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.
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 1/12, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. Recommended for adults. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per personThursday, January 14, 2027, 6:30-7:30 pm
Cushwa Education Building
Cushwa Education Building
January Full Moon Hike
Join Park staff for a moon-lit evening hike on the night of the January Wolf Moon. Meet at the Newport Wetland Parking Lot. Be prepared for a moderate 1 to 2-mile moderate difficulty hike. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you have one. (A limited number of small flashlights will be available.) In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. Register/pay by 1/21, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Ages 12+. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per personSaturday, January 23, 2027, 6:30-8 pm
Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Coffee With the Birds: Cardinals
Striking flashes of red on the winter landscape can be none other than the northern cardinal! Learn about the behavior and biology of Ohio's state bird while savoring a hot cup of coffee, or tea. Then enjoy guided indoor birdwatching at the feeders outside Nancy's Nook at the Ford Nature Center. Registration required; space is limited. Register/pay by 1/22, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5Sunday, January 24, 2027, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Science Class (For Adults!): The Art & Science of Tracking Wildlife
Why let the kids have all the fun? The Science Class series invites ages 18+ to dig in to their natural curiosity and explore the living world with a Park Educator through hands on learning. Think of a seventh grade science class for adults! This season we'll learn to read the landscape to discover the hidden lives of wildlife. Meet at Vickers Nature Preserve. After a brief indoor lesson, we'll create our own art using animal track impressions and plaster. Then we'll hit the trail in search of track and sign left by wildlife. Register/pay by 1/22, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5Sunday, January 24, 2027, 1-3 pm
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
Vickers Nature Preserve: Vickers Nature Preserve Parking Lot
Groundhog Day Scavenger Hunt
Stop by to celebrate Groundhog Day at Ford Nature Center with a fun and educational groundhog themed exhibit and a self-guided scavenger hunt indoors and along the Virginia Axtman Trail for All People. Come to Ford Nature Center January 25 through February 7, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome. FREEMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2027, 10 am-5 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Cocoa Around the Campfire
Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day at Ford Nature Center! Stop by the Nature Center, warm up beside our crackling fire pit, and enjoy a FREE cup of hot chocolate! Take a little time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate one of winter's sweetest traditions. Drop in, stay awhile, and enjoy a little warmth in the middle of winter. Registration requested but not required. No pets. FREESunday, January 31, 2027, Noon -4 pm
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
Forest Babies
Join Park staff for Forest Babies, a program for your youngest ones, ages 1-3 years old. Enjoy bonding time together while exploring the trails at Ford Nature Center and then creating a simple nature craft or completing an activity to take home. Please be sure you and your little one are dressed for the weather as this program will include outdoor nature time. Register/pay by 2/1, online for your Forest Baby (adults need not register) or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Only registered children may attend. Please do not bring unregistered children to this program. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per childWednesday, February 3, 2027, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Nature Loop Walk
One trail. Twelve months. A year of nature changes! Enjoy a guided stroll on the first Saturday of each month around the Lily Pond. We will revisit the same trail throughout the year to slow down and notice the surprising changes a month can bring. Come walk, slow down, and see what is happening in nature - there is always something new to discover! Gentle stroll on flat terrain, less than 1/2 mile. Registration required. Register by 2/4, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. No walk-ins. FREESaturday, February 6, 2027, Noon -1 pm
Lily Pond Parking Lot
Lily Pond Parking Lot
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 around Lake Newport. We may even hear or spot some of these feathered predators on the prowl. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper boots or winter footwear required. Ages 12+.Registration required. Register by 2/4, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREESaturday, February 6, 2027, 4:30-6:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
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 around Lake Newport. We may even hear or spot some of these feathered predators on the prowl. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper boots or winter footwear required. Ages 12+. Registration required. Register by 2/10, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk ins. No pets. FREEFriday, February 12, 2027, 5-7 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot