Wildwood Park Events

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.

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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

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CANCELED Cadettes: Night Owl

January 18, 2020

Fee: $10

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Winter Lecture Series Spotlight on PA State Species: White-tailed Deer - Our State Mammal

January 28, 2020

White-tailed Deer, designated as Pennsylvania’s state animal in 1959, have been thriving in our forests for years. However, their populations have recently been threatened by Chronic Wasting Disease which is slowly spreading throughout the state. Join us to learn more from a PA Game Commission expert about how this alarming disease is impacting our state animal. Register here.

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Kids Discover: Owls

February 8, 2020

Explore what makes owls unique. Discover how owls can hunt at night and learn identification of different species of owls by listening to their unique night time calls. Become a lab scientist and dissect an owl pellet to learn what they eat. Geared for ages 7 to 12. Space is limited. Register here.

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Winter Lecture Series Spotlight on PA State Species: Ruffed Grouse - Our State Bird

February 11, 2020

The Ruffed Grouse was designated as Pennsylvania’s official state bird in 1931. As populous as grouse once were, their species is currently declining in Pennsylvania. Habitat loss and disease are believed to be causing this decline. Join PA Game Commission Ruffed Grouse Biologist, Lisa Williams to learn more and what can be done to increase grouse populations. Register here.

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Fly-tying Classes with Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited

February 13, 2020 - March 26, 2020

The Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a 7-week evening course on introductory fly-tying at the Olewine Nature Center. The class will be conducted on 7 consecutive Thursday evenings beginning on February 13. Instructors include experienced members of Trout Unlimited. Adults and youth 12 years and older are welcome (youth 17 and younger are required to have an adult chaperone). Students will be expected to provide their own tools or they can borrow the chapter’s tools each night of the course. All materials for tying the patterns will be provided. A detailed communication email will be sent regarding tools to each registrant in advance. Space is limited. Register here.

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Great Backyard Bird Count

February 15, 2020

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. Register here.

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Preschool Storytime: Winter at Wildwood

February 19, 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.

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FULL 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.

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Winter Lecture Series Spotlight on PA State Species: Eastern Hellbender - Our State Amphibian

February 25, 2020

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Dr. Seuss Science Series

February 26, 2020 - March 18, 2020

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. For children ages 3-5. Register here.

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

Fee: $5 per child, chaperones free

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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

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Volunteer Work Day

March 14, 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

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Spring Wreath Workshop

March 14, 2020 Decorate a spring wreath out of natural materials. Everything will be supplied to make a wreath with decorations from nature, including cones, nuts and seed pods. Select from a variety of wreath bases including grape vines and wire frames. Participants may bring additional items and ribbon. After constructing a wreath, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while adding finishing touches. Register here.

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Fundamentals of Photography I

March 21, 2020 In this two-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 will take you out of "automatic," but won't overload you with too much detail. This 6-hour investment is guaranteed to improve your pictures. This program is for adults, no previous experience required. For more detailed information, visit www.photolivelearning.com. Register here.

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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.

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Flower Walk: Cold Tolerant Plants

March 22, 2020

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to seek out Skunk Cabbage. On the way to the North Boardwalk, we may see other cold tolerant plants and anything left over from winter. A few trees should be flowering. 

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

Fee: Free

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Preschool Storytime: Spring at Wildwood!

March 25, 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

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Bird Walk: Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants

March 25, 2020

Join leaders Rick and Peggy Price for an early spring walk along the Towpath looking for waterfowl and early spring migrants in their bright breeding plumages. Expect a few lingering winter species as well. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. 

When & Where: 7:30am – 9:30am; Meet at the North Parking Lot along Industrial Road.

Fee: Free

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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.

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Fundamentals of Photography I

March 28, 2020 In this two-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 will take you out of "automatic," but won't overload you with too much detail. This 6-hour investment is guaranteed to improve your pictures. This program is for adults, no previous experience required. For more detailed information, visit www.photolivelearning.com. Register here.

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Kids Discover: Flowers and Pollinators

April 4, 2020 Flowers bloom at all times of the year, even when there is still snow on the ground! Join a naturalist and learn how flowers are essential, how skunk cabbage melts snow, and other amazing pollinator facts. At the end of the program you will plant a seed to take home. Ages 5-8 and their parents. Register here.

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Art In The Wild: Meet the Artists

April 5, 2020

Art In The Wild artists are busy finishing up final touches to trailside art installations. Take a self-guided three-mile trail walk to meet the artists and observe the inner workings to creating outdoor art.

When & Where: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Fee: Free

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Art In The Wild Lecture by Patricia Goodrich

April 9, 2020 Wildwood Park is pleased to welcome Patricia Goodrich, a MI native visual artist, curator and poet, as judge and lecturer for Art In The Wild 2020. Goodrich’s passion for stones, water and our natural world is lifelong. Her earthworks, sculpture, two-dimensional works and multi-media installations can be found all over the world. She is the recipient of national and international fellowships and residencies and author of five collections of poetry. On April 9, she will present “ON SITE: Considerations in Siting Earthworks”, illustrated by her own site specific works

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Wildwood Wellness Walk

April 9, 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 are 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: 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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Clean Up Your Earth Day

April 11, 2020

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

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

Fee: Free

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Wildwood Wellness Walk

April 18, 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 are 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: 10:00 am - 11:30 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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Flower Walk: Dutchman's Breeches and Trout Lilies

April 19, 2020

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams 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.   

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

Fee: Free

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Wetlands Festival

April 25, 2020

Wetlands Festival is a time to honor Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Join in the celebration with a day of free, fun educational activities. Enjoy musical entertainment and get to know the animals of Wildwood through live animal programs. Attendees participate in engaging environmental activities, enjoy delicious food and explore creative exhibitor displays and unique vendors.

When & Where: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; At the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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Wildwood Wellness Walk

May 6, 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 are 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: 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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Bird Walk: Peak Migration

May 6, 2020

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!

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

Fee: Free

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Volunteer Work Day

May 9, 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

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Sign Design Workshop

May 9, 2020 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. Register here.

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FULL Juniors: Geocache

May 16, 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.

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Painting at the Park

May 17, 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 springtime 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 May 10, 2020.  Proceeds benefit the Friends of Wildwood. Register here.

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

Fee: $25 per participant

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Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpits and Other Spring Flowers

May 17, 2020

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”.  

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

Fee: Free

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Wildwood Wellness Walk

May 21, 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 are 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: 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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Kids Discover: Butterflies and Moths

May 30, 2020

What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth? Where do they go in the winter? Learn the answers to these questions plus much more while exploring the life cycle, anatomy and different species of butterflies and moths that call Pennsylvania home. At the end of the program, journey outside with a naturalist to collect your own butterfly or moth to observe and release. Ages 5-8 and their parents. Register here.

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

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

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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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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: 10:30 am - 11:30 am; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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WILD About Pollinators Educator Workshop

June 18, 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.

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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. Register online here.

When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $150 per person

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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. Register online here.

When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $150 per person

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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. Register online here.

When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $150 per person

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Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Afternoon Session

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. Register online here.

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

Fee: $125 per person

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Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Morning Session

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. Register online here. 

When & Where: Mon-Fri 10:00am – 12:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $125 per person

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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. Register online here.

When & Where:  9:00am - 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $150 per person

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Fundamentals of Photography I - Boot Camp

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. Register online here.

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

Fee: $200 per person

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