Wildwood Park Events

5th Annual Nature Used Book Sale

February 1, 2012 - February 26, 2012

The Friends of Wildwood will hold a used nature book sale during the month of February. Browse through field guides, books on nature and the outdoors and children’s books. Gently used books, videos and DVD’s about nature as well as all types of children’s books may be dropped off at the Olewine Nature Center during the months of December and January. Proceeds from the sale help support programming at Wildwood Park.
When & Where: February 1 – 26 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Olewine Nature Center

Celebrate Owls!

February 4, 2012

Children will have the opportunity to explore the world of owls through activities and crafts. They will learn about the adaptations that help owls survive in the nighttime world. This program is appropriate for children ages 6 – 12.
When and Where: 1:00 – 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Register by February 1 at 717-221-0292 x1
Fee: $5 per child

Owl Prowl

February 4, 2012

Adults and children over the age of 12 will learn about the owls of Pennsylvania and then go on a guided walk in Wildwood Park to look for owls. There is no guarantee of hearing or spotting an owl but it will be fun to try. Dress warmly.
When & Where: 5:00 – 7:00 pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration required, 717-221-0292 x1
Fee: $5 per person

Animal Tracks and Traces for Kids

February 5, 2012

Become a nature detective as we seek out and solve the mystery of animal footprints, food remains, homes, and other signs left behind by critters active in winter. We will begin with making animal prints indoors followed by an outside adventure. Appropriate for ages 5 to 10.
When & Where: 1:30 – 3:00 pm, Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required at 717-221-0292 x1.
Fee: $5 per person

Paradise Almost Lost Lecture Series: Coal, Coffee, and Cooperation: Saving a Vanishing Songbird

February 7, 2012

This talk will explore the relationship between the Cerulean Warbler, a tiny migratory songbird, and the threats to its survival due to mountaintop removal coal mining, deforestation, and climate change. Katie Fallon, author of the new book Cerulean Blues: A Personal Search for a Vanishing Songbird, will highlight the connections between a morning cup of coffee and an ecologically devastating mining practice, and she will show how the fate of a creature weighing less than an ounce is vitally linked to our own. Download a flyer for the series at www.wildwoodlake.org.
When & Where: 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: Free

Paradise Almost Lost Lecture Series: The South Mountain Conservation Landscape Initiative

February 21, 2012

The South Mountain Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) is a partnership of private citizens, business, non-profit organizations and public officials working to protect, preserve and enhance the South Mountain Landscape. Debra Bowman, Director of partner organization, the Central PA Conservancy, will discuss how it promotes the further appreciation and protection of geographic, geologic, biologic, natural, agricultural and heritage resources in an effort to enhance the quality of life in the region. Download a flyer for the series at www.wildwoodlake.org.
When & Where: 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required
Fee: Free

Small Wonders

March 3, 2012

Discover nature with your preschool child. The program starts with a story inside the classroom of the Olewine Nature Center. After the story, we will go outside for a short walk to explore Wildwood Park.
When & Where: 10:30 am – 12:00, Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required at 717-221-0292 x1
Fee: Free

Composting with Worms

March 3, 2012

Stop by the Olewine Nature Center to find out how to decrease the amount of garbage your family tosses into the landfill every week. Scott Mann will introduce you to vermiculture, using worms to digest and compost food scraps.
When & Where: 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required
Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

March 10, 2012

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects.
When and Where: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, meet at the Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required but please let us know if you are bringing a group of six or more. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining.
Fee: Free

Wandering Wildwood with Phil Lloyd

March 17, 2012 Bring your camera and wander about Wildwood with photographer Phil Lloyd. Engross yourself in Wildwood time, walk the paths and boardwalks, learn to observe nature and not just look around – there is plenty to see.
Whene & Where: 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required
Fee: FREE!

Mini Photo Workshop

March 31, 2012 It’s not too early to think about entering Wildwood’s Photography Contest, which will be held in the fall of this year. This mini workshop will help photographers learn how to obtain the best print from a digital image and how to prepare a photo for competition. Learn mounting and matting techniques. Mounting materials and mat kits will be available for purchase at cost. Cash or check will be accepted for mat kits.
When & Where: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Deadline to register is March 23, 2012.
Fee: FREE!

Preschool Stroytime: Spring at Wildwood!

April 11, 2012 Join a Dauphin County Library System librarian and Wildwood volunteers for a fun story session for children ages 2-4. Stories, songs, rhymes, and a take-home craft will introduce Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters.
When & Where: 10:00 am - 10:45 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Fee: FREE!

Wildwood Clean Up

April 14, 2012 You are invited to help clean up Wildwood Park’s lake, streams and trails. Volunteers will spearhead litter pick up and invasive plant pulling throughout the park. New this year, we will also be planting trees provided by the Friends of Wildwood TreeVitalize Grant. As Earth Day and Arbor Day approach, this is a great opportunity to clean up, plant, and give something back. Dress for the weather. Snack, tools, and work gloves will be provided.
When & Where: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is required at (717) 221-0292.
Fee: FREE!
Rain Date: April 15, 12:30 – 3:30 pm

Flower Walk: Dutchman's Breeches and Trout Lilies

April 15, 2012 Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to look for early spring flowers such as Dutchman’s breeches, trout lilies and cut-leaved toothwort. Learn interesting facts about these early spring bloomers.
When &Where: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration is not required.
Fee: FREE!

Wetlands Festival

April 28, 2012

Celebrate Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands and the American Wetlands Month of May with a day of free, refreshing and educational activities. Enjoy musical entertainment with singer songwriter Van Wagner, check out the Native Woodland Plant Sale, follow along with “Possum’s Tale” storytelling, and get to know the animals of Wildwood with live animal programs by ZooAmerica and Nate McKelvie. Attendees may also adopt a turtle to support turtle research, make a craft and participate in children’s activities, enjoy delicious food, and explore creative exhibitor displays and unique vendors. Activities and programs are designed for families, children and adults. Event brochures available in March.
When & Where: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Not required
Fee: FREE!

Digital Photography Workshop

May 5, 2012

Join professional photographer Charlie Smith from Canon Professional Services to better understand your digital camera, regardless of its manufacturer. You will learn how the camera captures and creates a digital exposure, camera settings, sRGB and Adobe RGB color space, resolution, camera raw and jpeg file formats, ISO settings, White Balance, preset scenes and creative modes: Aperture/Shutter Priority and Manual Mode.
Charlie will demonstrate techniques for excellent composition that can immediately improve your photos, including Rule of Thirds, GET CLOSE, Leading Lines, Framing, Point-of-View (POV), and include tips for photographing at Wildwood Park.
Participants should know how to navigate through the camera menus. Bring your camera, camera manual, extra batteries, note pad, pen and and empty memory card, as you will format the memory card in class.
When & Where: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Download the registration form and mail with your payment, which is due at time of registration. Space is limited!
Fee $125 incudes materials, class notes and lunch. The fee will be $135 after April 22.

Photography Walk

May 6, 2012

Photographers are invited to bring a camera and walk with Phil Lloyd and Charlie Smith. The trails of Wildwood Park offer abundant opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography. Participants in the May 5 Photography Workshop can use this opportunity to practice their new technical skills while learning to observe nature.
When & Where: 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Not required
Fee: FREE!

Jack Hubley: Critters Beyond Your Backyard

May 6, 2012 Wildwood Park is delighted to present Jack Hubley and his wildlife program, “Critters Beyond Your Backyard”. Best known for his local television program “Wild Moments”, Jack has been an advocate for the natural world for over 25 years. As part of his “Wild Neighbors Lecture Series”, he will use live native animals to talk about their importance to the local ecology.
When & Where: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm:Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased by sending your check made payable to Dauphin County Parks and Recreation to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Deadline for purchasing tickets is May 1, 2012.
Fee: $5 per person; $2 per child under 12

Volunteer Work Day

May 12, 2012

Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpits and Other Spring Flowers

May 13, 2012 Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to search for Jack in the Pulpits and other flowering plants. In addition to the predominantly white blooms, some colors are beginning to appear by mid-May. Learn interesting facts about Jack in the Pulpit and why it could also be known as “Jill”.
When & Where: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registraion: Not required.
Fee: FREE!

Wanderin Wildwood with Phil Lloyd

May 19, 2012

Bring your camera and wander about Wildwood with photographer Phil Lloyd. Engross yourself in Wildwood time, walk the paths and boardwalks, learn to observe nature and not just look around – there is plenty to see.
When & Where: 8:00 am - 10:00 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Not required
Fee: FREE!

Outdoor Learning Day

May 22, 2012

Outdoor Learning Day offers hands-on outdoor and indoor environmental education stations designed for public and private school students in grades 3 – 7 to learn about wetlands and the environment. Experts will be on site to teach while addressing components of the academic standards for environment and ecology.
When and Where: Start/end times flexible. Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Wildwood Park.
Registration: Call 717-221-0292 and speak with an environmental educator, or email us at friendsofww@wildwoodlake.org
Fee: $5 per student. There is no charge for adults.

Nature Explorers Day Camp

June 12, 2012 - June 13, 2012 Children ages 5 and 6 explore nature at Wildwood Park. Activities will focus on learning about our senses. On discovery walks, campers will develop skills for wildlife observation. Stories, crafts and fun activities will be included.
When & Where: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292.
Fee: $40 per person

Wildwood Family Triathlon

June 16, 2012

This activity is a great way to kick-off Father’s Day weekend. Athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to join the fun in the quest for personal achievement. Challenge yourself to do your personal best. Teams of two will participate in three events that include biking 1.5 miles along Wildwood Way, canoeing 0.5 miles on Wildwood Lake or Paxton Creek and running 1.5 miles on the Towpath. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category. Those who register by June 9 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 & Where: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Registration: Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Registration forms will be available in March at the Olewine Nature Center, on this website, or by calling (717) 221-0292, ext. 3.
Fee: $10 per person ($20 per team of 2). Entry fee includes the use of canoes, paddles, and life jackets.

Wildwood Way Day Camp

June 18, 2012 - June 22, 2012 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: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292.
Fee: $115 per person

Educator Workshop: Wonders of Wetlands

June 21, 2012 Wonders of Wetlands is a hands-on, inquiry based cross-curriculum on wetlands and water that was developed by Environmental Concern, Inc. of Maryland in 1991. Now in its eighth edition, the K-12 curriculum book was the first wetland teacher training to be offered to educators. Materials and curriculum book are being provided through a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. This workshop is Act 48 hours approved. When & Where: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at theOlewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292. Deadline for registration is June 8, 2012.
Fee: $10 per person.

Wildwood Way Day Camp

June 25, 2012 - June 29, 2012 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: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292.
Fee: $115 per person

Junior Naturalist Day Camp

July 9, 2012 - July 13, 2012 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, and environmental education activities such as plant and animal identification.
When & Where: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292.
Fee: $115 per person

Outdoor Week

July 16, 2012 - July 20, 2012 Get into the wild with this exciting week of hands-on outdoor activities. Participants, ages 12 and 13, will discover the natural world through personal experience. Activities include canoeing, fishing, natural history and ecology, animal identification and monitoring experience, poisonous and edible plant knowledge, team building and primitive technology skills.
When & Where: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Required - call the nature center at 717-221-0292.
Fee: $115 per person

Wildwood Digital Photography Day Camp

August 6, 2012 - August 10, 2012 and September 8, 2012
The Harrisburg Camera Club will conduct a camp for participants ages 10 to 16 to explore nature and wildlife through the camera lens. Space is limited. For information and a pre-application form go to www.hcckids.org. Submitting a pre-application does not guarantee acceptance into this program. Space is limited in this very popular day camp.
When & Where: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center.
Registration: Download application at wwwlhcckids.org.

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