MILL CREEK METROPARKS June calendar


Activities planned next month at Mill Creek MetroParks facilities:

The D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center, including the Antonucci Library and Shop in the Gardens, will be open to visitors on Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m. The Cafe will be open until 7 p.m. for your enjoyment of summer evenings at the Gardens.

June 2: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hooked on Fishing: An Angler’s Escape. MetroParks Police are hosting this annual fishing event at Yellow Creek Park in Struthers. Enjoy games, raffles, prizes and more. Bring a fishing pole and your favorite bait and join us for a fun-filled day.

June 3: 1 p.m. Ten-Mile Hike. Join us on this heart-pumping hike around lakes Cohasset and Newport. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Difficult rating with hills and steps.

June 3: 1-4 p.m. Horsin’ Around. See different breeds of horses from miniatures to drafts. A horseshoeing demonstration is scheduled. Pony cart rides for small children.

June 5, 12, 19 & 26: 8:30-10 a.m. (beginner level) Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Students of all levels will learn a blend of yoga styles amidst the restorative power of nature. Begin each class with an energizing walk in the Gardens with instructor Heidi Suraci. Bring a mat, small blanket and bottled water. Call (330) 740-7116 for information. Fee: $10 per class.

June 5, 6 & 7: 6-8 p.m. Link Up to Golf for Adults. Designed for the true beginner. Learn swing fundamentals, putting, short game and more at the Par 3 Golf Course. Call (330) 740-7712 to register. Fee: $35 R, $45 NR.

June 6: 9 a.m. Health & Wellness Walk. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at Kirk Road. Moderate difficulty, 2 or 4 miles.

June 6: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Flower Arranging Basics: Vase Preparation. Deby Clark will demonstrate the correct preparation of flowers and vases as she guides each participant in creating an arrangement. With the basic lesson, you will be able to arrange flowers cut from your summer garden. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $25 R, $32 NR.

June 7, 21 & 28: 8:30-10 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens. (See June 5).

June 7: 10, 10:45 or 11:30 a.m. Tales for Twos: The Wide Mouth Frog. Our resident expert, the frog princess, introduces 2-year-olds and their adult companions to this marvelously green creature through story, song and outdoor exploration. Call (330) 740-7107 to register.

June 8: 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Preschool Nature Hour: Sssss ... scared of Sssss .... Snakes? Not Me! Snakes aren’t slimy, and they don’t have to be scary either! Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their adult companions will learn about these creatures with activities including a story, craft and a hands-on visit! Preregister at Ford Nature Center. Fee: $2 R, $3 NR.

June 9: 10 a.m. Preschool Nature Hour: Sssss ... scared of Sssss .... Snakes? Not Me! (See June 8).

June 9: Noon-5 p.m. Ikebana Flower Show, Fellows Riverside Gardens. The beauty and gracefulness of Japanese flower arrangements are presented in modern and traditional environments. Public entries must be received on Saturdays by 10:30 a.m. Call (330) 740-7116 for information.

June 9: 1-3 p.m. Afternoon on the Water. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon paddle as we observe the early summer flora and fauna of Lake Newport and its wetlands. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (Kayakers of all skill levels can join these escorted trips. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Minors 11-15 years old must share a tandem with an adult; 16 and 17 year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations must be made 36 hours before program. Call (330) 740-7107 for details. Fee: $12/person R, $15/person NR (second person in tandem kayak 1/2 price).

June 10: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ikebana Flower Show. (See June 9).

June 10: Noon-2 p.m. Meditation in Movement. Learn to focus on inner strengths through simple, graceful movements with Julie Thomas in the Tara Dance. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $10.

June 10: 1-4 p.m. Wagon Trails. Take a wagon tour of the farm to see the results of spring planting. Wagon will leave every half-hour beginning at 1:30 p.m. Make a craft to take home.

June 10: 2-3:30 p.m. Guided Tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk in Fellow Riverside Gardens to admire the vibrant hues of peonies and roses. A guide will point out highlights. Sign in at the information desk.

June 10: 2 p.m. Field & Forest, Pond & Marsh. A variety of habitats are represented along the MetroParks Farm Nature Trail. Observe and learn about the diversity of these areas. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, unpaved trail, 2 miles.

June 12, 19 & 26: 4-5 p.m. Teen Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Teens will develop positive self-esteem while building strength and flexibility with instructor Heidi Suraci. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a mat, small blanket and bottled water. Call (330) 740-7116 for information. Fee: $10 per class.

June 12: 6 p.m. Health & Wellness Walk. Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot off West Golf Drive. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles.

June 12: 7 p.m. John Ruman Combo. Yellow Creek Park, Struthers. Lawn seating.

Session I: June 12-15; Session II: June 19-22; Session III: June 25-28. Junior Golf Camp (ages 7-18). Start Smart Golf (ages 4-7). 9-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Junior Golf Camp will offer basic instruction, course etiquette, fun games and prizes. Start Smart Golf will help parents teach their children to enjoy golf using positive reinforcement, activities and exciting equipment. Call (330) 740-7114 to register. Fee: $30 R, $45 NR.

June 13, 20 & 27: 7-8:30 p.m. Link Up to Golf: Follow-up. PGA professionals will give on-course instruction to adults who have attended the Link Up to Golf sessions. Held at Par 3 Golf Course. Call the (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee: regular greens fee.

June 14: 8:30-10 a.m. Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens. (See June 5).

June 14: 10 a.m. Family Tours. Family tours will be offered Thursday mornings throughout the summer. Enjoy a guided wagon tour of the MetroParks Farm. The playroom and the animal barns will be open. Tour is approximately one hour. Reservations are recommended.

June 14, 21 & 28: 11 a.m.-noon. Children’s Yoga at Fellows Riverside Gardens. This playful class teaches children ages 6 and up yoga postures to improve balance and coordination. Instructor Heidi Suraci will end each class with a relaxation session and story. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a mat, small blanket and bottled water. Call (330) 740-7116 for information. Fee: $10 per class.

June 14: 6:30-9 p.m. The Culinary Garden: A Picnic With Style. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Beeghly Terrace while watching the preparation of a delicious supper featuring fresh local produce. Savor the tastes from the garden prepared by Victor and Heidi Suraci. Learn tips for an elegant presentation and take home the recipes. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $35 ($28 FFRG members).

June 14: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tips for Entering the Rose Show. Cutting and grooming entries for the Rose Show will be demonstrated at this meeting of the Mahoning Valley Rose Society at Fellows Riverside Gardens.

June 15: 11 a.m.-noon or 1-2 p.m. Petal Picture. Preschoolers will have their pictures taken in the Family Garden, a perfect present for Dad. Working together with a favorite adult, each child will decorate a picture frame with petals and make a Father’s Day card. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $5 R, $7 NR.

June 16: 10 a.m. Farmyard Tales. We’ll share a farm story before heading out for a wagon tour. Approximately one hour.

June 16: 11 a.m.-noon. Petal Picture. (See June 15).

June 16: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Civil War Remembered. Representatives from the Fifth United States Colored Troops Ohio (USCT) will share their research and answer questions regarding the role of the black soldier during the Civil War. Held at Lanterman’s Mill.

June 16: Noon-5 p.m. Garden Forum Summer Flower Show. This summer garden flower show presented by Garden Forum of Greater Youngstown will delight the senses.

June 16: 2 p.m. Summer Wildflowers. With the beginning of astronomical summer a few days away, we’re sure to find an array of early summer wildflowers. Meet at the Kirk Road Trailhead. Easy rating, 2 or 4 miles.

June 17: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Garden Forum Summer Flower Show. (See June 16).

June 17: 2 p.m. Wildflowers by Bicycle. We’ll look for wildflowers on this ride to the county line and back. Helmets are required for participation. Meet at Kirk Road Trailhead. Moderate difficulty, 10 miles.

June 19 & 20: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kinder Kritters (children entering kindergarten). Ford Nature Center. Fun activities are planned for indoors and outdoors along with a story time and crafts. Participants will go on short walks to learn about nature. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by June 5. Fee: $25 R, $30 NR.

June 19-Aug. 14: 1-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Mill Creek Junior Learning League. For serious junior golfers ages 10-17 with intermediate or advanced skills relative to their age. Each week golfers will work on a specific part of the game, then play nine holes of supervised golf. Fee includes greens fees, pizza parties, prizes, instruction and USGA Handicap. Call (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee: $100.

June 20: 9 a.m. Health & Wellness Walk. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, 4 miles.

June 20: 6:30-8 p.m. Garden Markers. Help label plants in the Family Garden. Children ages 6 and up with their adult companions will make whimsical garden markers — one for the Family Garden and one to take home. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $4 R, $6 NR.

June 20: 7 p.m. Youngstown Area Community Concert Band (Music from around the world). Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating. Free.

June 21: 10 a.m. Family Tours. (See June 14).

June 21: 2:11-4:11 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Solstice Kayaks. At its precise astronomical beginning, we’ll start the summer season with an afternoon float on Lake Newport. If you can’t make the afternoon trip, join us later in the evening. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See June 9 for more information).

June 22: 8:30-10 a.m. Breakfast Botany: Leaves. Start your morning with a brisk walk in the Gardens. Return to the Garden Cafe to enjoy a light breakfast and learn about the important role of plant leaves. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $6 R, $8 NR.

June 23: 10 a.m. Kayak Olympics. You don’t have to be a pro to participate in the games, you just need to know how to have fun! Meet at Lake Glacier Boathouse. (See June 9 for more information).

June 23: Noon-5 p.m. Mahoning Valley Rose Society Show. Entries from novice and experienced growers will highlight this American Rose Society affiliated show.

June 24: 9-11 a.m. Restoration Yoga. Heighten your awareness and self-healing through specialized breathing techniques and postures. This state of deep relaxation is perfect for meditation and journaling. Dress comfortably and bring your yoga mat and favorite quote. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $20.

June 24: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mahoning Valley Rose Society Show. (See June 23).

June 24: 1-4 p.m. Wagon Trails. (See June 10).

June 24: 2 p.m. Stayin’ Cool. Learn about ways animals stay cool during the torrid season ahead. Meet at the kiosk at the Wick Recreation Area. Moderate difficulty, 2.5 miles.

June 26: 6 p.m. Health & Wellness Walk. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, 2 or 4 miles.

June 27 & 28 (Session I), July 10 & 11 (Session II): 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Park Pals (children entering grades 1-3). Learn about Mill Creek Park and its plants and animals. Enjoy hikes, crafts, games and other activities. Enroll in both session for maximum fun. Registration and fee are due at Ford Nature Center by June 13 for Session I and by June 26 for Session II. Fee: $30 R, $35 NR.

June 27: 7 p.m. Mystic Knights (blues). Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating. Free.

June 28: 10 a.m. Family Tours. (See June 14).

June 29: 11 a.m. NOPGA Pups Tour. This is a series of 10 nine-hole tournaments for boys and girls ages 8-11. Players should possess intermediate or advanced skills relative to their age. Deadline for entry is June 21. Call (216) 765-1214 to register or visit: www.northernohio.pga.com. Fee: $25.

June 29: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sunset Kayak. Join us for this kayak trip on the lake as evening turns into night. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Not for first-time kayakers. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See June 9 for more information).

June 30: 10 a.m. Good Old-Fashioned Crayfish Hunt. Biologist Roger Thoma will lead this search for crayfish and other creek creatures. We’ll explore Sawmill Run, a tributary of Meander Reservoir. Wear old shoes and clothing. Bring a lunch and drinking water. To register, call (330) 533-7572 by June 29. Meet at MetroParks Farm and caravan to location. Moderate difficulty, 2 miles.

June 30-July 29: 6 p.m. Saturdays. Family Fun Nights. For children ages 7-18 and their parents. PGA Professionals will conduct short instructional seminars to start the evenings followed by on-course play. Call (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee includes golf, cart, refreshments and prizes. Fee: $10 per family.

EXHIBITS

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Davis Education & Visitor Center

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Weller Gallery, through June 3. Interpretations of Nature. The landscapes in watercolor and pastel by Wendy Warner and Kevin McLatchy brighten the gallery walls and delight viewers.

June 8-July 29.

Yuuga: Contemporary Botanical Watercolors From Japan. Botanical themes are the subject of these exquisite watercolors painted by Japanese artists. The exhibit is on loan from the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh.

Melnick Museum, through August.

Crossing the Creeks: Mill Creek Park’s Stone Bridges. The stone bridges of Mill Creek park are highlighted in this exhibit.