Wildwood Park Events

Boy Scouts-Bears, Weather Elective Workshop

March 13, 2010

One of the best ways to prepare for a day is to know the weather forecast. Here, scouts will learn not only how to read a thermometer, wind vane and barometer, but will make their own instruments. This program also features understanding air pressure and precipitation, and we’ll go outside to log the day’s weather.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Volunteer Work Day

March 13, 2010

The public is invited to join Wildwood volunteers in the spring as monthly outdoor work days resume. Help us keep your park clean and beautiful. Call the Nature Center for more information about upcoming work day activities. Assume the Work Day is cancelled if it is raining or snowing.
When and Where: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required but please let us know if you are bringing a group of six or more.
Fee: Free

Preschool Storytime: Spring at Wildwood!

March 17, 2010

Join a Dauphin County Library System librarian and Wildwood volunteers for a fun story session for children ages 2-4. Stories, rhymes, play and a take-home craft will introduce Wildwood Lake critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters.
When & Where: 10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Not appropriate for large groups.
Fee: Free

Natural Egg Dyeing

March 20, 2010

Celebrate Spring at Wildwood Park! Learn how to dye and leaf-print eggs using nature’s gifts. Arrange your dyed eggs in a “live grass” basket to take home. Bring 6 to 12 hard-cooked eggs (white only), a non-plastic egg carton and wear old clothes because natural dyes are permanent. While the dyes are setting, there will be a storytime and children’s discovery walk. Learn how to care for a pet rabbit and find out why they are not the right pet for everyone. There will be information on how to protect wild baby rabbits and live bunnies will be on display.
When & Where: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
Fee: $10 per adult; $5 per child (5-8 years old) attending with a paying adult

Girl Scouts-Juniors, Wildlife Badge Workshop

March 27, 2010 - March 28, 2010

This popular program provides activities to learn about animal groups and characteristics, endangered species, bird identification, PA’s poisonous plants and venomous reptiles, how to use binoculars, and more. This one-day program meets the requirements for this badge (same program each day) and concludes with a wildlife walk.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Amphibians and Reptiles Educator Workshop

March 31, 2010

PA Fish and Boat Commission and Wildwood Park have joined together to offer Amphibians and Reptiles, a professional development workshop for classroom and non-formal educators. Amphibians and Reptiles is a multi-disciplinary curriculum designed to introduce educators to the biology, ecology and identification of PA’s herps as well as give them valuable background information on habitat concerns and responsible human actions. Each participant will receive the Amphibians and Reptiles curriculum guide and PA Amphibians and Reptiles book. This workshop is Act 48 Hours approved. Bring your own lunch and beverage. Program includes an easy one mile trail walk.
When & Where: Wednesday, March 31, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required, register by March 26
Fee: $10.00 per person

Wildwood Clean Up

April 10, 2010

Wildwood Park needs the help of volunteers and local residents! You are invited to spend the day helping clean up the lake, streams and trails. Volunteers in hip boots or on foot will help clean up the lake, canal, streams and trails of the park. A crew will pull invasive plants that are just starting to grow. As Earth Day approaches, this is a great opportunity to clean up and give something back to a park that many residents use on a regular basis. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get muddy! Lunch and work gloves will be provided.

When and Where: April 10, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm., Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

(Rain Date: April 11, 12:30 – 3:30 pm)

Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the Olewine Nature Center at (717) 221-0292.

Fee: Free

Girl Scouts-Brownies, Water Everywhere Try-It

April 17, 2010

Water is probably our most important resource. Our bodies are made up mostly of water and we can’t live without it. Scouts will learn conservation techniques and how to be responsible consumers. You’ll make a water snooper and get wet while collecting and examining the creatures living in Wildwood’s lake and streams.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Registration and pre-payment required.
All scout workshops are open to scouts from any troop or pack. Please bring your own lunch, and wear shoes and clothes that are appropriate for outside activities.
Fee: $10 per scout or child. Leaders responsible for acquiring badges & pins.

PA Biodiversity Educator Workshop

April 21, 2010

The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Wildwood Park offer this educator workshop on biodiversity. Through the use of resource materials and hands-on activities, session participants will investigate the concepts of biodiversity, explore Pennsylvania’s biodiversity, and examine local and global issues relating to biodiversity. Participating teachers will receive the Pennsylvania Supplement to Windows on the Wild and the Pennsylvania Biodiversity video. The session will feature both indoor and outdoor activities. The activities used in this session are correlated with the Environment and Ecology Standards. This workshop may be used to fulfill Act 48 hours.
When and Where: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Registration: Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is April 15, 2010.

Fee: $10.00 per person, funding in part by a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Wetlands Festival

April 24, 2010

Wildwood Park will launch the celebration of National Wetlands Month with a day full of exciting, fun and educational activities. New for this year will be bird banding demonstrations and additional activities for toddlers and young children. Other events include natural history walks and talks, live critter displays and programs, hands-on activities for children, live music, exhibitors and food. The day will begin with an early morning bird walk and conclude with a special program presented by ZooAmerica featuring native Pennsylvania animals. A brochure of the entire day’s events will be available in March. Pick one up at the Olewine Nature Center or check www.wildwoodlake.org
When and Where: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: Free Admission

Dauphin County Streams-A Health Report Presentation

April 27, 2010

Following a 5-year (2004-2008) study, Dauphin County Conservation District has assessed and analyzed the health and quality of the streams in Dauphin County, including the Paxton Creek which runs through Wildwood Park. Come join us for this evening presentation to discover what they have learned and what citizens can do to help our waterways.
When and Where: 7 –8:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: Free, funding by a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Spring Bird Walk Weekend

May 1, 2010 - May 2, 2010

Come join us for these morning bird walks. Migration is in full swing and birds can be found everywhere. We will walk either the Delta Boardwalk or the North Boardwalk focusing on warblers and other songbirds but sightings of great egrets and other wetland birds should be expected. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your binoculars.
When and Where: 8 – 10 a.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required. This walk is not appropriate for large groups.
Fee: Free

Boy Scouts-Webelos, Naturalist Badge

May 15, 2010 - May 16, 2010

A naturalist studies plants and animals in the wild. Before you earn your Naturalist badge and go into any wild area, you must learn skills and knowledge that protect not only the environment and keep you safe but also enhance your ability to see, hear, and watch wildlife. This program includes activities to hone your wildlife watching skills; identify the poisonous plants and venomous reptiles of PA; explore the mystery of bird migration; learn about some of the mammals that call PA their home; and examine some extraordinary talents that animals have developed to survive. A hike in The Park will give each participant the chance to use the new “naturalist” skills they learned this day. This program is offered twice, once each day.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Registration and pre-payment required. All scout workshops are open to scouts from any troop or pack. Please bring your own lunch, and wear shoes and clothes that are appropriate for outside activities.
Fee: $10 per scout or child. Leaders responsible for acquiring badges & pins.

Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpit Flower Walk

May 16, 2010

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams for a Sunday afternoon flower walk at Wildwood Park. White is the predominant flower color in this late spring walk. Some colors are beginning to appear. We should definitely see Jack in the Pulpits. Come learn the interesting facts about this flower and why it could also be known as “Jill in the Pulpit”.
When and Where: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: Free

The Appalachian Trail - A Footpath for Those Who Seek Fellowship with the Wilderness

May 25, 2010

The National Scenic Appalachian Trail runs 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and is readily accessible to residents here in south-central PA. In 2006, local naturalist, Lorrie Preston, (Trail name "Shutterbug"), started section-hiking the trail through PA with the local Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, and has now hiked nearly 1,000 miles of the trail, including the very rugged White Mountains in New Hampshire. Lorrie will share images of trailside flora and fauna; including wildflowers through the seasons, birds, and other jewels of nature, as well as vistas and trail highlights which delight and inspire this middle-aged hiker. Also, learn where you can easily access the trail in our area for your own adventure.
When and Where: 7 – 8:30 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: Free

Canoe Wildwood by Moonlight

May 26, 2010 - May 27, 2010

Over one hundred years ago when Wildwood Lake formed as a result of construction of the dam, boating was a popular pastime. Canoe Wildwood participants will learn how time has changed the lake and the park. We will paddle into the aquatic ecosystem for a close-up look at the inhabitants of the lake and marsh. During our excursion, we will experience that magical moment when the sun is gone and the moon rises over the lake. Bring a flashlight. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
When and Where: 7-9 pm; Participants should meet at the Middle Parking Lot on Industrial Road
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the Olewine Nature Center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $15 per person includes the use of canoes, paddles and life jackets.

Friday on the Susquehanna

June 4, 2010

We will start the day on Haldeman Island with a morning bird walk (about 1 mile of walking) led by Scott Bills of the PA Game Commission. Along the way, he will discuss reintroduction of bald eagles to the river. After eating lunch on the island, we will shuttle to Halifax, where we will launch canoes for a trip down the Susquehanna. In the afternoon, we will take a break at one of the River Trail Campsites. Bring lunch, water and binoculars if you have them. Snacks will be provided. A limited number of canoes, paddles and life jackets will be available for use by participants. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
When and Where: 9:00 am until approximately 4:00 pm (8:45 am check-in) Meet at Haldeman Island. (Directions will be mailed to participants after payment is received.)
Registration: Pre-registration is required; Call the Olewine Nature Center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $30 per person includes canoes, paddles, life jackets, shuttle service, safety boaters and guest speaker. There will be a fee of $20 per person for those using their own canoe and $10 for a third person in a canoe.

Wildwood Way Day Camp (ages 7-9)

June 14, 2010 - June 18, 2010

This is a camp for nature explorers ages 7 to 9. Science exploration, environmental education activities, crafts and nature observations are on the daily agenda. Please note that the second week is a repeat of the first week.
When & Where: Monday, June 14 to Friday, June 18; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $100 per person

Eighth Annual Wildwood Triathlon

June 19, 2010

This activity is a great way to kick-off Father’s Day weekend. Athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to join us for fun and personal achievement. Teams of two will participate in three events that include biking 1.5 miles along Wildwood Way, canoeing 0.5 miles on Wildwood Lake and running 1.5 miles on the Towpath. Challenge yourself to do your personal best. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category. Those who register by June 14 will receive a free commemorative t-shirt. All participants will be awarded a ribbon and certificate of achievement. Refreshments will be provided at the post-race gathering. To promote teamwork, participants are encouraged to make and wear creative team shirts.
When and Where: 8:00 AM - 12 Noon. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Obtain registration form in person at the Olewine Nature Center or by calling (717) 221-0292
Fee: $10 per person, $20 per team, includes entry fee as well as the use of canoes, paddles, and life jackets.

Wildwood Way Day Camp (ages 7-9)

June 21, 2010 - June 25, 2010

This is a camp for nature explorers ages 7 to 9. Science exploration, environmental education activities, crafts and nature observations are on the daily agenda. Please note that the second week is a repeat of the first week.
When & Where: Monday, June 21 to Friday, June 25; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $100 per person

Outdoor Week (ages 12-13)

July 12, 2010 - July 16, 2010

Become more comfortable in the outdoors with this exciting week of hands on survival activities and lessons. Participants, ages 12 and 13, will gain an understanding of outdoor skills and primitive technologies through personal experience. Activities will include canoeing, orienteering, natural history and ecology lessons, poisonous and edible plant knowledge, animal identification, team building and primitive skills development such as shelter and fire making.
When & Where: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $100 per person

Junior Naturalist Day Camp (ages 10-11)

July 19, 2010 - July 23, 2010

Junior Naturalist is a week filled with outdoor adventures for children ages 10 to 11. Campers will explore the natural environment through hands-on nature adventures including hiking, canoeing on Wildwood Lake, and environmental education activities such as plant and animal identification.
When & Where: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $100 per person

Wildwood Digital Photography Day Camp (ages 10-14)

August 2, 2010 - August 6, 2010

Participants from ages 10 to 14 will explore nature and wildlife through the camera lens. Students will be provided advanced digital cameras to use during the week courtesy of Canon Corporation. With instructor Charlie Smith of the Harrisburg Camera Club, students will learn camera operations and techniques, basic composition, lighting and close-up and macro photography while focusing on landscape, nature and wildlife subjects. The fee includes materials that will be used at the Saturday Workshop on August 21 to mat and frame a project to take home.
When & Where: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call the nature center at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: $125 per person

Boy Scouts-Webelos, Forester Badge

September 11, 2010 - September 12, 2010

Nature’s monuments — we call them trees — are a necessary and precious resource. Participants will discover the many products manufactured from wood that we use every day, and the important role trees play in the delicate balance of our environment. How tall is the tallest tree? How big around is the largest tree? What can we learn about local history from trees? Is fire ever good for a tree? These are among the topics this workshop covers. We’ll learn how to identify some of Pennsylvania’s native trees and plants and then take a walk in The Park to put your new skills to the test. This program is offered twice, once each day.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Registration and pre-payment required. All scout workshops are open to scouts from any troop or pack. Please bring your own lunch, and wear shoes and clothes that are appropriate for outside activities.
Fee: $10 per scout or child. Leaders responsible for acquiring badges & pins.

Girl Scouts-Juniors, Finding Your Way Badge

September 25, 2010

Maps tell us so much more than just which road to take. Scouts will become familiar with several different types of maps. With structured and fun activities, scouts learn how to follow and give directions using road and street maps. You’ll learn how to use a compass and trail markers, create your own mini-trail, and navigate a course using a compass.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Walk for Wildwood

September 26, 2010

Enjoy a refreshing autumn walk and help support Wildwood Park by participating in the Walk for Wildwood. This fundraiser event, designed especially for park walkers and families, features a 5K (3.1 mile) trail walk around Wildwood Park. An alternative 0.5 mile accessible trail is also available. On the walk, enjoy looking for trail side wildlife (like birds, turtles and frogs) with assistance from trail guides. Afterwards, take advantage of the heart-healthy monitoring station, tasty refreshments, and prizes for top pledge collectors. One lucky walker will win a trip for two to the Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast in Honey Grove, PA including dinner and a massage. Dog walkers welcome.
When and Where: Registration is at 12:30 p.m. and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Visit or call the Nature Center at (717) 221-0292 for a registration and pledge form. Pre-register by September 15 to receive an event t-shirt. Late and walk-in registrations are welcome, but may not receive a t-shirt.
Fee: $10 per adult; children under 12 free

Girl Scouts-Brownies, Watching Wildlife Try-It

October 16, 2010

Scouts will discover which animals live in our neighborhoods and surrounding areas and learn how to find them. Fun activities to “tune-up” your wildlife hearing and sighting skills, along with exploring the complexity of animal language. The day includes a wildlife walk in The Park.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Girl Scouts-Cadettes, Parks Matter

October 30, 2010

Age 12-17 only This addition to the Studio 2B Focus series addresses the need to protect and preserve our national parks as well as the need to care for the things we hold dear in our own communities. The hands-on activities in this program will give scouts the tools to make a personal difference in their own environment.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Girl Scouts-Brownies, Animals Try-It

November 13, 2010

Scouts will learn the responsibilities that are relevant to having a pet and how to choose the right one for themselves and their family. You will learn how some animals communicate and we’ll explore the many ways to safely enjoy wildlife. The emphasis is on learning respect for all creatures. This program includes a wildlife walk.
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

Boy Scouts-Cubs, Sharing Your World with Wildlife-Bear Achievement

December 11, 2010

This workshop focuses on the need for us to learn to live in harmony with wildlife and our environment and to acknowledge the purpose all creatures bring to life on this planet. Using hands-on activities, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of the “web of life” and how we, as human beings, fit into it. Scouts will learn about the muskrats living in our lake and the lodges they build as winter homes. You’ll collect and log data for the annual “Muskrats in Wildwood survey”. Warm boots and gloves will be needed!
When and Where: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Payment must be received with registration. For more information call the Olewine Nature Center at 221-0292.
Fee: $10.00 per Scout (Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges)

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