Wildwood Park Events

Art In The Wild 2018: Exhibit Opens

April 7, 2018 - October 31, 2018

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, 2018 - November 30, 2018 Now is a great time to shoot outdoor photos for the upcoming Photo Contest. Each entrant may submit 2 photos. Mat kits are available in the nature center. Photographs may be dropped off at the nature center starting October 1. Photos must be submitted by Friday, November 30 at 3:00 p.m.  Review official contest rules and guidelines at http://www.wildwoodlake.org/


Call to Artists

August 4, 2018 - January 15, 2019

Join the fun in making outdoor art in the park!  Submit your Art In The Wild idea today.  It’s easy and free.  Just click here and submit an application by January 15, 2019.

Get in Shape Walk

September 20, 2018

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 15 Wellness Rewards points. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: 6:00pm – 7:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Celebrate Wildwood

September 23, 2018

Join in the celebration of Wildwood Park! Learn about butterflies, birds, reptiles and more in the Wildwood Scavenger Hunt. Jack Hubley’s program, Critters Beyond Your Back Door, will be at 12 pm and 2 pm. Grammy nominated musician Ray Owen will present three different performances, followed by an afternoon with Mr. Music. Paint a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow (nominal fee). Enjoy children’s activities and browse the Used Nature Book Sale to benefit Friends of Wildwood. Food vendors will be on site. The afternoon includes the Walk for Wildwood. See below for details.

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

Fee: Free!

Walk for Wildwood

September 23, 2018

Your dollars preserve the park!  Enjoy an autumn walk while helping support Wildwood Park. 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 whose goal is to preserve and support Wildwood Park. In addition to the walk, enjoy Celebrate Wildwood, which runs from 11 am to 4 pm and has something for all ages.

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

Fee: Click here for more information or to donate.

Wild Edibles Program with Debra Naha

September 29, 2018

Join Debbie Naha (the Wild Edibles Lady) to discover the edible plants of our area.

Many people don’t realize they are ​surrounded by edibles. From vacant lots to backyards, nature provides an abundance of plants that are human foods. Educator, licensed nutritionist, and wild edibles expert Debbie Naha will discuss plant identification, safety, look-alike plants, sustainable harvesting and nutrition. Enjoy a presentation, walk and tasting. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am-12:30pm

Fee: $5 per person

Bird Walk: Fall Migration at Wildwood

October 3, 2018

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. Registration not required.

When & Where: 7:30am-9:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Multi-Level Girl Scout Program for Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors: Outdoor Art Badges

October 6, 2018

Each year Wildwood Park hosts artists who create art in along our trails. Examine Art in the Wild pieces, meet an artist, take a hike for inspiration, then create your own art to help fulfill requirements for the appropriate badge.  Join us for this fun, multi scout-level program. 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 per scout.

Tree Identification Walk

October 7, 2018

Join Cara Martinez-Williams for a leisurely walk with a focus on trees. Become familiar with a variety of species around the nature center while enjoying fall foliage. Registration not required.

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

Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

October 13, 2018

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 www.wildwoodlake.org. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining.

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

Fee: Free

Detweiler Park Hike

October 17, 2018

Visit Dauphin County’s newest gem, Detweiler Park, to learn about the diversity of plants, animals and their habitats that make its preservation such an achievement for conservation. Join a naturalist for a 4-mile hike through forests and fields. Elevation gain is about 400 feet. Meet in the lower gravel parking lot of the Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center at 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA. Bring snacks and water and wear sturdy shoes. Registration not required.

When & Where: 9:00am-11:00am, meet at Detweiler Park

Fee: Free

Wolves Scout Program: Paws on Path

October 20, 2018

Before Wolves can put their paws on the path they must be prepared.   Determine the skills needed for hiking and the essential items to pack for short and long hikes. Then, take a hike and discover the birds and insects 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.

Preschool Storytime: Fall at Wildwood

October 24, 2018

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

Night at the Nature Center

October 27, 2018

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: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 p.m., meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child; no charge for adults

Beginners' Guide to DSLR Cameras

November 3, 2018

If you’ve outgrown your point-and-shoot or are no longer satisfied with the snaps you get from your smartphone, this workshop will help you find the camera that fits your needs. This class will also introduce basic photography concepts and cover: intro to the creative triangle; photography genres; cameras with interchangeable lenses and lots more. This program does not address how to operate your camera. Bring a notebook and pen. Register here.

Registration: No same-day registration or walk-ins | Youth 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline: October 31

When & Where:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Beginners' Guide to Close up and Macro Photography

November 3, 2018

Many photographers today want to know how to take macro pictures, thanks to a growing number of beautiful online images of small plants, animals, abstracts, and insects. Macro photography is not always easy, especially for beginners, but it is one of the most rewarding genres of photography. Do you NEED to have a macro lens? Maybe not. We'll cover other cheaper options that you can experiment with before investing in a macro lens.

We’ll take a look at how you can get going in close-up photography. With the right skills and equipment, you will be able to capture amazing images even in your own backyard or on your tabletop. If you have ever wanted to get "up close and personal" to your photography subject, macro photography might just be for you. This workshop gives you an insight into close-up and macro photography. Register here.

When & Where:   1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Tiger Scout Program: New My Tiger Jungle

November 3, 2018

Go an adventure into the park to discover the plants and animals that live in Wildwood’s wetland and forest habitats.   A hike will provide the opportunity to see many different plants and animals.  Then, use a magnifying glass to get a closer look at a smaller, mini-habitat. What animals and plants live in a 1-foot area of the park?  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.

Volunteer Work Day

November 10, 2018

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Register your group 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

Kids Discover: Nocturnal Animals

November 10, 2018

Soak up the spirit of the night with a guided walk on the North Boardwalk. Daylight savings time has just begun, so the sun will seem to set early. Begin in the Olewine Pavilion by the nature center with a short program to discover nocturnal animals. All ages are welcome to attend this flat, easy 1 mile walk. Register here.

When & Where: 6:00pm-8:00pm, meet at the Olewine Pavilion

Fee: $5 per participant

Waterfowl Walk

November 14, 2018

Join leaders Rick and Peggy Price to search for migrating waterfowl along the Towpath. There may be other late arrivals such as Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. Meet at the North Lot at 8:00 a.m. After the walk, there will be an option to drive to the South Lot to scope the lower pond for Killdeer and Wilson’s Snipe. Registration not required.

When & Where: 8:00am-10:00am, meet at the North Lot

Fee: Free

Junior Scout Program: Animal Habitats

November 17, 2018

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 in their own backyards will be 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 per scout.

Wreath Workshop

December 1, 2018

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. Participants may bring additional items and ribbon. After constructing a wreath, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while adding some finishing touches. It takes 1 to 2 hours to complete one wreath. 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 2, 2018

Children and adults 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 to decorate for the holidays. Registration not required.

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

Fee: $5 per participant

Natural Ornaments

December 9, 2018

Children and adults 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 to decorate for the holidays. Registration not required.

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

Fee: $5 per participant

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 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

Art In The Wild Workshop

December 15, 2018 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 (such as weak materials) that could jeopardize a proposal’s selection. Register here. 

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

Fee: Free

Natural Ornaments

December 16, 2018

Children and adults 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 to decorate for the holidays. Registration not required.

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

Fee: $5 per participant

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.

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

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, Ferns,and Feathers

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.

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.

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