MILL CREEK PARK | July calendar

Activities planned this month at Mill Creek MetroParks facilities:
Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Kayak trip on Lake Newport. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. Kayakers of all skill levels are invited to join these escorted trips through the waters of the MetroParks. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Minors 11 to 15 must share a tandem kayak with an adults; 16- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Participants need to complete a waiver. Reservations must be made 36 hours before the program. Call (330) 740-7107 for details. Fee: $12/person R, $15/person NR; second person in tandem kayak, half price.
Saturday: 11 a.m. Children can listen to the popular story "Little Red Hen" and then make play dough at MetroParks Farm, Canfield Call (330) 533-7572 to register. Fee: $1.
July 2: 2 p.m. Join naturalist Larry Rosche for a nature walk to look for dragonflies and damselflies guest leader. Meet at MetroParks Farm. Easy rating, 2 miles.
July 5: 9 a.m. Health and wellness walk. Meet at Lanterman's Mill. Moderate difficulty with hills and steps, 2 or 4 miles.
July 5: 7 p.m. Del Sinchak Band and the Sardich Singers (Grammy-nominated album "Polka Pizzazz") perform at Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
July 6, 13, 20 and 27: 8:30-10 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens taught by Heidi Suraci. Call (330) 740-7116 for information. Fee: $9 per class.
July 5, 13, 20 and 27: 10-11 a.m. Family Farm Tours at MetroParks Farm. Reserve your space for a guided tractor-wagon tour by calling the MetroParks Farm. Our barns and the playroom will be open. (330) 533-7572.
July 7-8: 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m., July 7; 11 a.m. to noon, July 8. Preschoolers with their adult companions will explore the family garden to find scented leaves and fancy twigs. Each child will gather materials to design a garden in a carry-home container. A story and snack will be enjoyed. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $4 R, $6 NR.
July 8: 10 a.m. Discussion of the book "Beyond the Hundreth Meridian-John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West." Powell was a ethnologist and geologist who explored the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon and the homeland of American Indian tribes of the Southwest. In this biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Wallace Stegner takes a look at the old American West and the man who warned against the dangers of settling it. Read this book and join the naturalist-led discussion. Meet at Ford Nature Center.
July 9: Noon to 2 p.m. Join instructor Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance. Through simple, graceful movements learn to focus on inner strengths while approaching the beauty of the surrounding gardens. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $10.
July 9: 1 to 4 p.m. See the signs of summer's bounty on this tractor-wagon tour of the MetroParks farm. Children will make a wheat craft to take home. Wagon rides at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
July 9: 2 to 3:30 p.m. A leisurely walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens to admire the vibrant hues of bedding plants displaying their summer colors. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the information desk on the afternoon of the tour.
July 9: 2 to 4 p.m. Kayak trip. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See details from Saturday kayak trip above).
July 9: 7 p.m. Donnie Iris and the Cruisers (legendary rocker and recording artist) perform at Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
July 10 and 12: 10 a.m. to noon. Beginner tennis lessons for children ages 6-12. High school tennis coach Joanne Gardner will teach the fundamentals of tennis at Yellow Creek Park, Struthers. Call (330) 740-7106 to register by July 7 for this free course.
July 11, 18 and 25: 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga at FRG. Call (330) 740-7116 for information. Fee: $9 per class.
July 11: 6 p.m. Health and wellness walk. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, 2 or 4 miles.
July 11: 7 p.m., Yellow Creek Park concert. Mahoning Valley Button Box Club will play polkas and waltzes throughout the evening. Lawn seating. Free.
July 12: 7 p.m. Geo C. and tha Storm (funk) perform at the Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
July 13: 8:30 a.m. Junior Tournament at Par 3 Golf Course. Age and gender divisions. Nine holes. Registration begins June 30. Call (330) 7114 to register. Fee: $5, includes prizes and refreshments.
July 13: 10, 10:45 or 11:30 a.m. Turtles are the topic of the day as 2-year-olds and their adult companions attend this special program at the Lily Pond. Listen to stories, explore the area, and see turtles. Call (330) 740-7107 to register. Meet at Birch Hill Cabin.
July 13: 1:30-3 p.m. Children ages 6 and up with their favorite adults will learn about sunflowers and stencil coordinating shirts with sunflower designs. Bring two prewashed shirts in desired sizes. Each child will receive a sunflower plant to take home. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $6 R, $8 NR.
July 15: 10 a.m.-noon. Kayak trip around Lake Glacier. Meet at Lake Glacier Boathouse. (See kayak details from above).
July 15: 10 a.m. to noon. Marian Sebastiano will explain the culture and uses of geraniums. Learn to make jelly, tea, and a fragrant tussie-mussie. Participants will receive a plant to take home. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $25 R, $32 NR.
July 15: 3 to 6 p.m. Family afternoon at the MetroParks Farm. Homemade ice cream, children's games and visits with the farm animals are highlights of this special program.
July 16: 10 a.m. Parent/Junior Tournament at Par 3 Golf Course. Age divisions based on junior golfer. Nine holes. Registration begins July 2. Call (330) 740-7114 to register. Fee: $10/team, includes prizes and refreshments.
July 16: Noon to 4 p.m. Visit FRG and the Davis Center to experience a wedding and reception venue fully decorated for that special day. Meet area bridal vendors and discover ideas for your event. Register for door prizes and be a guest at the 3 p.m. wedding fashion show.
July 16: 2 p.m. There will be a hike around Lake Cohasset to look for beavers. A 30-minute documentary will be shown before the hike. Meet at FNC. Moderate difficulty with hills, 2.5 miles.
July 17 and 18: 8:30 a.m. Boys and girls 36-hole stroke play golf tournament at Mill Creek Golf Course. Three age divisions: 12 and under, 13-14, 15-17. Call (330) 740-7112 to register by July 14. Fee: $35, includes lunch both days.
July 19: 9 a.m. Health and wellness walk. Meet at East Golf Hike/Bike Trail parking lot off West Golf Drive. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles.
July 19: 7 p.m. Get Out and Push (bluegrass) performs at Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
July 21: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Start your morning with a brisk walk in FRG and return to the Garden Cafe to enjoy a light breakfast. Learn more about the family of plants that includes crocus and gladiolus. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $6 R, $8 NR.
July 21: 7:30 p.m. Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families are invited to attend the program to learn about fireflies through stories, games, and a craft. Conclude the evening with a special firefly-release ceremony. Space is limited. Preregister at Ford Nature Center. Fee per child: $2 R, $3 NR.
July 22: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See how our gardens and fields are growing and learn what part of the plant we eat at MetroParks Farm. Take a wagon ride through the farm to see the variety of crops. Wagon will leave every half-hour.
July 22: 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy Lake Newport and the wetlands from a kayak and experience the area's diverse flora and fauna. Meet at East Newport Board Launch. (See kayak details above).
July 23: 1 to 4 p.m. Join the farm staff at MetroParks Farm every half-hour as they share a barnyard tale. Make a visor of your favorite animal. Fee: $1.
July 23: 2 p.m. Participants will cross Mill Creek on the old stepping stones. Plan on wet feet. Meet at Lanterman's Mill. Difficult rating due to slippery rocks, 2 miles.
July 25: 6 p.m. Health and wellness walk. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty with hill, 4 miles.
July 26: 10 a.m. to noon. Morning kayak trip on Lake Newport. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See kayak details above).
July 26: 7 p.m. Frankie and the Sensations (oldies) perform at Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
July 28: 6 p.m. Participants will enjoy soothing music and the aroma of exquisite cuisine on the evening's balmy breezes. Celebrate Paradise in the Gardens with the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens at this annual fund raiser. Fee: $65.
July 30: 9 a.m. to noon. Test your golf skills in the "Closest to the Pin" contest at the Par 3 Golf Course. You'll have nine chances to win a prize. Fee: $5.
July 30: 11 a.m. Explore the James L. Wick Recreation Area before the crowds arrive for the park's annual Sunfest event. Meet at kiosk near Par 3 Golf Course. Easy rating, one mile.
July 30: 1 to 4 p.m. Find out how animals are used at MetroParks Farm. Make an animal bracelet to take home. Wagon rides at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
July 30: 1 to 4 p.m. Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a work of art. This year's special category is "Structures," so use your imagination to sculpt any manmade landmark. Reserve your sand canvas by calling (330) 740-7107. Nationally known artist Laurie Arntz-Tournoux will give tips throughout the competition. Prizes will be awarded. Fee: $5.
July 30: Summerfest concerts. 5:30 p.m. First Degree (1960s and 1970s rock); 7 p.m., No Bad Ju Ju (horn-driven R & amp;B and Soul). They perform at Judge Morley Pavilion, lawn seating, free.
METROPARKS SUMMER ADVENTURES
July 6 and 7: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FNC, and
Aug. 1 and 2: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Yellow Creek Park.
Kinder Kritters (for children entering kindergarten). Fun activities are planned for indoors and outdoors along with a story time and crafts. Campers will go on short walks to learn about nature. Registration and fee due at Ford Nature Center by July 18 for August session. The deadline already has passed for the July 6-7 camp. Fee: $25 R, $30 NR.
July 12 and 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Park Pals (for children entering grades 1-3). Become a Park Pal and learn about Mill Creek park and the plants and animals that call it home. Each day will be filled with hikes, crafts, games, and fun activities. Registration and fee due at Ford Nature Center by June 28. Fee: $30 R, $35 NR.
July 17 and 18: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. AgVenture Camp. (Grades K-3), and July 20: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (grades 4-6).
Children will discover where their food comes from at these MetroParks day camps. There will be crafts, games, and lots of fun. Lunch will be provided. Call (330) 533-7572 for reservations. Fee: $25/July 17 and 18 session; $15 July 20 session.
July 19 and 20: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Park Explorers (for children entering grades 4-6). Explore the diversity of Mill Creek park during this two-day adventure session. Learn about the plants, animals and history of the park through hikes, games, crafts and more. Registration and fee due at Ford Nature Center by July 5. Fee: $30 R, $35 NR.
July 25-27: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hip, Hike, Hooray! (for children entering grades 5-7). Hit the trails and explore the MetroParks. Participants must be willing and able to hike four miles daily. Registration and fee due at Ford Nature Center by July 11. Fee: $30 R, $35 NR.
EXHIBITS
FRG and Davis Education & amp; Visitor Center
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 1-30: Weller Gallery. "Mill Creek and Beyond-Photographs of American Landscapes." Compare the dramatic views of Mill Creek Park with western landscapes as viewed through the cameras of local photographers Pat and John Hyland.
July 1-August: Melnick Museum. "H.W.S. Cleveland: Landscape Artist." This prominent Midwest landscape architect hired by Volney Rogers was influential in the early design of the East Cohasset Ramble and the Lily Pond in Mill Creek Park.
Key: R, residents; NR, nonresidents; FNC, Ford Nature Center; FRG; Fellows Riverside Gardens.