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.
Critter Tales: Winter at the Bird Feeder
Ages 3-5, plus adult. Winter can be great time to focus on birds! We'll read a story and learn about the birds we see at bird feeders during the Winter through fun and games. Spend some time in Nancy's Nook watching birds at the feeders. Create a natural birdfeeder to take home. Register/pay online by 12/16 or call 330.740.7107 x 129. $5 per child. Please do not bring unregistered children to this program.Thursday, December 18, 2025, 10-11 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom B
Throwback Thursday: Bears Den
The Wall Garden, the dams of the lakes, even the curbs in Mill Creek MetroPark are made out of native sandstone! Did you know that majority of that stone came from the Bears Den area? The surrounding area has a rich history of quarrying operations. Join a Park Educator in the warmth of Bears Den Cabin as we explore the history, geology, and stories about the area while enjoying a hot beverage (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided). Registration required. Register/pay online by 12/16 or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. Adults and children 12+. $5 per person.Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:30-7:30 pm
Bears Den Cabin
Bears Den Cabin
Walk with a Geologist: The Gorge in Winter
Winter is one of the best times to view geology! With no vegetation blocking the scenery, exposed natural structures are easy to access and see! Join a park educator as we travel back in time to explore the geology of the Gorge. Meet outside of Lanterman's Mill. Moderate 1 - 2-mile hike. Registration required. Register/pay online by 12/18 or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $3 per person.Saturday, December 20, 2025, 2-3:30 pm
Outside Lanterman's Mill
Outside Lanterman's Mill
Winter Solstice Walk
Winter Solstice. The shortest day and longest night of the year is a time for reflection and renewal. Join a Park Educator on a nature reflection walk to renew your senses. A moderate 1 - 2-mile walk beginning from Ford Nature Center Parking Lot. We will return in time for the Winter Solstice Celebration (separate registration required). Register online by 12/19 or call 330-740-7107 ext.129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE.Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1-2:30 pm
Ford Nature Center Parking Lot
Ford Nature Center Parking Lot
Winter Solstice Celebration
Join a Park Educator as we celebrate Winter Solstice! We will have a fire, hot beverages, and warm company for you to reflect on and renew on this solstice evening. Spend some time inside the Education Building warming up and creating a winter-themed craft. Fire will be located behind the Ford Nature Center Education Building. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available. Dress for the weather and bring a camp chair! Registration required. Register/pay online by 12/19 or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Sunday, December 21, 2025, 3-5 pm
Behind Education Building
Behind Education Building
Traveling Naturalist: Ford Nature Center
A Park Educator will be on site inside Ford Nature Center with a wildlife artifact touch table to answer all your nature questions! All are welcome to stop by and chat! Call 330.740.7107 x 129 for details. FREEFriday, January 2, 2026, Noon -3 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Back to Nature: Natural Bird Feeders
Although the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, the hustle and bustle for our feathered friends is not! During the winter months birds need a little extra help with finding food. Join a park educator at the Education Building at Ford Nature Center to create a natural birdfeeder to hang along the All-People's Trail. Dress for the weather, approximately 0.3 miles over flat terrain. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 1/1, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Saturday, January 3, 2026, Noon -1:30 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom B
Ford Nature Center Classroom B
Full Moon Hike - Wolf Moon
Join Park Educators for a moon-lit evening walk at the Collier Nature Preserve and enjoy nature's sounds and sights all under the full Wolf Moon! In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Ages 12+. Difficulty: moderate terrain, 2 miles. Register/pay by 1/1, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30-6 pm
Collier Preserve Parking Lot
Collier Preserve Parking Lot
Coffee With the Birds: Dark Eyed Juncos I
This month's programs will feature our friends from the north, the dark eyed junco. Savor a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a 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 1/2, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 12+. $5Sunday, January 4, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Winter Wildlife Track and Sign Hike - George L Fordyce Park
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 winter landscape of George L. Fordyce Park (formerly the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary). What we encounter is totally dependent upon the season and the activity of the wildlife on the land. Learn how to better distinguish coyote from dog tracks, identify woodpecker cavities, what scat tells us about an animal's diet, and so much more. Recommended for ages 10+. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper winter footwear required. Dress for the weather. Register by 1/2 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. FREESunday, January 4, 2026, 11 am-1 pm
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park