Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce “Bug Day” at the Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a captivating day of insect-inspired fun and education for visitors of all ages.
Event Highlights Include:
• Live Bug Exhibits:
o Meet “The BugMan,” Mark Berman from Columbus, Ohio, as he demonstrates his one-of-a-kind bug expertise.
o Experience a stunning butterfly exhibit curated by Katie Shipka.
o Get acquainted with Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager,” who brings beekeeping stories and practical insights to life.
• Hands-On Activities:
o Participate in gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, ensuring a fun and safe encounter with nature.
o Enjoy creative bug-themed crafts
o Embark on the “Bad Bug” Forest Walk, a unique opportunity to learn about the less-celebrated insects in their natural habitat.
o Complete fun, educational activities to become an official “Bugologist”!
• On-Site Extras:
o Available for purchase – enjoy a selection of tasty snacks and Mill Creek Park merchandise inside the gift shop., capture memories with a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth or take a leisurely trolley ride (cash only) through the park.
For those eager for an even more immersive experience, a private BugMan Stage Show will kick off at 10:00 a.m., preceding the main event. This exclusive presentation features The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live insect demonstrations. Designed to entertain and educate both children and adults, the intimate class setting ensures an interactive and personal experience. Registration is required for this special session at $15.00 per person and can be completed online at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or by calling 330.740.7107 ext. 129.
Parking Information:
Limited, free parking is available on-site and at Pioneer Pavillion. 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.
Join us for a day packed with interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, and a genuine celebration of nature’s fascinating critters. We look forward to seeing you at Ford Nature Center on July 19 for an unforgettable Bug Day!
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 Staff2025-07-10 14:16:292025-07-10 14:17:13Mill Creek MetroParks Presents “Bug Day” at Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce the reopening of Bears Den Drive and High Drive, now better than ever following the completion of a major road improvement project. These well-loved scenic routes are once again open to vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic—just in time for visitors to enjoy the beauty of summer in the Park.
The project, part of the MetroParks’ annual drive improvement program, focused on creating a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience for all. Enhancements included milling and repaving of over 1.5 miles of road, updated pavement markings, new aggregate shoulders, and improvements to nearby parking areas.
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 Staff2025-07-02 14:38:332025-07-02 14:38:33Improved and Reopened, Bears Den Drive and High Drive Ready for Visitors
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.
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 Staff2025-07-02 14:36:562025-07-02 14:36:56Junior golfers claim titles at Mill Creek tournament
Mill Creek MetroParks Presents “Bug Day” at Ford Nature Center
/in Miscellaneous, Press Releases/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce “Bug Day” at the Ford Nature Center (840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a captivating day of insect-inspired fun and education for visitors of all ages.
Event Highlights Include:
• Live Bug Exhibits:
o Meet “The BugMan,” Mark Berman from Columbus, Ohio, as he demonstrates his one-of-a-kind bug expertise.
o Experience a stunning butterfly exhibit curated by Katie Shipka.
o Get acquainted with Don Kovach, the local “Bee-Manager,” who brings beekeeping stories and practical insights to life.
• Hands-On Activities:
o Participate in gentle and respectful bug-catching and release, ensuring a fun and safe encounter with nature.
o Enjoy creative bug-themed crafts
o Embark on the “Bad Bug” Forest Walk, a unique opportunity to learn about the less-celebrated insects in their natural habitat.
o Complete fun, educational activities to become an official “Bugologist”!
• On-Site Extras:
o Available for purchase – enjoy a selection of tasty snacks and Mill Creek Park merchandise inside the gift shop., capture memories with a framed photo at the bug-themed photo booth or take a leisurely trolley ride (cash only) through the park.
For those eager for an even more immersive experience, a private BugMan Stage Show will kick off at 10:00 a.m., preceding the main event. This exclusive presentation features The BugMan’s original up-close videos and live insect demonstrations. Designed to entertain and educate both children and adults, the intimate class setting ensures an interactive and personal experience. Registration is required for this special session at $15.00 per person and can be completed online at www.millcreekmetroparks.org or by calling 330.740.7107 ext. 129.
Parking Information:
Limited, free parking is available on-site and at Pioneer Pavillion. 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.
Join us for a day packed with interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, and a genuine celebration of nature’s fascinating critters. We look forward to seeing you at Ford Nature Center on July 19 for an unforgettable Bug Day!
Improved and Reopened, Bears Den Drive and High Drive Ready for Visitors
/in Press Releases/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffMill Creek MetroParks is excited to announce the reopening of Bears Den Drive and High Drive, now better than ever following the completion of a major road improvement project. These well-loved scenic routes are once again open to vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic—just in time for visitors to enjoy the beauty of summer in the Park.
The project, part of the MetroParks’ annual drive improvement program, focused on creating a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience for all. Enhancements included milling and repaving of over 1.5 miles of road, updated pavement markings, new aggregate shoulders, and improvements to nearby parking areas.
Junior golfers claim titles at Mill Creek tournament
/in Media Coverage/by Mill Creek MetroParks StaffJunior 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.