Rundown of activities in October at Mill Creek MetroParks' facilities.

Rundown of activities in October at Mill Creek MetroParks' facilities.
Saturday: 2-4 p.m. Autumn wildflowers and changing leaves create colorful conditions for a kayaking trip around Lake Newport. For kayakers of all skill levels. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Minors 11-15 must share a tandem kayak with an adult; 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will be required to complete a waiver. Reservations and payment must be received 24 hours before the program. Call Ford Nature Center for details. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. Fee: $12 per person resident; $15 per person nonresident; second person in tandem kayak, half-price.
Bird Walks, 9 a.m. Saturdays. Join volunteer naturalist Nancy Brundage to learn about birds. Bring binoculars. Meet at Newport Wetlands. Easy rating, less than one mile.
Oct. 2: 2 p.m. 10-mile hike around Lakes Cohasset and Newport. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Difficult rating due to length with hills and steps.
Oct. 4: 5:30-8 p.m. Lynn Cardwell, a potter whose work often follows a botanical theme, will teach students to construct a clay bowl embossed with autumn leaves. The work will be glazed, fired and ready for pickup after Oct. 18. Call Riverside Gardens to register. Fee: $25 R; $32 NR.
Oct. 7: 6 p.m. Take a brisk hike to Pennsylvania and back. Meet at Stavich Bicycle Trail at the eastern end of East Liberty Street in Lowellville. Moderate difficulty due to length and hills, four miles.
Oct. 15: 6-8 p.m. Halloween at the Morley. A mummy-wrap competition for families begins the fun, followed by pie-eating contest for adults. The magic of John Steven Bloom will entertain the audience at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages can enter the costume competition held on the Morley stage at 7 p.m. Pet owners with their dressed pets will compete in a special event. Jocko the Clown will greet all upon arrival. Held at the Judge Morley Pavilion in the Wick Recreation Area.
Oct. 16: 2 p.m. Fall foliage hike on the Old Tree Trail. Any registered hiker who brings a friend to sign up for a hiking program will receive a small gift. Meet at Lake Glacier Boathouse parking lot. Moderate rating, difficult with hills and steps, three miles.
Oct. 21-22: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pumpkin Carving Workshop. Have fun carving pumpkins for display at the Pumpkin Walk on Oct. 23. Sample toasted pumpkin seeds. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. Fee: $25 R; $32 NR.
Oct. 22: 6:30-9 p.m. Lanterman's Mill by Moonlight. Park employees will provide entertainment and a campfire. Participants are asked to bring marshmallows, hot dogs and all the fixings.
Oct. 29: 10 a.m. to noon. Marie Borocz will help participants make an autumn arrangement brimming with flowers and foliage. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. Fee: $25 R; $32 NR. Oct. 30: 2 p.m. Learn about the witch hazel tree that blooms in late fall on this hike through Mill Creek Gorge. Meet at Lanterman's Mill. Moderate difficulty with hills and steps, two miles.