Last Weekend for Skating on Mill Creek MetroParks’ Lily Pond

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Mother Nature provided a great opportunity for Mill Creek MetroParks to allow ice skating on the Lily Pond for the past few weeks. As we look toward spring, Mill Creek MetroParks will hold one final weekend of ice skating on the Lily Pond before the pond closes. Final days for supervised skating will be Friday, February 28 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bring your skates (no skate rental is available) for one last weekend of outdoor skating fun.

We were happy to provide this opportunity to the community and are glad so many were able to enjoy pond skating. MetroParks officials would like to thank the public for their support and hope visitors continue to make Mill Creek MetroParks their recreation destination for all seasons. Mill Creek MetroParks officials would also like to remind visitors that due to the fluctuating temperatures, trails throughout the MetroParks might be slippery. Visitors and hikers should use caution when on these trails.

Thomas J. Bresko named OPRA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner…Retired Mill Creek MetroParks Director honored February 4

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Retired Mill Creek MetroParks Director Thomas J. Bresko has been named the 2013 Harvey Woods Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA). Bresko was honored at the annual OPRA Awards Celebration on February 4, 2014, at the Kalahari Conference Center.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” Bresko said. “I must thank my many coworkers and volunteers who supported me during my three-decade plus career at Mill Creek MetroParks. This recognition would never have happened without them.”

Bresko began his career with Mill Creek MetroParks in the summer of 1973 on a seasonal labor crew. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1975, Bresko remained employed with the MetroParks through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program, and worked in maintenance for two years between the Par 3 Golf Course and Fellows Riverside Gardens. He was named Recreation Director in 1977 after the current director resigned unexpectedly. Bresko spent the next 32 years as Recreation Director, the longest term to date. During his tenure, he shaped and expanded programs and annual special events like Sunfest, Sunset at the Farm and Easter Eggstravaganza. He also nurtured collaborations with numerous organizations for the purpose of holding their special events, especially foot races and walks throughout Mill Creek MetroParks.

In 1982, Bresko took on additional administrative duties of Ford Nature Center and Lanterman’s Mill. He was very involved in the conversion of Mill Creek Park to a metropolitan park district, Mill Creek MetroParks, in 1989. After the conversion Bresko also took on administrative duties of MetroParks Farm, Yellow Creek Park, Vickers Nature Preserve and McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. Bresko became MetroParks Interim Executive Director in September 2009 until he was named Deputy Director in December 2010 and served until his retirement October 1, 2011. The Board of Park Commissioners named the pavilion in Wick Recreation Area the Thomas J. Bresko Pavilion in a resolution in 2011.

“I worked with Tom for 15 years and learned to appreciate his love for the MetroParks,” said Dennis Miller, Mill Creek MetroParks Executive Director. “Tom is a well-deserved winner of this award.”

About the OPRA Harvey Woods Lifetime Achievement Award

Harvey Woods served as a parks and recreation professional not only in his day-to-day tasks, but also by mentoring young professionals and serving OPRA and NRPA. This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has emulated this work, with a minimum of 30 years of service within parks and recreation.

About Mill Creek MetroParks

Mill Creek Park was established in 1891 by Volney Rogers as the first park district in Ohio. In 1989, the diverse lands now known as Mill Creek MetroParks officially became a metropolitan park district, providing visitors of all ages the opportunity to relish “the gem” of Mahoning County. From the casual visitor to the local explorer, Mill Creek MetroParks offers a natural escape and recreational activities for the enjoyment of all ages.

The mission of Mill Creek MetroParks is to provide park, recreational and open space facilities of regional significance. In fulfilling this mission, our objectives are to be responsive to community needs; to be environmentally sound; to be adaptable; and to be economically feasible.

To explore, experience and enjoy Mill Creek MetroParks, please visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000. Like us on Facebook (Mill Creek MetroParks) and follow us on Twitter (@millcreekmetro) and Instagram (millcreekmetroparks).

Thank you, Mill Creek crew

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Click to read this article at: Vindy.com

Mill Creek MetroParks presents annual Twice-Loved Book Sale

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Mill Creek MetroParks will hold its annual Twice Loved Book Sale on Saturday, February 15 through Sunday, February 23. Peruse the tables for much-loved books about gardening, cooking, and nature. Check out the selection of magazines about gardening, cooking, and other hobbies as well. The sale will be held at the D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Proceeds from this sale benefit the Maxcine Antonucci Horticulture Library.

While shopping the Twice Loved Book Sale, be sure to check out The Seed Library, new to the Maxcine Antonucci Horticulture Library this year. Through this program, aspiring gardeners can “check out” free donated seed for planting in their garden. In the fall after the harvest, gardeners can “return” newly collected seed to restock the Seed Library for next year.

Please call 330.740.7116 for more information. The D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at the Gardens is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Fellows Riverside Gardens is open daily dawn to dusk.

Mill Creek MetroParks seeks public comment for roadway resurfacing project

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Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming roadway resurfacing project. The area to be addressed by the project is West Golf Drive in Mill Creek Park, between the Mill Creek Golf Course and Shields Road. This portion of West Golf Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic during project construction, which is anticipated to commence in late summer or early fall 2014. The project is substantially funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Public comment will be received by the MetroParks through 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014. Please submit comments to: Mill Creek MetroParks, RE: West Golf Drive, PO Box 596, Canfield, OH 44406. Call 330.702.3000 with questions.

Mill Creek MetroParks presents Jewels of Winter Orchid Exhibit

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Find the spirit of the tropics at Fellows Riverside Gardens with the Jewels of Winter Orchid exhibit, on display now through March 16 inside the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center. Visit the D. D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center to view these exotic beauties on display. A series of programs beginning this month will provide further learning experiences about the orchid.

Beginner Orchids – Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Becoming an orchid owner may seem daunting, but this class will ease your fears and help you get your orchid to its first birthday and beyond. Dave Miller and Jackie Land will share ways to keep your orchid growing beautifully in your home.

Fee: $12; FFRG member: $10

Orchid Walk-About – Saturday, February 8 and Tuesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – Noon

Dave Miller from the Greater Akron Orchid Society will lead an orchid walk highlighting the main varieties of orchids displayed throughout the Davis Center. You may bring an actual orchid to the walk to be diagnosed.

Space is limited, please call to register for this free program.

Orchid Clinic – Wednesday, February 19 and Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dave Miller and Jackie Land will walk you through repotting your very own orchid. Bring any problem orchids you may have and they will help you get them back on track. Plus, receive an orchid to repot in class and take home.

Fee: $20; FFRG member: $15

Please call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 for more information and to register for these orchid programs. The D. D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

‘Tis the Season for Orchids!

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“The earth laughs in flowers.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

We could all use a taste of the tropics during this cold, grey winter. Exotic, beautiful orchids are the jewels of the plant world, and are featured in our Jewels of Winter Orchid Show, on display now through March 16 in the Garden Conservatory in the D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

How much do you know about orchids? Horticulture Director Keith Kaiser answers some of the most frequently asked questions about these delicate beauties below.

Q: Do orchids grow well in the home?

KK: Yes, some can do very well.  However, the best type to start with would be Phalaenopsis the Moth Orchid and Paphiopedilum the Slipper Orchid. These types will do best in the home for the beginner orchid enthusiast.

Q: I see orchids for sale in the stores that say all that is required is to place ice cubes in the pot to meet their watering needs, is that true?

KK: Well, not really. Each type of orchid has specific water requirements, so watering methods should not be generalized. Using ice cubes to water the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid is not a horticulturally sound practice. First, the amount of water received from a melted ice cube varies. It is much better to thoroughly water the roots until water runs through the drainage holes in the pot when watering is needed. Plus, the practice of placing something frozen on living plant tissue is harmful to the plant.

Q: Are all orchids related to each other?

KK: The Orchidaceae plant family is one of the largest flowering plant families on Earth. To date, nearly 26,000 species within 880 genera have been recorded.

Q: I heard that vanilla is from an orchid plant. Is that true?

KK: Yes, the popular flavoring used to make ice cream, cookies and candy is the seed pod of the Vanilla planifolia plant.  Actually, the part of the pod that is used for flavoring is the inside of the dried and conditioned pod including the seeds.

Now that you know a little more about these unique plants, attend one of our classes below to continue learning about the wonderful world of orchids.

Beginner Orchids – Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Have you always wanted to grow orchids, but don’t know where to start? Becoming an orchid owner may seem daunting, but this class will ease your fears and help you get your orchid to its first birthday and beyond. Dave Miller and Jackie Land will share ways to keep your orchid growing beautifully in your home.

Fee: $12; FFRG member: $10

Orchid Walk-About – Saturday, February 8 and Tuesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – Noon

Dave Miller from the Greater Akron Orchid Society will lead an orchid walk highlighting the main varieties of orchids displayed throughout the Davis Center. You may bring an actual orchid to the walk to be diagnosed.

Fee: free

Orchid Clinic – Wednesday, February 19 and Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dave Miller and Jackie Land will walk you through repotting your very own orchid. Bring any problem orchids you may have and they will help you get them back on track. Plus, receive an orchid to repot in class and take home.

Fee: $20; FFRG member: $15

 

Please call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 for more information and to register for these orchid events. The D. D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fellows Riverside Gardens is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Mill Creek MetroParks to reopen Lily Pond for ice skating

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Pond will reopen Wednesday, February 5 at 3pm

The cold temperatures over the past few days have given Mill Creek MetroParks the opportunity to re-open the Lily Pond to ice skaters starting Wednesday, February 5 at 3 p.m. Pond skating will continue as long as conditions safely allow. Supervised ice skating at the Lily Pond will continue on Friday, February 7 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and will continue on Fridays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through February 23, weather permitting. Benches and a fire pit will be provided for the convenience of those not hitting the ice or those who need to rest or warm up. Interested skaters are asked to please bring skates as no skate rental will be available.

For questions and more information about ice skating on the Lily Pond, call Mill Creek MetroParks at 330.702.3000 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.