MetroParks Farm Fishing Pond off the spur trail. Fishing equipment and bait is provided for all registered youth participants. A valid fishing license is required for participants 16+ years old. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

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. FREE

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. FREE

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. FREE.

Rock Talk

Do you have a favorite rock sitting around your home? Not sure what it is? Bring it to Ford Nature Center 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. FREE

Ready, Set, GROW Gardening Program

Ready, Set, GROW is a weekly gardening program for a child and an adult partner (Children must be in Grade 2 or older). The duo will join Park educators to learn the basics for growing their own garden. Each duo will have their own 3'x 10' raised garden bed to plant, tend, and harvest all summer long at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. This program meets on Thursdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm from March 26th through August 27th and includes lessons on basic gardening skills, hands-in-the-dirt time in your own garden, cooking, and other garden-related activities. At the first session on Thursday, March 26th you will be introduced to gardening by planting your own seeds to take home. All materials (garden bed, plants, seeds, tools, etc.) will be provided. Registration required. Register/pay by 3/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. $150 for each adult/child pair.