Wildwood Park Events

Photography Contest Display

December 11, 2018 - January 26, 2019

Visit the Olewine Nature Center to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of the 100-plus beautiful matted photo entries in the Friends of Wildwood Photo Contest. Winners will be announced Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 1 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the winning entries. The People's Choice awards will be announced after the display ends. Prizes go to top votes in each category. Closed 12/25, 1/1 and Mondays.

When & Where: 10:00am-4:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

FULL - Cadette Scout Program: Night Owls

January 19, 2019

Night has captured human imagination since the dawn of time.  Explore Wildwood as day turns into night.  How are animals adapted to the dark of night?  How did past cultures explain the moon and the stars?  Turn out the lights, tune in your senses, and step out into the night. Please bring a drink, snack and dinner. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

FULL - Preschool Storytime: Winter at Wildwood!

January 23, 2019

Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for a fun story session for chilcren ages 2-5. Stories, songs, rhymes, play, and a take-home craft will introduce Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Space is limited. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 10:45am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free 

Winter Lecture Series: The Role of Nesting Ecology in the Conservation of the Common Snapping Turtle at Wildwood Park by Dr. Walter Meshaka, Jr.

January 29, 2019

Dr. Walter Meshaka, Jr. is Senior Curator of Zoology and Botany at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. He will discuss the role that basic field ecology has played in the conservation of the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) at Wildwood Park, how this work can serve as a template for other turtle species at Wildwood and elsewhere, and how public involvement brings about public awareness. Registration is not required.


When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Groundhogs

February 2, 2019

Will Phil see his shadow and announce 6 more weeks of winter? Where do animals spend the winter? Join a naturalist to discover more about groundhogs. A walk will follow, where we will search for signs of other burrowing animals. Ages 5-10 and their parents. Register here.


When & Where: 10:00am - 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Kids Discover: Animals and Their Tracks

February 9, 2019

Join a naturalist to learn the art of tracking. The program starts in the classroom with information on track identification and walking patterns. The group heads outside for a tracking foray to explore the park trails in search of a variety of animal tracks. Snow on the ground is helpful but not necessary. Dress for the weather. Appropriate for ages 5-10. Register here.

When &Where: 10:00am - 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Winter Lecture Series: The World is Our Classroom by Cindy Ross

February 12, 2019

Cindy Ross’s story begins in the Rocky Mountain wilderness on a unique and extraordinary journey: two parents leading their young children 3,100 miles on the backs of llamas. This Canada-Mexico trek illustrated to Cindy and her husband what experiential education can do. Inspired by the experience, they went on to create a new way of supplementing their children’s education, focusing on two arenas for learning: the natural world and travel. By sharing her story, Cindy aims to empower parents to believe they can be their children’s best and most important educators. Cindy will present a multi-media show, a lively question and answer session, followed by a book signing. Registration not required.


When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free 

The Great Backyard Bird Count

February 16, 2019

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a citizen science program of Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology that relies on people to provide a “snapshot” of bird populations in February. Birders from Appalachian Audubon Society and Audubon Pennsylvania will be on hand to help people of all ages learn more about bird ID. This is a chance to enjoy winter birds from the warmth of the indoors. A guided bird walk will be offered at 1 pm following the count, weather permitting. Registration not required.

When & Where: Ongoing from 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free

Webelos Scout Program: Into the Wild

February 16, 2019

Explore the wild and discover the importance of wetlands-even in the winter! A diverse community of wildlife lives in Wildwood Park. How do plants and animals survive the winter?  Scouts will improve wildlife watching, classification and identification skills and use these skills as they hike and explore Wildwood in the winter. Please bring a snack, lunch and a drink. Wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. If snow is on the ground, please wear snow boots. Register here.

When & Where: 10am-1pm   Wildwood Park   Meet at Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10.00 per scout

Fly Tying Classes with Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited

February 21, 2019 - March 28, 2019

The Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a 6-week evening course on introductory fly tying at the Olewine Nature Center. The class will be conducted on 6 consecutive Thursday evenings beginning on February 21. Instructors include experienced members of Trout Unlimited. Materials generously provided. Adults and youth 10 years and older are welcome. Youth under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Register here.

When & Where: 6:00pm - 8:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $20 for the six-week course

Winter Tree ID

February 24, 2019

Join a naturalist for a leisurely walk with a focus on tree identification. Why do some trees keep their leaves and others do not? Learn how to identify trees in winter by looking at their bark, buds, and growth habits. Registration not required.

When & Where: 1:00pm - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free

Winter Lecture Series: Wellness in Your Woods by Suzann Schiemer

February 26, 2019

Do you enjoy the aromas of the woods? Do you feel awe at the sight of a beautiful natural vista? Do you experience a sense of calm by the sound of songbirds in the early morning? If so, you might be supporting your personal health and wellness through nature’s abundance. Explore the many wellness benefits available to you by spending time in a natural environment. This presentation will highlight the green exercise of Shinrin-Yoku; also known as forest bathing. Included with the benefits of forest bathing will be suggestions on how to incorporate this practice into your time outdoors. Registration not required.


When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free

Photography Course 101: Getting the Most out of Your DSLR Camera

March 2, 2019

In this one-day hands-on workshop, Charlie Smith of Canon Professional Services will get you up and running fast with the skills you need to get the most from your camera. He'll take you out of "automatic," but won't overload you with too much detail. This 6-hour investment in your digital SLR will pay dividends over and over as you grow with your camera system. This course is guaranteed to improve your pictures! Click here for more information on topics covered, requirements, and what to bring. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Fee: $150 per person

Volunteer Work Day

March 9, 2019

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Refreshments will be available. Pre-registration is not required. Register groups of six or more here. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: Free

FULL - Boy and Girl Scouts: Juniors, Webelos and higher Scout Program: Leave No Trace

March 9, 2019

Leave No Trace is a program designed for students to learn important outdoor skills and wilderness etiquette. Scouts will be able to properly identify trail markers, discuss several ways to minimize their impact on the environment, and learn what kind of gear to bring with them on a trip. Scouts will also examine the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and the techniques behind them. Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 10:30am - 2:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout

Bear Scout Program: Fur, Feathers and Ferns

March 16, 2019

Why are some animals endangered or extinct? In this adventure, scouts will examine the fascinating world of plants and animals and take a hike to search for signs of the wild plant and animals that live at Wildwood! Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

FULL - Junior Girl Scout Program: Geocache

March 23, 2019

Discover the excitement of geocaching. With this program, scouts will learn how to use a GPS and explore the basics, and etiquette, of geocaching.  Scouts will then take a geocache adventure through Wildwood. To complete the day, scout will create a “make to swap” craft. Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

Webelos Scout Program: Into the Woods

April 6, 2019

Did you ever wonder what the woods would be like without trees?  Discover the many wood products we use every day, and the important role trees play in our environment. Explore the growth rings of a tree trunk to tell its life story.  Learn to identify native trees as we hike the park and develop a plan to care for a plant and then take it home and plant it! Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

Brownie Scout Program: Hiker

May 18, 2019

Did you know that there are trail symbols that you can make with just rocks and sticks to help others stay on the trail or to warn them of danger? During this Wildwood adventure, scouts will learn about hiking safety and take a hike to explore the park.  Then, they will learn about trail symbols and create their own trail for others to follow.   Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

Brownie Scout Program: Wonderful Water

June 1, 2019

Imagine being a drop of water travelling from cloud to to stream  to ocean! During this program scouts will explore the water-cycle through hands-on activities and take a short hike to follow a stream as it flows into Wildwood’s wetland.  Scouts will become biologists as they go into the stream to collect and examine the small creatures that live in Wildwood’s stream.  After discussing the importance of water and conservation, scouts will choose specific ways they can help conserve water. Scouts should dress for the weather and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. They should bring water shoes or old sneakers to wear in the water and pack a towel and change of clothes. Remember to bring a drink, snack and lunch. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 1:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout.

Wildwood Way Day Camp I

June 17, 2019 - June 21, 2019

Children ages 6 to 8 are invited to explore the nature and wildlife at Wildwood Park. They will learn important observation skills that will be used throughout the week. Campers will discover different habitats at Wildwood Park and how different animals adapt to live in each. Campers will use binoculars on nature walks, explore a wetland, learn how we can all reduce, reuse and recycle, and enjoy live animal demonstrations. Register online here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $135 per person

Wildwood Way Day Camp II

June 24, 2019 - June 28, 2019

Children ages 6 to 8 are invited to explore the nature and wildlife at Wildwood Park. They will learn important observation skills that will be used throughout the week. Campers will discover different habitats at Wildwood Park and how different animals adapt to live in each. Campers will use binoculars on nature walks, explore a wetland, learn how we can all reduce, reuse and recycle, and enjoy live animal demonstrations. Register online here.


When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $135 per person

Junior Naturalist Day Camp

July 8, 2019 - July 12, 2019

Campers ages 9 and 11 will learn a variety of naturalist and outdoor skills. They will discover what it means to be a naturalist and learn a variety of observation skills they will use on daily wetland hikes. Day campers will canoe on Wildwood Lake and explore a stream to look for aquatic insects. They will also practice identifying mammals by using only their teeth and skulls, explore the science of flight, and spend a morning fishing on Paxton Creek. Register online here.


When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $135 per person

Outdoor Week

July 15, 2019 - July 19, 2019

Get into the wild! Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will uncover the natural world while learning skills important to survival in the outdoors. They will build debris huts, participate in community science programs, and find out how birds communicate. Campers will dive into water by learning about water pollution and prevention, fishing in Paxton Creek, and canoeing down the Susquehanna River! Register online here.

When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $135 per person

Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Morning Session

July 22, 2019 - July 26, 2019

Does your child have an interest in photography? In this newly designed camp, students ages 7-12 will be loaned a digital camera and explore the operation and functions of the camera, lighting, and composition. Each lesson contains an introduction to a project with photography tips tailored to the assignment.  Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org.


When & Where: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $75 per person

Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Afternoon Session

July 22, 2019 - July 26, 2019

Does your child have an interest in photography? In this newly designed camp, students ages 7-12 will be loaned a digital camera and explore the operation and functions of the camera, lighting, and composition. Each lesson contains an introduction to the project with photography tips tailored to the assignment.  Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org.


When & Where: Mon-Fri 1:00pm – 3:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $75 per person

Fundamentals of Photography I - Boot Camp

July 29, 2019 - August 2, 2019

Beginners (ages 13-17) will learn to use a DSLR camera in this hands-on nature and wildlife photography workshop at Wildwood Park. Canon camera equipment will be loaned to each student. Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org. 


When & Where: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150 per person

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