Wildwood Park Events

Art In The Wild 2019: Exhibit Opens

April 13, 2019 - October 31, 2019

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 & Where: Dawn until Dusk

Fee: Free

Wildwood Photography Contest

July 28, 2019 - November 30, 2019

Now is a great time to visit Wildwood park, camera in hand, and snap outdoor photos for the upcoming Photo Contest. Photographs may be dropped off at the nature center starting October 1. Photos must be submitted by Saturday, November 30 at 3:00 pm. Review of official contest rules and guidelines for preparing photos at www.wildwoodlake.org or at the nature center.



Call to the Artist

July 28, 2019 - January 21, 2020

Join the fun in making outdoor art in the park!  Submit your Art In The Wild idea today.  It’s easy and free.  Go to www.wildwoodlake.org and submit an application by January 21, 2020.



Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood!

August 21, 2019

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

Reptiles!

August 24, 2019

ZooAmerica will provide an indoor live animal show on Pennsylvania’s native reptiles (plus an alligator). Register here.

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

Fee: $5

Natural Tie-Dye

August 25, 2019

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 here.

When & Where: 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Pavilion

Fee: $5

Kids Discover: Insects

August 31, 2019

A naturalist will lead an outdoor walk for children with lessons and activities about insects. Part of the walk will include students becoming biologists and surveying an area for wildlife. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Pre-registration required. Register here.

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

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Sunday Evening Bird Walk

September 1, 2019

Join Volunteers Rick and Peggy Price for this early September evening walk. The walk will begin at the South Lot, where we will look for shorebirds, and continue down the Towpath Trail.

When & Where: 6:00pm – 8:00pm; meet at the South Lot

Fee: Free

Gallery Walk

September 8, 2019

Interact with a working artist, enjoy artwork and award-winning photographs, stroll along the trail and view the “playful” Art In The Wild exhibitions. Partake of homemade refreshments in the Nature Center!

When & Where: 11:00am – 4:00pm

Fee: Free

Stress Relief Walk

September 11, 2019

Walk off the stress of the work day with a self-guided hike at Wildwood Park. The 3-mile walk on easy trails with short climbs will be at your own pace. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Dauphin County employees should sign in to receive 10 Wellness Rewards points. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: 5:45pm – 7:15pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

September 14, 2019

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

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

Fee: Free

Flower Walk: Goldenrods, Asters, and Other Fall Surprises

September 15, 2019 Even with autumn in full swing, there is still an abundance of goldenrods and asters. Many seeds will be present including those of trees and it will be easy to see the different methods of seed dispersal. Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams for this final walk of the season.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Fee: Free

Get In Shape Walk

September 19, 2019

Walking is a great way to get in shape. Enjoy a self-guided 3-mile walk at Wildwood Park on level trails. This walk starts at the Nature Center, heads up the Towpath Trail, continues to the halfway point by the spillway, and returns by the same route, avoiding the hills on the east side of the park. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center. Dauphin County employees should sign in to receive 10 Wellness Rewards points. 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

Fee: Free

Brownies: Bugs & Hiker

September 21, 2019 Explore the world of bugs and discover their important roles in our environment and work on the hiker badge, as well!  Scouts will take time to discuss and plan their short hike, while examining insect habitats and taking a closer look at the diverse creatures that make Wildwood their home. 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 – 1:30pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 

Celebrate Wildwood

September 29, 2019

It's the 20 year anniversary of the Olewine Nature Center! Let's celebrate and reflect on the park's past. Did you know Wildwood had a Zoo at one time? A reflective, educational scavenger hunt will be ready with a variety of education stations - from butterflies to history to birds and more. Enjoy a special live reptile program provided on site by Lake Tobias. And to keep the zoo theme alive, enjoy the Monkey Man (and his live monkey) starting at 11am. There will be live music and tasty food. The afternoon includes the Walk for Wildwood - a park fundraiser at 1pm.  Paint a pumpkin to take home and enjoy activities for the whole family.

When & Where: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free!

Walk for Wildwood

September 29, 2019

Your dollars preserve the park! Enjoy an autumn walk while helping support Wildwood. Choose the invigorating three-mile loop trail, or the shorter, accessible option on the half-mile boardwalk. This walk is an annual fundraiser for Friends of Wildwood who work to preserve and support the park. Go to www.wildwoodlake.org/support for more information or to donate. In addition to the Walk, enjoy Celebrate Wildwood, which runs form 11 am to 4 pm and has something for all ages.

When & Where: 1:00pm

Bird Walk: Fall Migration at Wildwood

October 3, 2019

October is a good month to see the transition of migrant bird species as they come and go. Join Rick and Peggy Price to look for fall warblers and other songbirds heading south; raptors including Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks are on the move; and year-round resident birds are still active. Meet in front of the nature center at 7:30 am.

When & Where: 7:30am – 9:30am

Fee: Free

Girl Scouts - Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, & Seniors: Outdoor Art

October 5, 2019 Each year Wildwood Park hosts artists who create art along our trails. Examine Art in the Wild pieces, meet an artist, take a hike for inspiration and create your own outdoor art to fulfill most, if not all, requirements for your appropriate badge level (Creator, Apprentice, Explore & Expert Badges). 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 – 2:00pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10

Volunteer Work Day

October 12, 2019

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

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

Fee: Free

Tree ID Walk

October 13, 2019

Join Cara Martinez-Williams for a leisurely walk with a focus on trees. Become familiar with a variety of species around the nature center. 

When & Where: 1:30pm – 2:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Webelos: Into The Woods

October 19, 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 and learn to identify native trees as we hike the park. Then, make a plan to care for a plant, 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

Fall Foliage Hike at Detweiler park

October 20, 2019

Take a leisurely hike at Detweiler Park with a focus on trees.  Become familiar with a variety of species and learn why leaves change color. Pre-registration is not required.



Night at the Nature Center

October 26, 2019

Take an after-hours walk in the Olewine Nature Center, where the exhibit hall critters come to life! Kids ages 3 and up will meet these fun talking animals and visit other fun stations including a campfire to make s’mores and sip apple cider; a craft; and a not so scary halloween story. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite animal or in a Halloween costume, and don’t forget your trick or treat bag! Register here.

When & Where: 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per participant

Preschool Storytime: Fall at Wildwood!

October 30, 2019

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

Fee: Free


Dr. Seuss Science Series

November 6, 2019

Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a take-home craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Register for one class or all of them! Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

Volunteer Work Day

November 9, 2019

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

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

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Night Time Wonders

November 9, 2019

Soak up the spirit of the night with a guided walk. Daylight savings time has just begun, so the sun will seem to set early. Begin at the Olewine Pavilion by the nature center with a short program to discover unique night-time experiments and games. All ages are welcome to attend this flat, easy 1-mile walk. Register here.

When & Where: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

Dr. Seuss Science Series

November 13, 2019

Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a take-home craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Register for one class or all of them! Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

Waterfowl Walk

November 14, 2019

Join leaders Rick and Peggy Price to search for migrating waterfowl along the Towpath Trail. There may be other late arrivals such as Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. Meet at the North Lot at 8:00 am.

When & Where: 8:00am – 10:00am

Fee: Free

Juniors: Animal Habitats

November 16, 2019 During this program, scouts will discover the diverse wildlife of Wildwood Park while exploring their habitats. Scouts will also examine endangered habitats and brainstorm ways to conserve them. A craft and tips for improving habitat are included. 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 – 1:30pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10

National Take a Hike Day

November 17, 2019

Grab your hiking boots, family and friends, and some water – it’s National Take a Hike Day! Get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery, and exercise. Join a naturalist for a hike at Detweiler Park, or take a hike at your own pace on various terrain exploring the trails and wildlife at your local Dauphin County Park. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is not required.

Dr. Seuss Science Series

November 20, 2019

Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a take-home craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Register for one class or all of them! Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

Dr. Seuss Science Series

November 27, 2019

Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a take-home craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Register for one class or all of them! Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

Wreath Workshop

November 30, 2019

Make an evergreen wreath out of natural materials. Everything will be supplied to make a wreath with decorations from nature, including cones, berries, nuts and seed pods. Bring work gloves and clippers. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12:00pm meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $20 per wreath


Wreath Workshop

December 1, 2019

Make an evergreen wreath out of natural materials. Everything will be supplied to make a wreath with decorations from nature, including cones, berries, nuts and seed pods. Bring work gloves and clippers. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12:00pm meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $20 per wreath


Natural Ornaments

December 8, 2019

Children and their chaperones are invited to make holiday ornaments using pine cones, milkweed pods, and other natural materials. Everything but the creativity will be supplied to make works of art. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per participant

Photography Contest Display

December 14, 2019 - January 25, 2020

Visit the Olewine Nature Center to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of more than one hundred beautiful exhibited photo entries. Winners will be announced Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 1 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice awards will be announced after the display ends. Closed 12/25, 1/1, and Mondays.

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

Fee: Free

Art In The Wild Workshop

December 14, 2019

To assist Art In The Wild installation proposals, an informal workshop will be held to review the do’s and don’ts of construction/design. This workshop is intended to help participants assemble better proposals by identifying potential problems that could jeopardize a proposal’s selection. Register here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Fee: Free

Winter Discovery at Wildwood Park

December 14, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Visit the Olewine Nature Center, where special exhibits will highlight some of Wildwood’s animals in winter. Self-guided stations will help visitors understand more about natural history and enhance a winter outdoor experience. Closed Dec. 25th and Mondays.

When & Where: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Fee: Free

Natural Ornaments

December 15, 2019

Children and their chaperones are invited to make holiday ornaments using pine cones, milkweed pods, and other natural materials. Everything but the creativity will be supplied to make works of art. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per participant

Cadettes: Night Owl

January 18, 2020

Night has captured human imagination since the dawn of time. As day turns to night, scouts will explore Wildwood, discover the myths of the stars and moon and learn about adaptations of night animals. Turn out the lights, tune in your senses, and step out into the night! Please bring a drink, snack and a light dinner. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Two dates are offered for this program please only choose one. Register here.

When & Where: 4:00pm – 8:00pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10

Cadettes: Night Owl

February 22, 2020 Night has captured human imagination since the dawn of time. As day turns to night, scouts will explore Wildwood, discover the myths of the stars and moon and learn about adaptations of night animals. Turn out the lights, tune in your senses, and step out into the night! Please bring a drink, snack and a light dinner. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Two dates are offered for this program please only choose one. Register here.

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

Fee: $10

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

March 7, 2020

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

Junior Girl Scout Program: Geocache

March 21, 2020

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.

Bear Scout Program: Fur, Feathers and Ferns

March 28, 2020

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.

Juniors: Geocache

May 16, 2020

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

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

Fee: $10 per scout.

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