MILL CREEK METROPARKS May calendar

May 1: 2-3:30 p.m. Guided Tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the gardens to admire the vibrant hues of tulips displaying their spring colors. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.
May 1, 15, 29: 1-4 p.m. Farm Frolics. Discover the MetroParks Farm this month with a special activity for children. Wagon rides will leave every half hour. May 1-Children will make a farm magnet for a special picture. Bring your camera. May 15-Make a sun-and-flower craft. Plant a sunflower seed to grow at home. May 29-Try our scavenger hunt around the farm. Prizes will be given.
May 1: 2 p.m. Hike for the Health of it. Bluebells and More Galore. On this slow-paced walk through Poland Woods, you will see spring wildflowers displaying their colors. This 250-acre tract of wet woodland features a blanket of bluebells and other short-blooming beauties. Meet at Poland Woods at College Street entrance. Easy rating, 2 miles.
May 3 and 17: 6 p.m. May 11 and 25: 9 a.m. Hike for the Health of it. Health and Wellness Walks. May 3-Meet at MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Easy rating, 2 or 4 miles. May 17-Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles. May 11-Meet at Lanterman's Mill. Moderate difficulty with hills and steps, 2 or 4 miles. May 25-Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty with hills, 4 miles.
May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31: 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga in the Gardens. Reduce stress and relax while learning the basics of energizing yoga movements taught by Heidi Suraci. Herbal tea will be served after class. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $9 per class.
May 5, 12, 19 and 26: 8:30-10 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga in the Gardens. Reduce stress and relax while learning the basics of energizing yoga movements taught by Heidi Suraci. Herbal tea will be served after class. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $9 per class.
May 6: 7 p.m. Enchanted Evening in the Gardens. Ballet Western Reserve and the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens are presenting this enchanting evening of nature-inspired dance in the Daniel L. Rossi Auditorium. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served before the performance. Dessert and conversation complete the evening. Call (330) 740-7116 to register for this creative fund-raiser. Fee: $50.
May 7: 10 a.m.-noon Flower Arranging With Marie. Marie Borocz will guide you step by step in creating a colorful springtime centerpiece in celebration of Mother's Day. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $25 R, $32 NR.
May 7, 14, 21 and 28: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chore Time at the Farm. Bring your family to the MetroParks Farm to visit with the animals and have fun learning in the playroom. You can even help us with chores beginning at 10 a.m.
May 8: 2 p.m. Hike for the Health of it. Mother's Day Hike. Share the spring wonders of Mill Creek Park with your mom. We'll learn the history behind Mother's Day and make paper carnations to honor our mothers. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty with hills and steps, 2 miles.
May 7: 10 a.m. The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession. Every year hundreds of bird watchers participate in a contest known as the North American Big Year. Birders race around the continent attempting to spot the most species in a year. Mark Obmascik's book follows three of the top contenders of 1998. Read this tale of beat-the-clock adventures and join in this naturalist-led discussion. Meet at Ford Nature Center.
May 7 and 14: 8 a.m. Hike for the Health of it. Bird walks. Explore the Newport Wetlands in search of feathered spring migrants. Bring binoculars. Meet at Newport Wetlands parking lot. Easy rating, less than 1 mile.
May 7 and 8: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garden Mart. The Garden Forum of Greater Youngstown hosts this spring sale at Fellows Riverside Gardens. An unusual assortment of hanging baskets and bedding plants will be available.
May 8: Three seatings: noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Mother's Day Buffet. Celebrate Mother's Day at Fellows Riverside Gardens with your family and enjoy a delicious buffet catered by The Georgetown. After your meal take a walk in the Gardens to enjoy the spring flowers. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $15.95 adults, $9.50 children.
May 11: noon-1 p.m. or 3-4 p.m. May 21 and June 4: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Play Golf America. Take advantage of this free clinic. Each session will cover a different topic. Must be at least 7 years old to attend. Limited to 16 students. Call (330) 740-7112 to register.
May 12: 10, 10:45 or 11 a.m. Tales for Twos: Butterfly, Butterfly. Two-year-olds and their favorite adults will learn about the beautiful butterfly through a story, craft, role playing, and outdoor exploration. Call (330) 740-7107 to register.
May 12: 4-7 p.m. Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Plant Sale. Perennials, including those for the shade garden, will be available in addition to annuals, herbs, shrubs, vegetables and summer bulbs. Become a FFRG member and attend this special preview sale.
May 13: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 14: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Plant Sale. Perennials, including those for the shade garden, will be available in addition to annuals, herbs, shrubs, vegetables and summer bulbs. Open to the public.
May 14: 10-11:30 a.m. A Teepee Garden. Children 6 and up with their adult companion will prepare a pot with bamboo stakes before planting climbing annuals to take home. Dress comfortably to work in the Family Garden. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $9 R, $12 NR.
May 14: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wings Over Mill Creek. Join us and the Audubon Society for this celebration of the migratory bird and its journey between summer and winter homes. We'll have special activities for adults and children, live birds of prey and environmental displays. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. Call (330) 783-6287 for information. Held at Newport Wetlands.
May 14: noon. Hike for the Health of it. Wings Over Mill Creek Hike. This native plant walk is part of the celebration of migratory bird day. See program information "Wings Over Mill Creek". Held at Newport Wetlands. Easy rating, 1 mile.
May 15: 2 p.m. Hike for the Health of it. Stroller Hike. Families with babies and children will enjoy this stroll along the East Golf Hike/Bike Trail. Meet at the Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles.
May 15: noon-5 p.m. Dahlia Tuber Sale. The Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society offers unique varieties of dahlias. Held at Fellows Riverside Gardens.
May 17 and 18: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Ladies' Two-Day Golf Clinic. Our staff will cover all facets of your golf game including short game, full swing and course management. Call (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee: $50 R, $60 NR; fee includes lunch.
May 18: 7 p.m. Hike for the Health of it. Hike and Golf. Join PGA Golf Professionals for an evening hike on the Mill Creek Golf Course. You'll view wildlife that inhabit this area and get a few tips to help start or improve your golf game. Meet at the Golf Course Fieldhouse. Easy rating. 2 miles.
May 18: 11 a.m.-noon or 1-2 p.m. Handfuls of Sunshine. Want a handful of sunshine? Each preschooler with an adult will plant a sunflower to take home. Dress for the weather to help plant the Hide and Peek Sunflower Maize in the Family Garden. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $4 R, $6 NR.
May 19: noon. Hike for the Health of it. Healthy Ohioans Fitness Walk. Join residents from across the state by participating in the first Healthy Ohioans Fitness Walk. The ultimate goal is to have Ohioans collectively walk one million miles today! Meet at the Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, 1 mile.
May 19: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 365 Days of Growing Roses in 58 Minutes. Brian Burley will discuss how to grow roses every day of the year at this meeting of the Mahoning Valley Rose Society. Held at Fellows Riverside Gardens.
May 20: 8:30-10 a.m. Breakfast Botany: The Heather Family. View springtime highlights that abound in the Gardens on this brisk walk. Return to the Garden Cafe' and enjoy a light breakfast while learning more about the family of plants that includes heathers and rhododendrons. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $6 R, $8 NR.
May 20: 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and May 21: 10 a.m. Preschool Nature Hour: Duck, Duck, Goose! Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their parents will learn about our lakeshore birds and their babies. We'll take a short hike along the water to observe these feathered families. Preregister at (330) 740-7107. Meet at Old Log Cabin. Fee: $2 R, $3 NR.
May 20: 8 p.m. High School Tournament. 9 holes, 2-person best ball. Grades 9-12. Call (330) 740-7114 to register beginning May 6. Fee: $10 per team.
May 21: noon-5 p.m. and May 22: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garden Forum Spring Flower Show. Enjoy the beauty of this spring flower show at the Davis Center presented by Garden Forum of Greater Youngstown. Public entries must be received by 10:30 a.m. on the Saturday of the show. Call (330) 740-7116 for additional information.
May 22: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Yoga and More. A Garden Retreat. Learn how to preserve and restore positive energy in your everyday life. Experience a day of yoga, meditation, good energy cooking, aromatherapy, expressive dance and a peaceful garden walk. Dress comfortably for the weather. Bring a yoga mat and two blankets. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $65 includes lunch and snacks.
May 22: 2 p.m. Hike for the Health of it. McGuffey Homestead. Richard Scarsella, president of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, will discuss the heralded 19th century educator. We'll begin with a presentation at Yellow Creek Lodge, then drive to Coitsville for a tour of the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. Meet at Yellow Creek Park. Easy rating, 1 mile.
May 24: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bonsai for Beginners. Jim Nicora will introduce this ancient botanical art by demonstrating basic techniques and discussing display specimens from his beautiful collection. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee $10 R, $14 NR.
May 24, 25, 26, 31 and June 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9: 6-8 p.m. Adult Learn to Golf. Basic instruction for the true beginner or a great refresher course for any golfer. Call (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee: $30 R, $40 NR.
May 28: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hooked on Fishing: An Angler's Escape. The fish are back at Yellow Creek Park and the MetroParks police want your help in catching them! Our officers and volunteers are coordinating games, giveaways and much more at this event. Bring your favorite pole and bait for a fun family day on the banks of Yellow Creek. Held rain or shine.
May 29: 2 p.m. Brocker Hike. Hike along the MetroParks Bikeway to the Brocker Preserve and explore this 150-acre woodland. Conditions may be muddy. Meet at Bikeway trailhead at Kirk Road. Moderate difficulty due to length and terrain, 5 miles.
OPENING
Beginning May 1, kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats will be available for rental at Lakes Glacier and Newport on weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Expanded hours for the Boathouses will start Memorial Day weekend.
EXHIBITS
Fellows Riverside Gardens, Davis Education & amp; Visitor Center, Hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Through May 22, Weller Gallery: Botanical Batiks. On display are batiks made by elementary school pupils inspired by botanical themes.
May-August, Melnick Museum: Growing Green and Loving It. The Men's Garden Club of Youngstown is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Fellows Riverside Gardens proudly recognizes the club's important role in promoting gardening in the community.