OUTSIDE MEDIA COVERAGE OF MILL CREEK METROPARKS

Interactive ‘Bug Day’ coming to Mill Creek Park

/in /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is gearing up for a day of creepy-crawly fun next week.

“Bug Day” will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ford Nature Center on Saturday, July 19. This free, family-friendly event promises a day of insect-inspired fun and education for visitors of all ages.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Live Bug Exhibits:
    • Meet “The BugMan,” Mark Berman from Columbus, Ohio, as he demonstrates his one-of-a-kind bug expertise.
    • Experience a stunning butterfly exhibit curated by Katie Shipka.
    • Get acquainted with Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager,” who brings beekeeping stories and practical insights to life.
  • Hands-On Activities:
    • Participate in gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, ensuring a fun and safe encounter with nature.
    • Enjoy creative bug-themed crafts
    • Embark on the “Bad Bug” Forest Walk, a unique opportunity to learn about the less-celebrated insects in their natural habitat.
    • Complete fun, educational activities to become an official “Bugologist”!

A private BugMan Stage Show will kick off at 10 a.m., preceding the main event. This exclusive presentation features The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live insect demonstrations. Registration is required for this special session at $15 per person and can be completed online or by calling 330-740-7107, ext. 129.

Limited, free parking is available on-site and at Pioneer Pavilion. As part of the event, visitors are encouraged to park at Slippery Rock Pavilion and enjoy the scenic “Good Bug” Pollinator Walk along the Ecology Trail leading to Ford Nature Center.

 

Read the original article at WKBN.

Mill Creek MetroParks to host ‘Bug Day’ at Ford Nature Center

/in /by

Mill Creek MetroParks will host “Bug Day” at the Ford Nature Center, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event aims to provide an educational experience focused on insects.

The event will feature live bug exhibits, including presentations by Mark Berman, known as “The BugMan,” and a butterfly exhibit curated by Katie Shipka. Don Kovach, referred to as the local “Bee-Manager,” will discuss beekeeping.

Attendees can participate in hands-on activities, such as bug-catching and release, and bug-themed crafts. A “Bad Bug” Forest Walk will offer information about less commonly celebrated insects. Participants can complete educational activities to earn a “Bugologist” designation.

Snacks and Mill Creek Park merchandise will be available for purchase at the gift shop. A bug-themed photo booth will be on-site, and trolley rides will be offered for cash only.

A private BugMan Stage Show will precede the main event at 10 a.m. This presentation will include videos and live insect demonstrations. Registration is required for this session, which costs $15 per person. Registration can be completed online at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or by calling 330-740-7107, ext. 129.

Limited free parking will be available on-site and at Pioneer Pavilion. Visitors are encouraged to park at Slippery Rock Pavilion and use the “Good Bug” Pollinator Walk along the Ecology Trail to reach the Ford Nature Center.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Junior golfers claim titles at Mill Creek tournament

/in /by

Junior golfers from across the country competed at Mill Creek Golf Course for the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments.

The tournaments were the American Junior Mahoning Valley Junior All-Star Tournament, Mahoning Valley Junior Preview Tournament, and Junior-Amateur Team Tournament.

All tournament rounds were played on Mill Creek’s South Course. This is the 10th anniversary of the AJGA conducting a tournament at Mill Creek.

 

2025 Mahoning Valley Junior All-Star Tournament:

Girls Champion: Grace Carter from Jupiter, FL (2029) shot nine under par (-9) for a total score of 201 strokes. In her second round she broke the female course record with a score of 63.

Boy’s Champion: Trent Reidel from Medina, OH (2029) shot two under (-2) for 208 strokes.

 

2025 Mahoning Valley Junior Preview Tournament:

Girls Champion: Willa Borough from Lexington, KY (2029) shot two over par (+2) for a score of 142. Borough won the title in a three-way, one-hole playoff.

Boy’s Champion: Alex Renda from Rancho Santa Fe, CA (2028) hit one over par (+1) for a score of 141.

 

2025 Mahoning Valley Junior-Amateur Tournament

Team Champions: Trent Reidel (AJGA) and Jackson Ensley, Greg Ensley, Rob Leonard, Caleb Foster (Amateurs) shot a collective 10 under par (-10) for a score of 60 strokes.

The South Course has a par of 70 with 6,526 yards for the boys tees and 6,102 for the girls tees.

 

Read the original article at WKBN.

Mill Creek MetroParks offer private tour of Lanterman’s Mill

/in /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is offering guests a private, exclusive tour through Lanterman’s Mill in the month of July.

The ‘Coffee Talk & Tour at Lanterman’s Mill’ will provide an in-depth look at the structure and its history within the city of Youngstown. While exploring, guests can enjoy a complimentary beverage of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The tour is available every Wednesday in the month of July and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The cost to participate is $10 per person. Registrations must be made no later than two days before the desired tour date. Older aged children that are registered must be accompanied by an adult.

You can register and check out the list of tours here.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

MetroMutts club memberships available for dog-friendly hikes

/in /by

Mill Creek MetroParks is bringing back its MetroMutts club, a program where members can hike through trails with man’s best friend.

Two memberships are available: an immediate family with up to three dogs for $40, and an indivudual with one dog for $30. Any additional dogs or people will cost $5 each.

Each membership runs 12 months from the date of purchase.

First-time members of the MetroMutts Club will be gifted a drawstring bag, water bottle, dog bowl, dog waste bag holder, and sticker.

The first hike will take place along the Lily Pond and Old Tree Trails on Saturday, June 28 from noon to 1 p.m.

You can sign up in-person at Wick Recreation Center or click the link here. Registration closes on Monday, June 30.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Scenic drives in Mill Creek getting facelift

/in /by

Two scenic roads in the Mill Creek MetroParks will soon be closed for improvements.

Beginning Wednesday, High Drive and Bears Den Drive will be closed as they receive important infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and the visitor experience.

The anticipated duration of the project is approximately three weeks, weather permitting. During this time, access to Scholl Pavilion and Chestnut Hill Drive will vary, depending on the phase of construction.

The project includes the installation of a new asphalt surface, fresh pavement markings and aggregate shoulders, designed to improve durability and accessibility.

Read the original article at WKBN.

Mill Creek MetroParks closing 2.3-mile stretch of bikeway for resurfacing

/in /by

A nearly two-and-a-half-mile-long section of the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway in Austintown is closed starting Monday, June 9, for resurfacing.

The closure will affect the segment from New Road to Silica Road, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge. The project, expected to last about three weeks, depending on weather, will install a new asphalt surface.

“This highly used segment will be temporarily closed to allow for the installation of a new asphalt surface,” the park stated in a news release.

During construction, the affected section, including the Mahoning Avenue Bridge, will be completely inaccessible. Park visitors are advised to plan alternative routes or use other park trails during the closure.

Read the original article at WFMJ.

Good Morning, Mahoning County Spotlights Local Progress

/in /by

New health care and recreational initiatives were announced Thursday during the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s Good Morning, Mahoning County breakfast.

Akron Children’s Hospital unveiled plans for a mobile health clinic. Mill Creek MetroParks reported it is positioned to host the NCAA Division III cross-country championships in 2028. CoreCivic’s Northeast Ohio Correctional Center emphasized the importance of workforce reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Other presentations included an update from the Mahoning County commissioners on a county rebranding effort.

 

Read the original article at the Business Journal.

Weller Gallery Displays Exhibition

/in /by

The work of Noreen Yazvac and Elizabeth Ford is featured in a joint exhibition at the Weller Gallery.

“Through Our Eyes” primarily features nature-oriented works in watercolor, acrylic, pastel and ink. It includes flowers in bloom, landscapes and some scenes from Mill Creek MetroParks. Each artist has a distinct style, and both love color.

Both artists are past presidents and current members of the Mahoning Valley Watercolor Society and studied at Youngstown State University.

“Through Our Eyes” will be on display through July 7 at the gallery, located inside the D.D. and Velma Davis Education Center at Mill Creek Park’s Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, go to www.millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330-740-7116.