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.
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 behavior 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 2/12 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk ins. No pets. FREESaturday, February 14, 2026, 4:30-6:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Great Backyard Bird Count
Identify and record birds on a walk around George L. Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary) as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science event. Ages 8+. Difficulty: Easy. Register by 2/13. FREESunday, February 15, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park
Nature Preserves: George L. Fordyce Park
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 behavior 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 2/18 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk ins. No pets. FREEFriday, February 20, 2026, 5-6:45 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Paranormal Investigation of the Mill Creek Golf Course Fieldhouse
Join Park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society for an exclusive paranormal investigation of the Mill Creek Golf Course Fieldhouse built in 1929. What makes it exclusive? Previous investigations were for up to 30 participants and for two hours. For this investigation we are limiting the number of participants to 15 people for three hours, plenty of time to interact with the investigators and the spirit energy. Adults only; 18 and older. Registration required. Register/pay by 2/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. $40 per person.Friday, February 20, 2026, 8-11 pm
Mill Creek Golf Course : West Golf Drive Overflow Parking
Mill Creek Golf Course : West Golf Drive Overflow Parking
"Winter Talks" - Where Are the Bears?
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series asks: "Where are the Bears?" Did bears ever live in the Bear's Den area of the Park? If so, where did they go? Could bears ever return to Northeast Ohio? Park Educator Emily Greve will discuss the ecology of black bears, the history of their extirpation from our state and potential for return in Northeast Ohio. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Ages 16+. Register/pay by 2/19, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. $5Saturday, February 21, 2026, 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
"Winter Talks" - Bats: Flying Fiends or Furry Friends?
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series presents "Bats: Flying Fiends or Furry Friends?" Bats remain one of the most misunderstood creatures on Earth. Ford Nature Center is out to change that! Join Park Educator Emily Greve and use science to bust bat myths in this presentation focusing on bat behavior, physiology, and ecology. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Ages 16+. Register/pay by 2/19, online or call 330-740-7107 x 129. $5Saturday, February 21, 2026, 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
Walk with a Geologist: East Gorge Trail
Join Park Educator for a walk along the East Gorge trail to learn the geology and history of the Gorge and Lanterman's Falls. Meet at Lanterman's Mill Overflow Parking Lot. Be prepared for a 1 - 2-mile moderate walk; dress for the weather, study hiking boots are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 2/19, online or all 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2-3:30 pm
Lanterman's Mill Overflow
Lanterman's Mill Overflow
Throwback Thursday: Yellow Creek Park
Join a Park Educator as we travel back in time this Throwback Thursday to learn and explore the area of Yellow Creek Park. Did you know that the local iron industry's history was started here? 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 2/24, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per person.Thursday, February 26, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
Yellow Creek Lodge
Yellow Creek Lodge
"Winter Talks" - Youngstown - The Story Behind Bruce Springsteen's Tale of Our Hometown
The Ford Nature Center "Winter Talks" series invites you to join Eric Simione, Lanterman's Mill Manager, to enjoy a morning in the warmth and bright lights of our Education Building as we dive into Bruce Springsteen and the history behind the tale of his song "Youngstown" and its connections to Mill Creek Park. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Registration required. Register/pay by 2/26, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults 16+ years and older. $5Saturday, February 28, 2026, 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
"Winter Talks" - The Winter Sky and Beyond
Join Curt Spivey, Planetarium Engineer at Youngstown State University, for the Ford Nature Center's "Winter Talks" series! Discover what's visible in the winter night sky and catch up on the latest news and discoveries from the world of space and astronomy. The program will also include a telescope Q&A session. Coffee and hot chocolate provided. Register/pay by 2/26, online or call 330-740-7107 ext. 129. Adults 16 years or older. $5Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1-2 pm
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A