A new exhibit at Fellows Riverside Gardens, The Owl & the Woodpecker, introduces visitors to the most important species of owls and woodpeckers in North America, using spectacular photos and informative text to illustrate how these birds define and enrich the specific habitats on which they depend, and to highlight the critical importance of conserving those habitats. The Owl & the Woodpecker―a traveling exhibit from the Burke Museum, Seattle―is on view at Fellows Riverside Gardens Weller Gallery from March 4 – May 21.  The Owl & the Woodpecker is based on a book of the same title by Seattle photographer and author Paul Bannick. Bannick is known for his intimate wildlife photography, which supports environmental conservation efforts.  His work has appeared in Audubon magazine, the National Wildlife Federation Guide to North American Birds, Smithsonian Guide to North American Birds, and in many other books, magazines, parks, refuges, and other places in North America and Europe.

The Owl & the Woodpecker: Photographs by Paul Bannick was organized by the Burke Museum,

University of Washington, created with Paul Bannick and Braided River, a partner of The Mountaineers

Books. Sponsorship of the local presentation of The Owl & the Woodpecker was provided by the John S. and Doris M. Education Endowment through the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Peruse the tables in the Maxine Antonucci Library for much loved books on gardening, cooking, crafts, and nature. There will also be magazines for sale. All proceeds benefit the Maxine Antonucci Horticulture Library at Fellows Riverside Gardens. The sale runs February 18 through February 26 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at Fellows Riverside Gardens.
For questions and more information, call Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116.

 (Youngstown, Ohio) Mill Creek MetroParks is soliciting public comment for an upcoming improvement project.  East Cohasset Drive, a roadway located in the Historic District of Mill Creek Park, stretches from East Park Drive to Old Furnace Road and serves as a historic route along Lake Cohasset.  The proposed rehabilitation project will occur on the northern section of this roadway from Ottawa Drive (near Pine Hollow Bridge) to Old Furnace Road and involves the milling and resurfacing of 1.07 miles of existing asphalt concrete.  Additional improvements include the rehabilitation of existing curb, gutters, retaining walls and drainage structures to ensure the continued structural integrity of the roadway. 

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by ODOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 11, 2015, and executed by FHWA and ODOT.  The proposed project will not impact any cultural resources, suspect hazardous waste sites or ecological resources. The project will not result in substantial impacts to the environment either individually or cumulatively. The project will not result in substantial impacts to the environment either individually or cumulatively. In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (codified as 36 CFR 800), Mill Creek MetroParks requests information regarding the presence of any known cultural resources in the vicinity of the project. Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, historic bridges, historic buildings, sites and districts.

The transportation improvement is scheduled for construction in the summer of 2017.  The estimated construction cost is approximately $327,690.00.  During project construction, East Cohasset Drive will be closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic for a maximum of sixty (60) consecutive days.  Construction, roadway closure and detour information will be posted along East Cohasset Drive prior to the start of construction and access shall be maintained to all Mill Creek Park facilities at all times during project construction.

All public comments, questions and/or concerns about the project are welcomed, and should be directed to:

Mill Creek MetroParks
RE: Andrew Steingass, Park Planner
P.O. Box 596
Canfield, OH 44406-0596
Phone: 330.702.3000
Fax: 330.702.3010
Steingass@Millcreekmetroparks.org

Questions and/or comments concerning the proposed project may be submitted no later than Monday, February 27, 2017.

 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, visit millcreekmetroparks.org or call 330.702.3000. Like us on Facebook at (Mill Creek MetroParks) and follow us on Twitter (@MillCreekMetro) and Instagram (millcreekmetroparks).

The “Cohasset Express” Trolley Program at Mill Creek MetroParks has been awarded the Thomas Say Naturalist Award of Excellence for Outstanding Event or Program by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The Thomas Say Naturalist Award of Excellence is given to recognize an event or program that has achieved special merit in its ability to interpret natural heritage.
 
During the 2014 & 2015 season, 2350 visitors enjoyed guided interpretation on board the open-air “Cohasset Express” trolley. A variety of programs gave riders a chance to explore and appreciate natural elements, historic features, and beautiful views of 125-year-old Mill Creek Park, Ohio’s first park district, all from the comfort of their seats. Both MCMP staff and volunteers have been integral in developing and delivering the trolley programs. “This award represents the wonderful work and dedication the Mill Creek MetroParks staff and volunteers have done on our trolley programs”, says Carol Vigorito, Recreation & Education Director at the park.  A typical year of the trolley program includes 3-4 certified drivers, 5-6 volunteer interpretive guides, and Recreation & Education Department staff members who plan the routes & interpretation, and occasionally do the guiding.
 
Each year, NAI recognizes excellence in interpretation through their professional awards. The trolley tours were judged and awarded as providing excellent natural heritage interpretation. The award was presented at the 2016 annual NAI national workshop in Corpus Christi, Texas, during the meeting of its Interpretive Naturalist Section.

The Board of Park Commissioners of Mill Creek MetroParks will hold two Special Meetings as follows:

Thursday, January 19, 2017, 6 p.m., at the MetroParks Farm – the only agenda item is planning for the Board retreat; there will not be a public comment period.
Saturday, January 21, 2017, 10 a.m., at the MetroParks Farm – Advisory Committee Orientation – the agenda will be available online by 2 pm on January 20.