Wildwood Park Events

2021 Art In The Wild Exhibit

April 10, 2021 - September 30, 2021

Visit naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands. Using mostly natural materials, artists have constructed large and small installations. This year’s theme is “Reimagining.” A map-brochure about the exhibit is available online, at the kiosks or inside the Nature Center. 

When & Where: Dawn till Dusk; Wildwood Way Trail

Fee: Free

FULL Spring Flower Walk

April 18, 2021

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Wiliiams to look for early spring flowers such as Dutchman’s breeches, trout lilies, spring beauties and flowering trees. Learn interesting facts about these early spring bloomers. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Wetlands Festival

April 24, 2021

Explore Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands! Join us for a day of free, fun, and educational activities with special musical guests. Throughout the day, enjoy wildlife exhibits, displays, walks, talks, as well as a great representation of local and regional environmental organizations. There is something for everyone!

When: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Fee: Free

FULL Juniors: Geocache

May 1, 2021

Discover the excitement of geocaching! During this program, scouts will learn how to use a GPS and explore the basics, as well as the etiquette, of geocaching. Scouts will take a geocache adventure through Wildwood. To complete the day, scout will create a “make to swap” craft. Please bring a snack, drink and lunch. Dress for the weather. Sneakers or other close-toed shoes recommended. Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges for their scouts. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

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

Fee: $12.00 per scout; chaperones are free

FULL Bird Walk: Peak Migration

May 5, 2021

Meet Rick and Peggy Price at the Nature Center Parking Lot to search for spring migrants. This can be the best walk of the year when it comes to the variety of species seen. Warblers, phoebes, wrens, orioles, other songbirds and raptors are all a possibility. Spring migration will be in full swing! Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here. Assume canceled if raining.

When & Where: 7:30am – 9:30am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center Parking Lot

Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

May 8, 2021

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. Pre-registration required here.

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

Fee: Free

Sign Design Workshop

May 15, 2021

Design a decorative wooden sign. Everything needed for each participant to create their own nature-themed sign will be provided. Select from two different style boards. This do-it-yourself project is great for a girl’s afternoon or for mother and daughter to make together. Enjoy light refreshments while finishing your final touches. Workshop timeslots are limited to 10 participants. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here. 

When & Where: 11:00am & 1:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $35.00 per person 

Historical Tree Walk at For Hunter

May 18, 2021

Join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk around Fort Hunter Park & Mansion. Learn one method for aging a live tree and some historical facts about these large giants. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 2:30pm – 4:30pm; Meet at the Tavern House

Fee: Free

Detweiler Park Bird Walk

May 19, 2021

Join a Naturalist for a walk at Detweiler Park to look for migratory songbirds. May is a great time to see both migrating and breeding warblers and vireos. Meet at the Detweiler Park trailhead. Masks and social distancing required. Pre-registration required here. Assume canceled if raining.

When & Where: 7:30am – 9:30am; Meet at the Trailhead

Fee: Free

How-To Plant Your Home Garden Bed

May 22, 2021

Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Kevin Kelly, for a series of gardening workshops. During this workshop, learn how to start your garden for the summer and some practical planting techniques. Participants will get their hands dirty planting one of the Nature Center flower beds. Workshops will include both an indoor and outdoor component and are limited to 12 participants. Attend one, or them all! Please dress for the weather and your own personal gardening gloves. Masks and social distancing required. Preregistration required here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 10:30am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $14.00 per person

Painting at the Park

May 22, 2021

Please join the Friends of Wildwood for our fourth annual Painting at the Park. Bring your friends and your creative eye as Jenn Brown, from Jenn's Craft Parties, leads us through the creation of a springtime scene. All experience levels are welcome. All materials will be provided. 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. Masks and social distancing required. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Wildwood. Time slots limited to 12 people. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $30.00 per participant

Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpits & More

May 23, 2021

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to search for Jack in the Pulpits. Learn interesting facts about the Jack in the Pulpit and why it could also be known as “Jill in the Pulpit”. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Full Moon Hike: Detweiler Park

May 25, 2021

Join the President of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg and a Park Naturalist at Detweiler Park, for a full moon hike! The walk will be a total of 1.5 miles along variable terrain. Participants will possibly be able to observe Ursa Major, Leo, Hercules, Cancer, and Bootes if they are not overshadowed by the full moon. Dress for the weather; bring something to sit on, binoculars and a flashlight. Masks and social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 8:00pm – 10:00pm; Detweiler Park trailhead

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Insects

May 29, 2021

Did you know there are over 900 different species of insects in Pennsylvania? Meet at the North Lot and walk with a naturalist to the meadow to see some of these species up close. Butterfly nets and bug jars will be provided for hands on exploration! Discover what makes insects unique and why they are important. Create your own insect hotel to take home to attract your own insects. Ages 5-10, one chaperone per child. Masks and social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the North Lot

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones are free

How-To Soil Test Your Home Garden

June 3, 2021

Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Kevin Kelly, for a series of gardening workshops. During this workshop, learn how to take your home garden soil test with a few easy steps, and interpret the results. Workshops will include both an indoor and outdoor component and are limited to 12 participants. Attend one, or them all! Please dress for the weather and your own personal gardening gloves. Masks and social distancing required. Preregistration required here. 

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

Fee: $14.00 per person

Brownies: Bugs

June 5, 2021

Explore the world of bugs and discover their important roles in our environment. Scouts will take a short hike, examine insect habitats and take a closer look at the diverse creatures that make Wildwood their home. Please bring a snack, drink and lunch. Dress for the weather. Sneakers or other close-toed shoes recommended. Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges for their scouts. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

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

Fee: $12.00 per scout; chaperones are free

Detweiler Park Photo Walk

June 10, 2021

Experience the natural beauty and ecology of Detweiler Park while practicing the art of photography. Guided by a knowledgeable photographer and naturalist, beginners will learn how to apply outdoor photography concepts including aperture and composition. Main subjects to photograph include insects and plants in bloom. Intermediate and advanced photographers welcome. Meet at the gravel parking lot of the Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center. Cameras will not be provided, please bring your own. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 8:00am – 10:00am; Detweiler Park

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Herps

June 10, 2021

A short walk along the Towpath or Delta Boardwalk reveals a row of turtles basking in the sun, a startled frog leaping into the water or a snake curled up on a log. Frogs, turtles and snakes have many adaptations unique to animals who spend their lives near wetlands. Come to see these animals up close and learn about what makes each one special. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Children limited to only one chaperone. Masks & social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 1:00pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the North Parking Lot

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones free

Volunteer Work Day

June 12, 2021

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. Pre-registration required. Masks & social distancing required. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

Tree Identification Walk

June 13, 2021

Have you ever taken a walk and wondered what kind of tree you were seeing? Join a Naturalist for a tour of the trees in the park. Learn how to use a tree key by observing leaves, bark, buds, and flowers. See for yourself the tree diversity Wildwood has to offer! Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

How-To Add the “WOW Factor” to Your Home Garden

June 19, 2021

Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Kevin Kelly, for a series of gardening workshops. During this workshop, learn how to add a burst of color, an interesting container or a tropical plant to add excitement to your flower beds. Workshops will include both an indoor and outdoor component and are limited to 12 participants. Attend one, or them all! Please dress for the weather and your own personal gardening gloves. Masks and social distancing required. Preregistration required here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 10:30am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $14.00 per person

Flower Walk: Peak of Blooming

June 20, 2021

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to view fragrant water lilies, yarrow, white beardtongue, blue-eyed grass and common milkweed. Learn how these and other flowers were named and some of their uses by early settlers and Native Americans.  Some trees may be bearing fruit.  Meet at the North Lot. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 10:30am – 12:00pm; Meet at the North Parking Lot

Fee: Free

FULL Nature Explorers Day Camp

June 21, 2021 - June 25, 2021

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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Bird Walk: Nesting Birds

June 24, 2021

This bird walk with volunteers Rick and Peggy Price will begin at the nature center to explore Wildwood Way and the North Boardwalk. Meet at the nature center parking lot. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Assume canceled if raining. Register here.

When & Where: 7:30am – 9:30am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

FULL Nature Explorers Day Camp

June 28, 2021 - July 2, 2021

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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Wildwood Park Coloring Contest

July 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021

Participate in our second annual Wildwood Park Coloring Contest! Children ages 5-10 years may submit a Wildwood-themed 8 ½ x 11 hand drawn, portrait-style coloring page using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries will be submitted to the Nature Center in person, via mail or email during the month of July and hung for the public’s viewing in the Exhibit Hall. Vote for your favorite in early August. Please note the Nature Center is closed Mondays, and holidays. 

Please print this sheet to use as your submission form. 

Kids Discover: Nature Journaling (ages 4-6)

July 9, 2021

Nature journaling is an effective and engaging way to grow and foster a child’s curiosity to the natural world. Join a Naturalist for a chance to color or write observations in your very own nature journal. Meet at the North Lot, where we will take a brief walk to the Meadow. Children will find a natural object and ask and answer the following questions: I notice, I wonder and it reminds me of- which is part of the BEETLES, Science and Teaching for Field Instructors curriculum. Each child is limited to one chaperone. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:30am; Meet at the North Parking Lot

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones free

Kids Discover: Nature Journaling (ages 7-10)

July 9, 2021

Nature journaling is an effective and engaging way to grow and foster a child’s curiosity to the natural world. Join a Naturalist for a chance to color or write observations in your very own nature journal. Meet at the North Lot, where we will take a brief walk to the Meadow. Children will find a natural object and ask and answer the following questions: I notice, I wonder and it reminds me of- which is part of the BEETLES, Science and Teaching for Field Instructors curriculum. Each child is limited to one chaperone. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Meet at the North Parking Lot

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones free

Volunteer Work Day

July 10, 2021

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. Pre-registration required. Masks & social distancing required. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

FULL Junior Naturalist Day Camp

July 12, 2021 - July 16, 2021

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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Kids Discover: Outdoor Play

July 15, 2021

Exchange screen-time for play time this evening. Join a Naturalist at Fort Hunter to discover a variety of creative outdoor games anyone can play at home. Think creatively, move around and most of all have fun! Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 5:30pm – 7:00pm; Meet at Fort Hunter Pavilion near the fields

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones free

Sustainable Floristry: A Flower Arranging Workshop

July 17, 2021

Having trouble getting your centerpiece flowers to look just right? Interested in learning about the Sustainable Floristry movement? Join Dolores McGee, owner of D McGee Design Studio, LLC for a morning or afternoon of sustainable flower arranging. Dolores will provide information on sustainable floristry and walk participants through the basic steps and materials needed to create their own arrangement using things you can find and upcycle from home. Workshops limited to 15 participants. Bring personal work gloves; a pair of floral shears and pruners. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:30am or 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Pavilion outside the Nature Center

Fee: $35.00 per person

Flower Walk: Still More Blooms

July 18, 2021

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. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

FULL Junior Naturalist Day Camp

July 19, 2021 - July 23, 2021

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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Outdoor Week Day Camp

July 26, 2021 - July 30, 2021

If you like to get outside, this is 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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Detweiler Discovery Walk

July 27, 2021

Join a Naturalist for a hike at Detweiler Park. Our hike will include a look at insects, plants and trees—whatever interesting things we can find! Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 11:00am: Meet at Detweiler Park

Fee: Free

Outdoor Week Day Camp

August 2, 2021 - August 6, 2021

If you like to get outside, this is 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. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Masks and social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Olewine Nature Center
Fee: $150.00

Greenbelt Connector Walk

August 5, 2021

Join a Naturalist to walk the Greenbelt Connector from Fort Hunter to Wildwood Park. Plan to park along the river at Fort Hunter and meet at Heckton Church. The walk will proceed along the river past several historical and natural sites, concluding at Wildwood Park. Here participants can choose to navigate back to Fort Hunter or walk around Wildwood. Please note that this is a roundtrip of 4 miles on paved flat surfaces. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 8:30am – 10:00am: Meet at Heckton Church at Fort Hunter

Fee: Free

Wild Edibles Program

August 10, 2021

Join Debbie Naha (the Wild Edibles Lady) to discover edible plants in our area. Lots of folks do not realize they are surrounded by edibles. From vacant lots to backyards, nature provides an abundance of plants that are human foods. Debbie, an educator, author, licensed nutritionist and wild edibles expert, will discuss plant identification, safety, look-alike plants, sustainable harvesting and nutrition. Her book, Foraging Pennsylvania and New Jersey, will be available for purchase after the workshop. Enjoy a presentation, walk and to-go taste testing. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $12.00 per person

Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood

August 11, 2021

Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for a fun outdoor story session for children ages 2-5. Stories, songs, rhymes, play and an activity will introduce Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Program will occur outdoors. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 10:00am –10:45am: Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

August 14, 2021

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. Pre-registration required. Masks and social distancing require. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

Natural Tie-Dye

August 14, 2021

Bring your own white or lightly colored, prewashed t-shirt to a fun, outdoor 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! Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register for one of the three timeslots here.

When & Where: 12:00pm – 1:00pm, 1:00pm – 2:00pm or 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Pavilion beside the Nature Center

Fee: $8.00 per participant

Flower Walk: Heat Tolerant Plants

August 15, 2021

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to see some of the 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. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: The 10 Essentials

August 21, 2021

Do you ever wonder what you would do in a survival situation? Join a Naturalist for a walk at Detweiler Park and discover what essential items to take with you on every adventure. This program will provide critical information for your future outdoor explorations. A few items will be provided for you to take home and start your own survival pack! Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 11:00am; Detweiler Park

Fee: $12.00 per child, chaperones free

Kids Discover: Monarchs

August 24, 2021

Monarch butterflies are some of the most widely studied insects in the entire world. Join a Naturalist for a chance to see these amazing insects up close and personal in three of their prominent life stages. Program will occur outside on the West Lawn by the small pavilion closest to the Nature Center. Participants will visit nearby milkweed plants in search of these amazing insects. Each child is limited to one chaperone. Masks and social distancing required. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register here.

When & Where: 1:00pm – 2:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones free

Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K!

August 28, 2021

Save the date for Wildwood Park’s Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K! This year, choose to complete the run/walk in-person, or virtually! This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the Lake and down the Towpath Trail along the Pennsylvania Canal. Bring your friends and family to show your support for Wildwood Park and the community. Register here.

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

Fee: $25.00 for 5K, $30 for 10K

[ top ]