Wildwood Park Events

Art In The Wild: Exhibit Open

May 16, 2020 - September 30, 2020

Visit naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands. Using mostly natural materials, artists have constructed large and small installations. A map-brochure about the exhibit is available.

When: Dawn - Dusk

Fee: Free

CANCELED Brownie Scout Program: Wonderful Water

June 6, 2020

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: CANCELED

Fee: $10 per scout.

POSTPONED, Night Sky Exploration

June 6, 2020

We are unable to run this program June 6 and working on rescheduling it for the fall. 

Join Astronomical Society of Harrisburg President, Chip Templin for an evening of star and moon gazing at Detweiler Park. The evening will begin with a short 0.3 mile walk along variable terrain to the open fields. With the help of scopes, binoculars and skymaps, participants will be able to observe the moon in its waxing gibbous phase in addition to other popular spring constellations such as Cancer, Leo, Virgo to name a few. Dress for the weather and bring something to sit on. Register here. 

When & Where: Postponed

Fee: Free 

Virtual Tree ID Walk

June 7, 2020

Identifying trees by the bark is a possibility but sometimes difficult. On this walk we will be aided in the identification by flowers and leaves. 

When & Where: This is an online event available on the Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Facebook page. 

Fee: Free. Registration not required. 

CANCELED Wildwood Wellness Walk

June 10, 2020

Walks are a great way to get in shape. Enjoy a self-guided, 3-mile loop trail at Wildwood Park. The trail contains moderate hills and is surfaced with crushed stone or macadam. Running or biking is also welcome. Bikers should be familiar with biking etiquette on this shared use trail. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Nature Center. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: CANCELED


CANCELED Volunteer Work Day

June 13, 2020

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Assume the workday is cancelled if it is raining. Registration is required for groups of six or more. Register here.

When & Where: CANCELED

Fee: Free 

Virtual Flower Walk: Peak of Blooming

June 21, 2020

Join Dauphin County Naturalists to view recent blooms such as fragrant water lilies, yarrow, white beardtongue, blue-eyed grass and common milkweed.

When & Where: This is an online event available on the Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Facebook page. 

Fee: Free. Registration not required.

CANCELED Nature Explorers Day Camp

June 22, 2020 - June 26, 2020

Children ages 6 to 8 will learn about animal adaptations, use binoculars on nature walks, explore a creek and enjoy live animal demonstrations. Each day we will explore a new trail, get to know our local plants and animals and participate in games and crafts. 

CANCELED Wildwood Wellness Walk

June 25, 2020

Walks are a great way to get in shape. Enjoy a self-guided, 3-mile loop trail at Wildwood Park. The trail contains moderate hills and is surfaced with crushed stone or macadam. Running or biking is also welcome. Bikers should be familiar with biking etiquette on this shared use trail. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: CANCELED


Wildwood Park Coloring Contest

July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020

Participate in the first ever Wildwood Park Coloring Contest! Children ages 5-10 years may submit a Wildwood-themed 8 ½ x 11 hand drawn picture using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries will mailed to 100 Wildwood Way Harrisburg, PA. 17110 or emailed to wwstaff@dauphinc.org during the month of July and hung for the public’s viewing in the Exhibit Hall. Judging will be conducted in early August with prizes awarded.

Please print this sheet to use as your submission form. 

CANCELED Junior Naturalist Day Camp I

July 6, 2020 - July 10, 2020

Campers ages 9 to 11 will learn a variety of naturalist and outdoor skills. They will use those skills to explore different habitats while hiking, using binoculars, and canoeing on Wildwood Lake. Learn what it means to be a naturalist and spend a morning fishing on Paxton Creek.

Volunteer Work Day

July 11, 2020

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining. Registration is required for groups of six or more. Register here.


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

CANCELED Painting at the Park

July 12, 2020

Please join the Friends of Wildwood for our fourth annual Paint in the Park. Bring your friends and your creative eye as Jenn Brown, from Jenn's Craft Parties, leads us through the creation of a nature scene. All experience levels are welcome. All materials will be provided and light refreshments will be available. Come with your family, your friends, your significant other. You will surely have fun while here and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece. Preregistration is required by July 5, 2020.  Proceeds benefit the Friends of Wildwood. 

When & Where: 1:30pm - 3:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

CANCELED Junior Naturalist Day Camp II

July 13, 2020 - July 17, 2020

Campers ages 9 to 11 will learn a variety of naturalist and outdoor skills. They will use those skills to explore different habitats while hiking, using binoculars, and canoeing on Wildwood Lake. Learn what it means to be a naturalist and spend a morning fishing on Paxton Creek. 

Flower Walk: Still More Blooms

July 19, 2020

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to search and view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of Monarda and two species of jewelweed. Learn how these flowers were named and some of their early and even modern day uses. Register here.

When & Where: 10:30am - 12:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free 

CANCELED Jumpstart Photography for Kids (ages 7-12)

July 20, 2020 - July 24, 2020

Students ages 7-12 will be loaned a digital camera to explore the operation and function of the camera, lighting and composition. Led by a Canon professional, this mostly indoor class will provide a great base for jumping into projects where they will be practicing their photography and encouraging creativity. For a detailed list of materials and more information, please visit, http://photo4kids.org. Space is limited. 

CANCELED Jumpstart Photography for Kids (ages 7-12)

July 20, 2020 - July 24, 2020

Students ages 7 to 12 will be loaned a digital camera to explore the operation and functions of the camera, lighting and composition. Lead by a Canon professional. this mostly indoor class will provide a great base for jumping into projects where they will be practicing their photography and encouraging creativity. For a detailed list of materials and information, please visit, http://photo4kids.org. Space is limited. 

Summer Bird Walk

July 22, 2020

Join volunteers Rick and Peggy Price for this mid-Summer bird walk. The walk will begin at the South Parking Lot, where we will look for shorebirds and others on the lake and along Wildwood Way. Register here.


When & Where: 7:30am - 9:30am; Meet at the South Lot

Fee: Free 

CANCELED Outdoor Week

July 27, 2020 - July 31, 2020

If you like to get outside, this the camp for you! Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will discover the natural world while learning skills like shelter building, fishing, and wild edibles. Learn the importance of teamwork in the outdoors while building a campfire and canoeing. 

Natural Tie-Dye

August 1, 2020

Bring your own white or lightly colored, prewashed t-shirt to a fun natural tie-dye event at Wildwood Park. Meet at the Olewine Pavilion for a chance to learn about natural plant-based dyes. Instruction will be provided. Ages 5 and up, adults welcome! Register online for one of three timeslots here.

When & Where: 12:00pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Pavilion

Fee: $5 per participant 

CANCELED Photo Boot Camp: Fundamentals of Photography (ages 13-17)

August 3, 2020 - August 7, 2020

If your teen is interested in learning the basics of photography and is between the ages of 13-17, this camp may be for them. This is a mostly indoor lecture-based, instructional and educational program where students will learn the basics of picture taking. Each student will be loaned a digital SLR camera by a Canon professional. For a detailed list of materials and more information, please visit, http://photo4kids.org. Space is limited. 

WILD About Pollinators Educator Workshop

August 6, 2020

Pollinating insects are vital to our survival!  Join educators from the PA Game Commission, DCNR State Parks and Wildwood Park for a fun, interactive and educational workshop on pollinators. Discover the many species of pollinating insects and their crucial role in the food chain for both wildlife and people. Explore why we should be concerned about the threats to pollinators and how we can help. Participants will engage in hands-on activities from the Project WILD K-12 Guide. All participants will receive the new Project WILD Guide. Act 48 credit available. Space is limited. Register here.


When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $25.00 per participant  

Volunteer Work Day

August 8, 2020

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining. Registration is required for groups of six or more. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 1:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Wildwood Wellness Walk

August 12, 2020

Walks are a great way to get in shape. Enjoy a self-guided, 3-mile loop trail at Wildwood Park. The trail contains moderate hills and is surfaced with crushed stone or macadam. Running or biking is also welcome. Bikers should be familiar with biking etiquette on this shared use trail. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: 5:45pm - 7:15pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood!

August 12, 2020

Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for a fun story session for children 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

Flower Walk: Heat Tolerant Plants

August 16, 2020

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to see some wetland plants, such as American Lotus and the Rose Mallows, along the North Boardwalk. Common ragweed, responsible for a great deal of allergic response, will be identified along the trail. Register here.

When & Where: 10:30am – 12:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Summer Wreath Workshop

August 22, 2020

Decorate a summer wreath out of natural materials. Everything will be supplied to make a wreath with decorations from nature, including pressed flowers, grasses, shells and seed pods. Participants may bring additional items and ribbon. After constructing a wreath, enjoy a fresh cup of lemonade while adding finishing touches. Register here.


When & Where: 10:00am & 11:30am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center 

Fee: $15.00 per wreath

Wildwood Wellness Walk

August 27, 2020

Walks are a great way to get in shape. Enjoy a self-guided, 3-mile loop trail at Wildwood Park. The trail contains moderate hills and is surfaced with crushed stone or macadam. Running or biking is also welcome. Bikers should be familiar with biking etiquette on this shared use trail. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: 5:45pm - 7:15pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Run Wild for Wildwood 5K!

August 29, 2020

Save the date for Wildwood Park’s 2nd annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K (new this year!). This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the Lake and the Towpath Trail along the Pennsylvania Canal! Bring your friends and family to show your support for Wildwood Park and the community. Join us afterwards for an awards ceremony and tasty treats. Register here.

When & Where: 8:45am – 11:00am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $20 for 5K; $30 for 10K

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