FOR THE BIRDS


December 18, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

FOR THE BIRDS

Saturday: All day

What: Christmas Bird Count. Our area has been participating since 1904. The National Audubon Society administers the bird count and chapters organize local counts. Volunteers are invited to help census birds within the count circle, which encompasses the Greater Youngstown Area.

Contact: CBC Coordinator Gary Meiter at 234-564-7900.

SNOW FOX

Saturday: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Creative Creekers: Age 8-12. Discover the habits and behavior of the snow fox in winter. Learn about different types of sculpture and building techniques as you create your own small snow fox-inspired piece.

Call: Ford Nature Center, 330-740-7107, for costs.

GO GREEN

Saturday: 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Ages 7-12: Go Green this season as youngsters create festive holiday ornaments and decorations using recycled materials.

Where: Mill Creek MetroParks Farm Classroom A, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield.

Cost: $7 residents; $10 nonresidents.

Register: Ford Nature Center.

WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE

Sunday: 5 p.m.

What: Astronomically speaking, winter begins at 6:03 p.m. Sunday. Night arrives early on this shortest day of the year. Meet at sunset and hike to celebrate our new season.

Rating: Moderate, 2 miles.

Where: Lower Bears Den parking lot, off Old Furnace Road, Youngstown.

Call: 330-740-7107

GINGERBREAD TREE

Sunday: 2 to 4 p.m.

What: Spend the day at Fellows Riverside Gardens with your family, enjoy making a gingerbread tree. Enjoy creative family time, winter treats and gingerbread tips from gardens staff.

Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown.

Cost: $15 per gingerbread creation.

Register: 330-740-7116.

WINTER NIGHTS

When: Sunday and Dec. 28, 5 to 7 p.m.

What: Enjoy the festivities of Winter Celebration and stroll in the gardens for an expanded light display. Share and bring a nonperishable food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Cost: Free.

Call: 330-740-7116

WINTER CELEBRATION

When: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 4.

What: Winter Celebration: The Gingerbread Garden. Visit the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens to see the area’s premier holiday plant display along Gingerbread Lane; Delphiniums Gingerbread Shoppe, the children’s bakery; and more than 46 trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Cost: Free.

Call: 330-740-7116.

For a complete listing of OSU Extension programs: go.osu.edu/MahoningCalendar