Wildwood Park Events

Winter Discovery at Wildwood Park

December 12, 2020 - January 31, 2021

Ever wonder where animals go during the winter? Stop by the Delta Boardwalk to learn about what the wildlife is up to in the winter months! Winter Discovery will include a variety of self-guided outdoor stations with information about wintertime in the park, interactive activities about animal behaviors in winter. 

When & Where: Delta Boardwalk; dawn until dusk

Fee: Free

Wildwood Photography Contest Display

January 5, 2021 - February 28, 2021

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 in the new year. 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.

When & Where: 10:00am – 4:00pm (closed Mondays and 1/18 & 2/15); in the Olewine Nature Center

Virtual Winter Lecture Series - Spotlight on PA State Species: Brook Trout

January 26, 2021

In March of 1970, the brook trout became our state fish. Living in Pennsylvania’s 4,000 miles of coldwater streams, they are the only trout species native to Pennsylvania. Clear and pure coldwater streams containing no pollution provide the perfect habitat for this fish species. Brook trout are also called speckled trout, squaretails or just “brookies” by anglers. Join Jason Detar for a virtual presentation on our state fish. Register here.

When & Where: 7:00pm – 8:30pm; Virtually

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Owls (ages 4-6)

January 30, 2021

Guess WHOOO? Listen to a fun story about owls and learn what makes these nocturnal raptors unique. Discover what owls of PA look and sound like by identifying their feathers and calls. Explore what owls eat by becoming a lab scientist and dissecting an owl pellet. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 4-6 years

Fee: $8.00 per child; chaperones free

Kids Discover: Owls (ages 7-10)

January 30, 2021

Guess WHOOO? Listen to a fun story about owls and learn what makes these nocturnal raptors unique. Discover what owls of PA look and sound like by identifying their feathers and calls. Explore what owls eat by becoming a lab scientist and dissecting an owl pellet. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 7-10 years

Fee: $8.00 per child; chaperones are free

Kids Discover: Groundhogs (ages 4-6)

February 6, 2021

Will Phil see his shadow and announce 6 more weeks of winter? Where do animals spend the winter? Join a naturalist to discover more about groundhogs. A walk will follow, where we will search for signs of other burrowing animals. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 4-6 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Kids Discover: Groundhogs (ages 7-10)

February 6, 2021

Will Phil see his shadow and announce 6 more weeks of winter? Where do animals spend the winter? Join a naturalist to discover more about groundhogs. A walk will follow, where we will search for signs of other burrowing animals. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 7-10 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Virtual Winter Lecture Series - Spotlight on PA State Species: Firefly

February 9, 2021

The firefly was designated as Pennsylvania’s official state insect in 1974. Students from an elementary school near Philadelphia worked with their teacher to nominate the firefly as our state insect after learning there is a species named after our state. Commonly called “lightning bugs,” these insects brighten our summer nights with tiny, brilliant twinkling lights – a true wonder of nature. Join us for a virtual presentation on our state insect. Register here.

When & Where: 7:00pm – 8:30pm; Virtually

Fee: Free

Virtual Dr. Seuss Science Series

February 17, 2021 - March 3, 2021

Stories, rhymes, and a 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. Program will occur virtually using OfficeSuite HD. Register for one class or all of them at here. Information will be sent via email prior to the event time.

When & Where: Wednesdays 10:00am – 10:45am; Virtually

Fee: $5.00 per session

Kids Discover: Animals and Their Tracks (ages 4-6)

February 20, 2021

Join a naturalist to learn the art of tracking. Discover walking patterns and learn about track identification before heading outside for a tracking foray. Explore park trails in search of a variety of animal tracks. Snow on the ground is helpful but not necessary. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 4-6 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Kids Discover: Animals and Their Tracks (ages 7-10)

February 20, 2021

Join a naturalist to learn the art of tracking. Discover walking patterns and learn about track identification before heading outside for a tracking foray. Explore park trails in search of a variety of animal tracks. Snow on the ground is helpful but not necessary. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 7-10 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Virtual Winter Lecture Series - Spotlight on PA State Species: Mushrooms

February 23, 2021

“The Mushroom Capital of the World” is found right here in Pennsylvania! Kennett Square, located in southern Chester County, produces over 65 percent of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. Grown in dark, windowless buildings, mushrooms can be farmed year-round. However, fungus farming is completely different from growing plants, like corn and potatoes. Join us for a virtual presentation with PennState York professor John Dawson on PA mushrooms. Register here.

When & Where: 7:00pm – 8:30pm; Virtually

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Snowflakes (ages 4-6)

February 27, 2021

Did you know every snowflake is different? Join a naturalist to learn all about where snowflakes come from and how they are formed. Make your own unique snowflake and discover the size of the largest snowflake ever found! Fun crafts and a walk will follow, weather depending. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 4-6 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

FULL Kids Discover: Snowflakes (ages 7-10)

February 27, 2021

Did you know every snowflake is different? Join a naturalist to learn all about where snowflakes come from and how they are formed. Make your own unique snowflake and discover the size of the largest snowflake ever found! Fun crafts and a walk will follow, weather depending. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration here.

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

Age: 7-10 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Kids Discover: Woodpeckers (ages 4-6)

March 6, 2021

Do woodpeckers get headaches? Learn all about woodpeckers and their adaptations. Discover what they eat, where they live and make a woodpecker craft. A walk will follow where we will search for signs of woodpeckers in Wildwood Park. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 4-6 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Kids Discover: Woodpeckers (ages 7-10)

March 6, 2021

Do woodpeckers get headaches? Learn all about woodpeckers and their adaptations. Discover what they eat, where they live and make a woodpecker craft. A walk will follow where we will search for signs of woodpeckers in Wildwood Park. Dress for the weather. Masks and social distancing required. Program limited to 25 total people, each child is limited to one chaperone. Registration required here.

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

Age: 7-10 years

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones are free

Volunteer Work Day - Litter Clean Up

March 13, 2021

Kick off the spring season with litter clean up along Industrial Road. Tools and work gloves provided. Refreshments will be available. Pre-registration required. Register here.

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

Fee: Free

Spring Wreath Workshop

March 13, 2021

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 grapevines and wire frames or make your own out of bamboo or English ivy. Participants may bring additional items and ribbon. Workshop timeslots are limited to 15 participants. Masks & social distancing required. Register here.

When & Where: 8:30am, 10:15am, 12:00pm, and 1:45pm; in the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $20.00 per wreath

Bird Walk: Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants

March 24, 2021

Join bird enthusiasts 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. There will be no sharing of equipment including binoculars. Please bring your personal pair to use. Program limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 8:00am – 10:00am; Meet at the North Parking Lot

Fee: Free

Juniors: Animal Habitats

March 27, 2021

Habitat is key for the survival of all wild species. During this program, scouts will explore the park and search for animals in diverse habitats from forest to wetlands. Scouts will also learn how to improve spaces for wildlife and create a wildlife shelter to take 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 free

Nature Journaling

March 30, 2021

Nature journaling is an effective and engaging way to grow your connection with the outdoors. Join Linda Walker, a Friends of Wildwood volunteer, as she leads you through creating your very own nature journal. A brief introduction and instruction will occur indoors, followed by a short walk to practice your new skills. Take time to sit, listen and observe what is happening around you. This program is designed for adults. Please dress for the weather. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

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

Fee: $10.00 per participant 

Kids Discover: Birds and Their Nests

April 2, 2021

Have you ever looked closely at a bird’s nest? They are made up of all kinds of different materials, from mud to twigs. In fact, each species of bird makes a unique nest! Join a naturalist for this hands-on program where kids will get to examine nests, search for nests in the Park and make their own small bird’s nest to take home. Ages 5-10, one chaperone per child. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

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

Fee: $5.00 per child; chaperones free

Skunk Cabbage Walk

April 6, 2021

Join a Naturalist for a short walk on the North Boardwalk to observe Skunk Cabbage. Skunk Cabbage is one of the first flowering plants to emerge after the winter cold. Learn about what makes this particular plant so unique. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 2:30pm – 3:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: Free

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

Volunteer Work Day

April 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 here.

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

Fee: Free

Art In The Wild: Meet the Artists

April 11, 2021

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. Masks & social distancing required. 

When & Where: 1:00pm - 3:00 pm; outside on the trails

Fee: Free

Fort Hunter Conservancy Walk

April 13, 2021

Join a Wildwood Naturalist for a strenuous hike at the 153-acre, Fort Hunter Conservancy. Hike through the woods and meadows, stopping at the top the mountain to enjoy the view. Please bring water, a snack and proper footwear as the last section of trail is very steep and has lots of loose rock. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-registration required here.

When & Where: 2:00pm - 4:00pm; Fort Hunter Conservancy

Fee: Free

Kids Discover: Pollywogs

April 15, 2021

Join a Naturalist at Detweiler Park for a fun day of pond/creek exploration. Children will have the chance to catch and release tadpoles and other critters in Detweiler Pond using nets. Dress for the weather, water shoes recommended but not required. Ages 5-10, one chaperone per child. Masks & social distancing required. Pre-register here.

When & Where: 2:00pm – 4:00pm; Detweiler Park

Fee: $5.00 per child, chaperones are free

Cadettes: Outdoor Art

April 17, 2021

Each year Wildwood Park hosts artists who create outdoor trailside art. Examine these Art In The Wild installations, meet an artist, take a hike for inspiration and create your own outdoor art. This will fulfill most, if not all, requirements for your badge. 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 – 2:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $12.00 per scout; chaperones free

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

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 – 1:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $12.00 per scout; chaperones are free

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.

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.

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

Fee: Free

Painting at the Park

May 22, 2021

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. 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

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 animals insects 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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