Fall’s Final Hurrah | Youngstown Blog

Posted in Places on September 22nd, 2009 by ytown | No comments

Fall in Youngstown

Mill Creek MetroParks pulls out all the stops in celebration of autumn, and you’re invited. Winters can be tough in Y-town and the MetroParks make the most of the fabulous fall weather that precedes the first snow fall.

The changing fall foliage might be a tourist attraction in New England, but Mill Creek Park can be just as impressive. Put on your walking shoes and take advantage of the wonderful seasonal show Mother Nature presents. The MetroParks offers numerous interpretive walks during the month of October. These walks are slow-paced so time can be taken to not only gain information about the walk’s topic but so everyone can enjoy the scenery.

Two bird walks will take place this month with both being lead by Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Nancy Brundage. Early fall migrating birds will be the topic with the October 3 adventure following the MetroParks Bikeway. Everyone is to meet at the Bikeway’s Trailhead at the MetroPark Farm at 9 a.m. Those attending the October 10 walk will also meet at 9 a.m. at the Newport Wetlands parking lot, where exploring the Wetlands will take place. Both jaunts are rated easy and are less than one mile long. And each walk is BYOB – bring your own binoculars.

Want to spend the day really getting to know Mill Creek Park? Then set aside Sunday, October 11 to do so. Naturalist Emeritus Bill Whitehouse will lead this leisurely ramble of the Park’s northern section. Walkers can opt to spend the morning, afternoon or the whole day. Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch which will be enjoyed at the historic Log Cabin. Those wishing to join this hike must be 16 years of age or older, be in shape enough to walk at least 10 miles, and must call the Ford Nature Center by October 10 to register. Everyone is to meet at Fellows Riverside Gardens with the hike beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.

Though the trees are in full splendor this time of year, several interestingly eerie plants are also known to appear. Come learn about some of the plants native to Ohio that have a “dark side” by participating in the Sunday, October 25 walk through Poland Woods beginning at 2 p.m. With Halloween just around the corner, this walk seems very relevant. Call Ford Nature Center for directions to Poland Woods.

Speaking of Halloween, the MetroParks will become very spooky the weekend of October 17 and 18. Halloween at the Judge Morley Pavilion runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include a mummy wrapping contest for the whole family and a pie-eating contest for adults. A costume contest for children of all ages plus a pet costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday night a Pumpkin Walk at Twilight will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Take a stroll through the garden’s Jack-O-Lantern and autumn-decorated lined paths. Be sure to stop in at the Davis Center afterwards for refreshments and music.

For Information Contact: