MetroParks schedules hikes, walks, nature education | May features full moon walks, birding events and nature-education strolls.
Birding
Evening Birding. Newport Wetlands parking lot, Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Watch for migrating birds along the Newport Wetlands and Channel Islands trail. Register by May 4. No walk-ins. No pets. For ages 8 and older. 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 6.
World Migratory Bird Day. George L. Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary). 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. Call 330-740-7107, ext. 129 for details. Participants will spend the day with Jeff Harvey identifying and counting the different species of birds. Drop in anytime during the event. Binoculars recommended. Limited parking. 6 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 9.
Hikes & nature walks
Full Moon Hike: Flower Moon. Vickers Nature Preserve parking lot, Vickers Nature Preserve, Mill Creek MetroParks, 10334 W. Akron-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. 330-740-7107, extension 129. Park staff will lead a moonlit evening hike through Vickers Nature Preserve. For ages 12 and older. Register/pay by April 29. No walk-ins. No pets. 8-10 p.m., Friday, May 1. $5.
Coffee With the Birds: Axtmann Trail Stroll. Education Classroom A, Ford Nature Education Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. The program covers a stroll along the trail and an exploration of bird migration. Register/pay by May 1. No walk-ins. For ages 10 and older. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 3. $5.
Park Wanderings. Outdoor Concourse, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7107, extension 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Educator Miss Lynn leads a leisurely stroll at different Park locations. This month features Fellows Riverside Gardens. Dress for the weather. Register/pay by May 13. No walk-ins. No pets. 9-10 a.m., Friday, May 15. $5.
Plants & Pathways. Parking lot, Lake Newport Wetlands. Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Park educator and Ohio-certified volunteer naturalist Gary Davenport will explain the plants at Mill Creek MetroParks, their ecological roles and how to identify them. Features a gentle walk up to 1-2 miles on uneven surfaces. Register by May 13. No walk-ins. No pets. 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, May 15.
Spore & Explore. Parking lot, Lake Newport Wetlands Parking Lot. Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Park educator and Ohio-certified volunteer naturalist Gary Davenport will explain will cover mushrooms, their ecological roles and how to identify them. Features a gentle stroll up to 1-2 miles. Register by May 14. No walk-ins. No pets. 10:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 16.
Frog Walk. Vickers Nature Preserve, Mill Creek MetroParks, 10334 W. Akron-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Includes an educational hike with park staff and volunteers to look and listen for native frogs. Hike is 1 mile. Register by May 19. No walk-ins. No pets. 8:30-10 p.m., Thursday, May 21.
An Evening in Nature. Ford Nature Education Center grounds, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Features Mill Creek Park trivia around the Ford Nature Center’s fire pit. Bring a lawn chair. Includes an optional evening stroll along the Virginia Axman Trail for All People. Register by May 20. No walk-ins. No pets. 7-9 p.m., Friday, May 22.
Golden Hour Stroll. George L. Fordyce Park (formerly Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary). 2650 W. Calla Road, Canfield 44406. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Wander the winding paths of George L. Fordyce Park art dusk during the magical Golden Hour. Includes a relaxing stroll and park history. The walk is 1.5-2-miles on uneven grassy trails. Bring a camera. Register by May 24. No walk-ins. No pets. 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 26.
Full Moon Hike – Blue Moon. Ford Nature Education Center lobby, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, 44511. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. Park staff will lead a moon-lit evening hike along Lake Cohasset during a Blue Moon. Ages 12 and older. Register/pay by May 29. No walk-ins. No pets. 8:30-10 p.m., Sunday, May 31. $5.
Other
Paranormal Investigation of Lanterman’s Mill. Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek MetroParks, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown 44511. 330-740-7107, ext 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society will lead a paranormal investigation of Lanterman’s Mill. For adults 18 and older. Requires registration. Register/pay by May 14. No walk-ins. 8-11 p.m., Saturday, May 16. $40.
Traveling Naturalist: Newport Wetlands. Parking lot, Lake Newport Wetlands. Mill Creek MetroParks, Boardman 44512. 330-740-7107, ext. 129. www.millcreekmetroparks.org. Stop by the Newport Wetlands Davies Wetland Trail for a wildlife touch table and Q&A with a park educator. 5-7 p.m., Saturday, May 30.
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