Wildwood Park Events

RESCHEDULED - Winter Lecture Series: The Role of Nesting Ecology in the Conservation of the Common Snapping Turtle at Wildwood Park by Dr. Walter Meshaka, Jr.

February 19, 2019

Dr. Walter Meshaka, Jr. is Senior Curator of Zoology and Botany at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. He will discuss the role that basic field ecology has played in the conservation of the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) at Wildwood Park, how this work can serve as a template for other turtle species at Wildwood and elsewhere, and how public involvement brings about public awareness. Registration is not required.


When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

FULL - Fly Tying Classes with Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited

February 21, 2019 - March 28, 2019

The Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a 6-week evening course on introductory fly tying at the Olewine Nature Center. The class will be conducted on 6 consecutive Thursday evenings beginning on February 21. Instructors include experienced members of Trout Unlimited. Materials generously provided. Adults and youth 10 years and older are welcome. Youth under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited.

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

Fee: $20 for the six-week course

Winter Tree ID

February 24, 2019

Join a naturalist for a leisurely walk with a focus on tree identification. Why do some trees keep their leaves and others do not? Learn how to identify trees in winter by looking at their bark, buds, and growth habits. Registration not required.

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

Fee: Free

Winter Lecture Series: Wellness in Your Woods by Suzann Schiemer

February 26, 2019

Do you enjoy the aromas of the woods? Do you feel awe at the sight of a beautiful natural vista? Do you experience a sense of calm by the sound of songbirds in the early morning? If so, you might be supporting your personal health and wellness through nature’s abundance. Explore the many wellness benefits available to you by spending time in a natural environment. This presentation will highlight the green exercise of Shinrin-Yoku; also known as forest bathing. Included with the benefits of forest bathing will be suggestions on how to incorporate this practice into your time outdoors. Registration not required.


When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Photography Course 101: Getting the Most out of Your DSLR Camera

March 2, 2019

In this one-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'll take you out of "automatic," but won't overload you with too much detail. This 6-hour investment in your digital SLR will pay dividends over and over as you grow with your camera system. This course is guaranteed to improve your pictures! Click here for more information on topics covered, requirements, and what to bring. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Fee: $150 per person

FULL - 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

Volunteer Work Day

March 9, 2019

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

FULL Boy and Girl Scout Workshop for Webelos, Juniors, and Higher: 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. Scouts should wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring an easy snack, drink and lunch. This program will be indoors and outdoors. Register online here.

When & Where: 10:30am-2:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10 per scout

Wreath Workshop

March 10, 2019

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.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:00am - 12:00, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $15 per wreath

Preschool Storytime: Spring at Wildwood!

March 13, 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

Bear Scout Program: Fur, Feathers and Ferns

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.

Kids Discover Signs of Spring

March 17, 2019

With the arrival of spring comes many interesting weather patterns and changes. Animals and plants begin to awaken from their winter slumber in new and exciting ways. We will learn about these changes, make a craft, and then go on a walk around the Nature Center to look for signs and patterns. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Register here.

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

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Night Lights Hike

March 23, 2019


Join a park naturalist at Dauphin County’s newest park - Detweiler Park - to hike and learn more about natural night lights!  Learn about these amazing night lights as you observe constellations, stars, and possibly planets through a telescope by the light of the rising moon. The walk will be a total of 1.5 miles along variable terrain. Dress for the weather; Bring a blanket to sit on and a flashlight. Register here.

When & Where: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, meet at the entrance to Detweiler Park

Fee: Free

FULL - 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.

Flower Walk: Cold Tolerant Plants

March 24, 2019

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: 1:30pm-3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Bird Walk: Waterfowl and Early Migrants

March 27, 2019

Meet at the South Parking Lot at the entrance to the Towpath Trail for this early migration bird walk with volunteers Rick and Peg Price. Expect good diversity of waterfowl and some early songbird migrants.


When & Where: 8:00am-10:00am, entrance of Towpath Trail

Fee: Free

Dr. Seuss Science Series

March 27, 2019

Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story sessions for children ages 4-6. This series will take place over the course of 4 consecutive Wednesdays. These dates are March 27th, April 3rd, April 10th and April 17th. Stories, rhymes, and a take-home craft will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Register here.

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

Fee: $25 per child, parents free

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.

Art In The Wild: Meet The Artists

April 7, 2019

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: 1:00pm-3:00pm, around Wildwood Park


Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Fish

April 7, 2019

The wetlands of wildwood are teeming with life below the surface. Discover and learn about these unique aquatic critters as you observe them up close and personal in the lab. We will spend time inside and along the creekbank as we collect our underwater specimens. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Register here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Art in the Wild Lecture by Ted Prescott

April 11, 2019

Prescott will talk about the sources and inspiration he has found in the work of other artists and discuss the ways in which the natural world has shaped his sculpture. He will describe the processes involved in using the natural properties of wood, stone, salt, coal and honey in his work, from inception through to completion, and sometimes to demise. 

When & Where: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Fee: Free

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

Clean Up Your Earth Day

April 13, 2019

In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, you are invited to help clean up Wildwood Park’s lake, streams and trails. Volunteers will spearhead litter pick up and invasive plant pulling throughout the park. This is a great opportunity to help keep the park clean and beautiful. Bring a water bottle. Snacks, tools, and work gloves provided. Assume the work day is cancelled if it is raining. Registration is required for groups of six or more.


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

Fee: Free

Stress Relief Walk

April 13, 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. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of inclement weather.

When & Where: 10:00am – 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Flower Walk: Dutchman's Breeches and Trout Lilies

April 14, 2019

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 - 3:00 pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Get in Shape Walk

April 18, 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 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: 5:45pm – 7:15pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Wetlands Festival

April 27, 2019

Celebrate Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands with a day of free, fun, and educational activities. Special guests include musicians Mark DeRose and Randy Heisley-Cato. 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 & Where: 10:00am - 4:00pm, at Wildwood Park!

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Migratory Birds

May 5, 2019

As springtime temperatures warm, many migratory birds return to Wildwood to spend the summer or to pass through on their way farther north. During this program, we will explore the lives of these migrants, make a craft, and then go on a walk along the lake to look for birds using binoculars. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Register here.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Stress Relief Walk

May 8, 2019

Walk off the stress of the work week 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. Be sure to sign in when you arrive to receive 15 Wellness Rewards points. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for cancellation information in case of rain.

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

Fee: Free

Volunteer Work Day

May 11, 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 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

Bird Walk: Peak Migration

May 15, 2019

Search for warblers, phoebes, wrens, orioles, and other songbirds on the North Boardwalk with volunteers Rick and Peg Price. Early May is a great time to see both migrating and breeding warblers and vireos. You never can tell what you might see at this time of year. Meet at the nature center parking lot.

When & Where: 7:30am-9:30am

Fee: Free

Get In Shape Walk

May 16, 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, and returns by the same route, avoiding the hills on the east side of the park. Meet at the Olewine Nature Center. 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  

Painting @ the Park

May 18, 2019

Bring your desire to create and join the Friends of Wildwood for our third annual Painting @ the Park. Jenn Brown, from Jenn's Craft Parties, will lead us through the creation of Quintessential Fireflies in a Jar. All experience levels are welcome as Jenn takes us to a place with magical fireflies flashing on a warm summer evening.  All materials will be provided and light refreshments will be available. You will surely have fun and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece! Pre-registration is required by May 10, 2019.  Proceeds benefit Friends of Wildwood. Ages 12 and up welcome. Register here.

When & Where: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $25/participant

Saturday Morning Bird Walk

May 18, 2019

Come on a Saturday morning walk with volunteer Audrey Zajac to learn about the birds that can be found at Wildwood. The walk will be along the North Boardwalk. Meet at the Nature Center. Beginners are welcome and binoculars will be available for use.

When & Where: 8:00am-10:00am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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.

Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpits and Other Spring Flowers

May 26, 2019

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams to search for Jack in the Pulpits. Learn the interesting facts about the Jack in the Pulpit.

When & Where: 1:30pm – 3:00pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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.

Tree ID Walk

June 2, 2019

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

When & Where: 10:30am – 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

Wildwood Way Day Camp I

June 17, 2019 - June 21, 2019

Children ages 6 to 8 are invited to explore the nature and wildlife at Wildwood Park. They will learn important observation skills that will be used throughout the week. Campers will discover different habitats at Wildwood Park and how different animals adapt to live in each. Campers will use binoculars on nature walks, explore a wetland, learn how we can all reduce, reuse and recycle, and enjoy live animal demonstrations. Register online here.

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

Fee: $135 per person

Wildwood Way Day Camp II

June 24, 2019 - June 28, 2019

Children ages 6 to 8 are invited to explore the nature and wildlife at Wildwood Park. They will learn important observation skills that will be used throughout the week. Campers will discover different habitats at Wildwood Park and how different animals adapt to live in each. Campers will use binoculars on nature walks, explore a wetland, learn how we can all reduce, reuse and recycle, and enjoy live animal demonstrations. Register online here.


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

Fee: $135 per person

Junior Naturalist Day Camp

July 8, 2019 - July 12, 2019

Campers ages 9 and 11 will learn a variety of naturalist and outdoor skills. They will discover what it means to be a naturalist and learn a variety of observation skills they will use on daily wetland hikes. Day campers will canoe on Wildwood Lake and explore a stream to look for aquatic insects. They will also practice identifying mammals by using only their teeth and skulls, explore the science of flight, and spend a morning fishing on Paxton Creek. Register online here.


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

Fee: $135 per person

Outdoor Week

July 15, 2019 - July 19, 2019

Get into the wild! Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will uncover the natural world while learning skills important to survival in the outdoors. They will build debris huts, participate in community science programs, and find out how birds communicate. Campers will dive into water by learning about water pollution and prevention, fishing in Paxton Creek, and canoeing down the Susquehanna River! Register online here.

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

Fee: $135 per person

Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Morning Session

July 22, 2019 - July 26, 2019

Does your child have an interest in photography? In this newly designed camp, students ages 7-12 will be loaned a digital camera and explore the operation and functions of the camera, lighting, and composition. Each lesson contains an introduction to a project with photography tips tailored to the assignment.  Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org.


When & Where: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 11:30am, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $75 per person

Jumpstart Photography Program for Young Kids - Afternoon Session

July 22, 2019 - July 26, 2019

Does your child have an interest in photography? In this newly designed camp, students ages 7-12 will be loaned a digital camera and explore the operation and functions of the camera, lighting, and composition. Each lesson contains an introduction to the project with photography tips tailored to the assignment.  Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org.


When & Where: Mon-Fri 1:00pm – 3:30pm, meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $75 per person

Fundamentals of Photography I - Boot Camp

July 29, 2019 - August 2, 2019

Beginners (ages 13-17) will learn to use a DSLR camera in this hands-on nature and wildlife photography workshop at Wildwood Park. Canon camera equipment will be loaned to each student. Space is limited. Register online here. More information at http://photo4kids.org. 


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

Fee: $150 per person

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