Wildwood Park Events

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

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

Get In Shape Walk

July 25, 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 10 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

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

Detweiler Park Volunteer Work Day

August 3, 2019

Take this opportunity to work outside and help improve Detweiler Park’s trails and trees with various enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Assume the work day is canceled if it is raining. Registration is required for groups of six or more. Register online here.

When & Where: 9:00am - 12:00pm; Detweiler Park
Fee: Free

Stress Relief Walk

August 7, 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. Dauphin County employees should sign in to receive 10 Wellness Rewards points. 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

Educator Workshop: WILD on the River II

August 8, 2019

Join staff from the PA Game Commission and Wildwood Park for an exciting journey down the Susquehanna River as it flows through Harrisburg. During this workshop, participants will explore the plants and animals that live in and along this beautiful river while experiencing activities from the newly revised Project WILD K-12 Guide. All participants will receive the new Project WILD Guide. Act 48 credit available. Canoes, paddles, life jackets, and shuttle are provided. Please note if river conditions are unsafe, we may move this workshop to Wildwood Park. Pre-registration is required; deadline is August 1st. Register here.

When & Where: 8:30am – 3:30pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $35


Volunteer Work Day

August 10, 2019

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 online here.

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

Fee: Free

Detweiler Park Photo Walk

August 10, 2019

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. Intermediate and advanced photographers welcome. This two-mile hike begins at the gravel parking lot of the Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center. Bring your camera. Cameras will not be provided. Registration is required. More details and registration here.

When & Where: 8:00am - 10:00am; Detweiler Park
Fee: Free

Flower Walk: Heat Tolerant Plants

August 11, 2019

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. Pre-registration is not required.

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

Fee: Free

Get In Shape Walk

August 15, 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 10 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

Run Wild for Wildwood 5K!

August 17, 2019

Join Wildwood Park for a scenic 5K! Bring your friends and family on a run/walk around the park. The course will take you around Wildwood Lake and along the Pennsylvania Canal. Join us afterwards for an awards ceremony and tasty treats. Come out and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center! Pre-registration is required. Register here.

When & Where: 9:00am – 12:00pm; Meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $30

Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood!

August 21, 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

Reptiles!

August 24, 2019

ZooAmerica will provide an indoor live animal show on Pennsylvania’s native reptiles (plus an alligator). Register here.

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

Fee: $5

Natural Tie-Dye

August 25, 2019

Bring your own white or lightly colored, prewashed t-shirt to a fun 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! Register here.

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

Fee: $5

Kids Discover: Insects

August 31, 2019

A naturalist will lead an outdoor walk for children with lessons and activities about insects. Part of the walk will include students becoming biologists and surveying an area for wildlife. Ages 5 to 10 and their parents. Pre-registration required. Register here.

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

Fee: $5 per child, parents are free

Stress Relief Walk

September 11, 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. Dauphin County employees should sign in to receive 10 Wellness Rewards points. 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

Get In Shape Walk

September 19, 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 10 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

Brownies: Bugs & Hiker

September 21, 2019 Explore the world of bugs and discover their important roles in our environment and work on the hiker badge, as well!  Scouts will take time to discuss and plan their short hike, while examining insect habitats and taking a closer look at the diverse creatures that make Wildwood their home. Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

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

Fee: $10 

Celebrate Wildwood

September 29, 2019

It's the 20 year anniversary of the Olewine Nature Center! Let's celebrate and reflect on the park's past. Did you know Wildwood had a Zoo at one time? A reflective, educational scavenger hunt will be ready with a variety of education stations - from butterflies to history to birds and more. Enjoy a special live reptile program provided on site by Lake Tobias. And to keep the zoo theme alive, enjoy the Monkey Man (and his live monkey) starting at 11am. There will be live music and tasty food. The afternoon includes the Walk for Wildwood - a park fundraiser at 1pm.  Paint a pumpkin to take home and enjoy activities for the whole family.

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

Fee: Free!

Girl Scouts - Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, & Seniors: Outdoor Art

October 5, 2019 Each year Wildwood Park hosts artists who create art along our trails. Examine Art in the Wild pieces, meet an artist, take a hike for inspiration and create your own outdoor art to fulfill most, if not all, requirements for your appropriate badge level (Creator, Apprentice, Explore & Expert Badges). 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 – 2:00pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10

Webelos: Into The Woods

October 19, 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 and learn to identify native trees as we hike the park. Then, make a plan to care for a plant, 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

Juniors: Animal Habitats

November 16, 2019 During this program, scouts will discover the diverse wildlife of Wildwood Park while exploring their habitats. Scouts will also examine endangered habitats and brainstorm ways to conserve them. A craft and tips for improving habitat are included. Please bring a drink, snack and lunch. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities and wear sneakers or other closed-toed shoes. Register here.

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

Fee: $10

Cadettes: Night Owl

January 18, 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.

When & Where: 4:00pm – 8:00pm; meet at the Olewine Nature Center

Fee: $10

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.

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

Fee: $10

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

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.

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.

Juniors: Geocache

May 16, 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

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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