Mill Creek MetroParks & Audubon Society will partner on a Grassland Habitat Management Pilot Program at the MetroParks Farm in the hopes of increasing the survival rate of species of bird known as the Bobolink. Bobolinks are a grassland–dependent species that is listed as a “species of concern” as determined by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and have been known to frequent the pasture areas of the MetroParks Farm. The program involves delaying cutting of a roughly three (3) acre sized portion of existing pasture until July 4^th which coincides with the conclusion of the bobolinks nesting season. The Audubon Society will monitor the three acres weekly beginning at the end of April and   attempt to estimate the number of nesting bobolinks in an effort to determine if the delayed cutting increases nest success.

Grasslands at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm have been attracting various grassland-dependent birds, including Bobolinks for at least 10 years. Additional grassland-dependent species to be included in the pilot program are: Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows and Vesper Sparrows. Breeding bird surveys have indicated that the population of Bobolinks is declining at a rate of 4.5% annually. The primary cause of mortality for these grassland species, and the population declines, is the disturbance they encounter during their nesting from haying, mowing or burning.

Additionally, Audubon Society will be donating $1000.00 for educational interpretive signage that will be placed on the acreage where the pilot program will take place.

For more information on the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, please call 330.702.3000 or visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

(Youngstown, Ohio) The Wildlife Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks, will meet on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Pioneer Pavilion, on Old Furnace Road in Youngstown.

The Finance Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks, will meet on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 10 a.m. in McMahon Hall at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

The Horticulture Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks, will meet on Monday, April 24, 2017, at 4 p.m., at Birch Hill Cabin, at the end of McCollum Rd. in Youngstown.

The Nature Education Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks, will meet on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 6:30 p.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

The Development Standing Committee to the Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks, will meet on Monday, May 1, 2017, at 4 p.m., in Classroom A at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.

(Youngstown, Ohio) The South Course and Practice Range & Learning Center will re-open for the season on Friday, April 14, 2017. The James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area Par 3 Golf Course will re-open on Monday, April 17, 2017. In addition, the batting cages, tennis courts and sand volleyball courts also located at the Wick Recreation Area will open on April 17. Hours are 8 am to dark, with lighted night hours of 8 pm – 11 pm beginning Memorial Day weekend.

For more information about the Mill Creek Golf Course and the James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area, visit our website at www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Lanterman’s Mill Water Wheel Replacement Bid Approved by Board

(Youngstown, Ohio)  Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners awarded a bid totaling $182,500 for the replacement of the Lanterman’s Mill Water Wheel on April 10, 2017. The project is part of this year’s capital improvements plan and is located at Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park, adjacent to Canfield Road (SR 62) in the City of Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio. The existing wooden water wheel was constructed and installed in 2000 and due to its continuous use and age, it has deteriorated to a point where total replacement is needed. The existing waterwheel is still in operation and its operation will be maintained until the wheel is replaced at the end of the 2017 season.  In addition to total replacement of the waterwheel, the project includes the following major elements:

• Replacement of the waterwheel trestle and maintenance platforms
• Construction of new waterwheel headblocks
• Replacement of the penstock and flume
• Replacement of penstock and head race control gates
• Alterations and repairs to the lower public viewing platform
• Electrical lighting improvements

Forty-nine percent of the awarded total project amount of $182,500 is being paid for by the proceeds of the Recipes of Youngstown cookbook sales along with support of the MetroPark’s Foundations Lanterman’s Mill Endowment Fund. Mill Creek MetroParks will pay the remaining 51% or approximate balance of $92,770.89 towards the project.

About Lanterman’s Mill

One of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks, Lanterman’s Mill was built in 1845-46 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly. Restored in 1982-85 through a gift from the Ward and Florence Beecher Foundations, this community treasure represents one of the many pioneer industries developed along Mill Creek. The mill operates today as it did in the 1800s using a large, interior wooden water wheel to generate power to operate ingenious equipment that turns massive stones which are then used to grind corn, wheat, and buckwheat.