When driving through Mill Creek MetroParks, you may notice white tubes sticking out of the ground. Inside each tube is a growing tree, which was planted for Earth day.
Around 25 volunteers First Energy helped plant 400 donated trees. There were a variety of trees and shrubs planted, including american holly, maple, red buds and lowering dogwood.
“This was a continuation of a partnership that we’ve had with first energy for 5 years now,” said Nick Derico, natural resources manager for Mill Creek MetroParks. “[This is the] first time we actually got to plant in Mill Creek Park proper. Just because we’ve been working on this naturalization of the Bears Den Meadow.”
In that timespan, over 1,500 trees were planted in Mill Creek MetroParks, and over 5,000 trees were planted across the valley. This includes the Collier Preserve, Youngstown State Legacy Forest and the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
“Part of that initiative started with partnering with the Mill Creek MetroParks to plant trees in areas that needed fresh trees due to deforestation, and loss of trees over the years due to storms, or just getting cut down,” said Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for First Energy.
The tubes around the trees protect the trees from wildlife, promote growth by attracting heat and serve as markers for park crews.
The tubes will remain around the growing trees for around five years. Derico said without the tubes, the trees would likely be gone within days.
“They protect the tree from browsing from herbivores like deer, rabbits, things of that sort. You know, inside here, the trees are really small. They’re only 12 to 18 inches so they’re going to need some protection, some time to grow,” said Derico. “In high numbers, deer can affect forest generation and we are seeing that a lot throughout the MetroParks. So, these are all native species that would be pretty preferable to deer.”
Mill Creek MetroParks was established over 100 years ago, making some of the trees over a century old. This has also led to a need for new trees.
“We do have a very mature canopy with not a lot of regeneration coming up behind it. And so, anything that we can do to help that along is a good thing,” said Derico.
First Energy planted over 100,000 trees within its six state service area. In the valley, volunteers are also planting pollinators in downtown Youngstown, and helping clean waterways in other communities.
“Electricity is the lifeblood of our communities, but trees play a crucial role in a healthy environment. So, our employees are donating their time to plant these trees that are donated by First Energy because we aren’t just employees that live in these communities, we are also residents,” said Sibirkus.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-04-25 08:12:582025-04-25 08:12:58Earth Day tradition bringing new trees to Mill Creek MetroParks
MetroParks Farm will have its annual Farm Animal Baby Shower on Saturday.
Visitors will get to meet the farm’s newest arrivals, including goats, piglets, calves, chicks and ducklings. Those attending also will have the opportunity to see mother animals who are still expecting. A sheep shearing demonstration runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The shower takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield. Admission is free, but there is a fee (cash only) for tractor wagon rides and ice cream cones filled with feed for the animals.
Mill Creek MetroParks event merchandise, food and beverages will be available for purchase. There is free on-site parking with additional parking across the street at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
The barns at the MetroParks Farm currently are open for the season from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Extended hours until 5 p.m. will start in June and run through October. For more information, go to www.millcreekmetroparks.org.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-04-25 08:01:072025-04-25 08:01:07MetroParks Farm hosts Farm Animal Baby Shower
Ghost hunters took over Mill Creek Park after hours on Saturday, searching for paranormal activity in the park.
A group of 15 people joined park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society at Pioneer Pavilion. The park started the investigations in 2021 and later brought in the society.
The pavilion was built in 1821 and has served several functions throughout its life, including a cow barn and a wool mill. The park chose spots to investigate based on their history.
“Volney Rogers, the founder of Mill Creek Park — he saw the potential in this building, even though it was very dilapidated. So, the park purchased this building in 1892. Between the woolen mill, the furnace, the cow barn and the creek right here, there’s a lot of energy here and a lot of stories to tell,” said Lynn Zocolo, an educator at Mill Creek MetroParks.
The investigations happen once a month and require pre-registration.
https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.png00Mill Creek MetroParks Staffhttps://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mcmp-header.pngMill Creek MetroParks Staff2025-04-21 15:45:562025-04-21 15:45:56Ghost hunters explore Mill Creek Park’s Pioneer Pavilion after hours
Earth Day tradition bringing new trees to Mill Creek MetroParks
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffWhen driving through Mill Creek MetroParks, you may notice white tubes sticking out of the ground. Inside each tube is a growing tree, which was planted for Earth day.
Around 25 volunteers First Energy helped plant 400 donated trees. There were a variety of trees and shrubs planted, including american holly, maple, red buds and lowering dogwood.
“This was a continuation of a partnership that we’ve had with first energy for 5 years now,” said Nick Derico, natural resources manager for Mill Creek MetroParks. “[This is the] first time we actually got to plant in Mill Creek Park proper. Just because we’ve been working on this naturalization of the Bears Den Meadow.”
In that timespan, over 1,500 trees were planted in Mill Creek MetroParks, and over 5,000 trees were planted across the valley. This includes the Collier Preserve, Youngstown State Legacy Forest and the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
“Part of that initiative started with partnering with the Mill Creek MetroParks to plant trees in areas that needed fresh trees due to deforestation, and loss of trees over the years due to storms, or just getting cut down,” said Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for First Energy.
The tubes around the trees protect the trees from wildlife, promote growth by attracting heat and serve as markers for park crews.
The tubes will remain around the growing trees for around five years. Derico said without the tubes, the trees would likely be gone within days.
“They protect the tree from browsing from herbivores like deer, rabbits, things of that sort. You know, inside here, the trees are really small. They’re only 12 to 18 inches so they’re going to need some protection, some time to grow,” said Derico. “In high numbers, deer can affect forest generation and we are seeing that a lot throughout the MetroParks. So, these are all native species that would be pretty preferable to deer.”
Mill Creek MetroParks was established over 100 years ago, making some of the trees over a century old. This has also led to a need for new trees.
“We do have a very mature canopy with not a lot of regeneration coming up behind it. And so, anything that we can do to help that along is a good thing,” said Derico.
First Energy planted over 100,000 trees within its six state service area. In the valley, volunteers are also planting pollinators in downtown Youngstown, and helping clean waterways in other communities.
“Electricity is the lifeblood of our communities, but trees play a crucial role in a healthy environment. So, our employees are donating their time to plant these trees that are donated by First Energy because we aren’t just employees that live in these communities, we are also residents,” said Sibirkus.
Read the original article at WFMJ.
MetroParks Farm hosts Farm Animal Baby Shower
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMetroParks Farm will have its annual Farm Animal Baby Shower on Saturday.
Visitors will get to meet the farm’s newest arrivals, including goats, piglets, calves, chicks and ducklings. Those attending also will have the opportunity to see mother animals who are still expecting. A sheep shearing demonstration runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The shower takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield. Admission is free, but there is a fee (cash only) for tractor wagon rides and ice cream cones filled with feed for the animals.
Mill Creek MetroParks event merchandise, food and beverages will be available for purchase. There is free on-site parking with additional parking across the street at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
The barns at the MetroParks Farm currently are open for the season from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Extended hours until 5 p.m. will start in June and run through October. For more information, go to www.millcreekmetroparks.org.
Ghost hunters explore Mill Creek Park’s Pioneer Pavilion after hours
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffGhost hunters took over Mill Creek Park after hours on Saturday, searching for paranormal activity in the park.
A group of 15 people joined park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society at Pioneer Pavilion. The park started the investigations in 2021 and later brought in the society.
The pavilion was built in 1821 and has served several functions throughout its life, including a cow barn and a wool mill. The park chose spots to investigate based on their history.
“Volney Rogers, the founder of Mill Creek Park — he saw the potential in this building, even though it was very dilapidated. So, the park purchased this building in 1892. Between the woolen mill, the furnace, the cow barn and the creek right here, there’s a lot of energy here and a lot of stories to tell,” said Lynn Zocolo, an educator at Mill Creek MetroParks.
The investigations happen once a month and require pre-registration.
Read the original article at WKBN.