MetroParks hikes, nature walks. Upcoming programs include nature walks, full-moon hikes and a guided stroll around the Lily Pond.
HIKES & NATURE WALKS
Wildlife Track and Sign Hike. Collier Preserve. Mill Creek Metroparks, 2823 W. Western Reserve Road, Canfield 44406. Register by Nov. 19, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Join a MetroParks educator to find and identify animal tracks and other signs of life in Collier Preserve. The groups will learn how to better distinguish coyote from dog tracks, identify woodpecker cavities and what scat tells about an animal’s life. Ages 10 through adults. Hike is moderately difficult. Moderate. 1-3 p.m, Saturday, Nov. 21.
Walk with a Geologist: East Gorge Trail. Overflow parking lot, Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Register by Nov. 20, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Learn the geology and history of the Gorge and Lanterman’s Falls in a walk led by a park educator. The walk is 1-2 miles and moderately difficult. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots, if possible. In the event of bad weather, an alternative date will be provided. No walk-ins, no pets. Noon-2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22.
Golden Hour Stroll. Overflow parking lot, Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Register by Nov. 20, online or call 330-740-7107, 129. Wander from the Lanterman’s Mill overflow lot toward Oak Grove during the Golden Hour. Learn about the history of Mill Creek Park as the sun sets. The stroll is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles on an uneven path. Bring a camera or smartphone to snap photos. 29. No walk-ins, no pets. 4-5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22.
November Full Moon Hike – Beaver Moon. Newport Wetlands, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. MetroParks staff will lead a moon-lit hike on the night of November’s “Beaver Moon.” The moderately-difficult hike is 2 miles. For ages 12 to adult. Register/pay by Nov. 21, online or call 330-740-7107, ext. 129. No walk-ins, no pets. 4:45-6:45 p.m., Monday, Nov. 23. $5.
The Great Holiday Escape. Overflow parking lot, Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Features a relaxing winter stroll (about 1 mile on gentle terrain). Includes hot chocolate and popcorn. Register/pay by Dec. 10 (online or call). No walk-ins. No pets. 3:30-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. $5.
Winter Ecology Walk & Talk. MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Learn more about winter ecology during a hike through multiple habitats on the Mindy Henning Trail. For ages 8 and older. Moderate difficulty. 2 miles. Rain or shine. No walk-ins. No pets. Register/pay by Dec. 17, online or call. 2:30-4 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 19.
Winter Solstice: Fireside & Moonlight. Grounds behind Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Ford Nature Center will welcome the winter solstice with a fire pit and hot chocolate (4-6 p.m.) and a guided moonlit stroll (6 p.m.). Dress for the weather. Register/pay by Dec. 19, online or call. No walk ins. No pets. 4-7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21. $5.
Nature Loop Walk. Lily Pond Parking Lot, Lily Pond Circle Trail, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Features a guided stroll around the Lily Pond the first Saturday of every month. Mill Creek MetroParks will revisit the same trail throughout the year to show the changes a month can bring. A gentle stroll on flat terrain, less than half mile. Register by Dec. 31, online or call. No pets. No walk-ins. Noon -1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 2.
MetroMutts Dog Walking Club: Ford Nature Center. Ford Nature Education Center patio, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. MetroMutts meets monthly at different sites around Mill Creek MetroParks for a hike with your dog. Hike is 1.5 miles. Register/pay by Jan. 7, online or call. Call for details. Noon-1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9. Free for members, $5 for nonmembers.
Winter Tree ID Hike. Struthers Pavilion, Yellow Creek Park, Mill Creek MetroParks, 19½ Lowellville Road, Struthers 44471. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. A park educator will lead a program on identifying trees in winter using various strategies and tools. For ages 8 and older. Terrain is easy to moderate depending upon weather conditions. Register by Jan. 8, online or call. 1:30-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 10.
January Full Moon Hike. Parking lot, Newport Wetlands, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. MetroParks staff will lead a moon-lit hike during the January “Wolf Moon.” The hike is 1-2 miles and moderately difficult. 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 Jan. 21, online or call. Ages 12 and older. No walk-ins. No pets. 6:30-8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23. $5.
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