Programs

T'ai Chi Step One in the Gardens

Join Marie Lew for a nurturing journey that combines gentle warm-ups, soothing breathing exercises, and the beautiful practice of Chen T'ai Chi. With classes available year-round and walk-ins always welcome, it's an easy way to relieve stress, enhance your health, and rejuvenate your spirit--all for just $12 per class. register online or calling 330.740.7116 ext230 today!

Yoga in the Gardens

Join Marina Perdos for a blend of energizing yoga styles that will help you keep a healthy outlook. All levels welcome. Bring a mat and a small blanket. With classes available year-round and walk-ins always welcome. Register / pay online or call 330.740.7116 ext230. $15/class No classes on May 15th, May 20th, May 22, May 27, July 1, & 3 September 2, September 30, October 2, November 27, December 23, 25, 30

Yoga Basics Course

Release physical and mental tensions while gradually improving strength & flexibility. Gentle and thorough, welcoming and inclusive, Yoga Basics classes are guided by experienced instructor Karres Cvetkovich. register online or call 330.740.7116 ext230. $96-8 week course. **Outdoors when weather permits in morning splendor with birdsong**

Yoga Basics Course

Release physical and mental tensions while gradually improving strength & flexibility. Gentle and thorough, welcoming and inclusive, Yoga Basics classes are guided by experienced instructor Karres Cvetkovich. These classes are held within the Outdoor Splendor including birdsong & full blooming glory in the gardens. register online or call 330.740.7116 ext230. $96-8 week course.

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 PROGRAM FULL

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.