Building History
Designed with environmental responsibility as a key criterion, the 12,000 square foot Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary is one of the newest additions to the growing list of green buildings in central Pennsylvania. The building was formally dedicated on December 18, 1999. Total project cost was $2,141,328 including site work.
The building site is a reclaimed former dumping area adjacent to the southern tributary of the Paxton Creek. It is part of a largely preserved wetlands area (part of Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation) used for environmental education and recreation. The building houses nature exhibits, an observation deck, meeting space, classrooms, offices and orientation space for studying and exploring the wetlands.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Audubon Society leases space in this center.