Nature Programs

Volunteer Work Day
Saturday, March 13
10am - 1pm

The public is invited to join the monthly outdoor work days on the second Saturday of each month. Work days are an opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood's continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Help us keep your park clean and beautiful. Call the Nature Center for more information about upcoming work day activities. Pre-registration is not required but please let us know if you are bringing a group of six or more. (717)221-0292

Preschool Storytime: Spring at Wildwood!
Wednesday, March 17
10am - 10:45am

Join a Dauphin County Library System librarian and Wildwood volunteers for a fun story session for children ages 2-4. Stories, rhymes, play and a take-home craft will introduce Wildwood Lake critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Pre-registration is required. Not appropriate for large groups.

Birding by Ear
Tuesday, March 30
7pm - 8pm

Many birds use song as a way to communicate with and identify each other. Join a naturalist for an illustrated presentation that will help you learn to identify bird species by their songs. This indoor program will include pictures and recordings of common birds found in Wildwood Park just in time for the spring season when the birds will be singing! Beginner and experienced birders welcome. Pre-registration is required along with $5 per person. (717) 221-0292

Volunteer Work Day & Wildwood Clean Up
Saturday, April 10 (Rain Date: Sunday, April 11)
9am - 1pm (Rain Date: 12:30pm - 3:30pm)

The April Volunteer Work Day will be expanded to encompass The Great Pennsylvania Cleanup. In addition to typical monthly volunteer activities, we will clean up the lake, streams and trails of the Park. To make this event a success, Wildwood Park will need the help of many people! Volunteers in hip boots and on foot will clean litter from the edge of the lake, canal, streams and trails of the park. A crew will pull invasive plants that are just starting to grow. As Earth Day approaches, this is a great opportunity to give something back to a park that many residents use on a regular basis. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get muddy! Lunch and work gloves will be provided. Pre-registration is required. (717) 221-0292.

Spring Night Walk
Tuesday, April 13
7:30pm - 9pm

Enjoy Wildwood's wetlands after dusk with an evening stroll on the North Boardwalk. A guided tour will lead us through various habitats as we look and listen for frogs, owls, and other nocturnal wildlife. The program will meet inside the Olewine Nature Center followed by the walk. All ages are welcome to attend this seasonal family program. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the one mile easy walk. Pre-registration is required and $5 per person. (717)221-0292.

Dauphin County Streams-A Health Report Presentation
Tuesday, April 27
7 - 8:30pm

Following a 5-year (2004-2008) study, Dauphin County Conservation District has assessed and analyzed the health and quality of the streams in Dauphin County, including the Paxton Creek which runs through Wildwood Park . Come join us for this evening presentation to discover what they have learned and what citizens can do to help our waterways. Pre-registration is not required. Funding by a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Spring Bird Walk Weekend
Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2
8 - 10am

Come join us for these morning bird walks. Migration is in full swing and birds can be found everywhere. We will walk either the Delta Boardwalk or the North Boardwalk focusing on warblers and other songbirds but sightings of great egrets and other wetland birds should be expected. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your binoculars. Pre-registration is not required. This walk is not appropriate for large groups.

Migration Bird Walk
Friday, May 7
8:30 - 10am

Early May is an excellent time to find a diversity of colorful migrant songbirds such as Yellow Warblers and Baltimore Orioles. Discover these and other birds while walking Wildwood's trails through woodlands, wetlands, and along the scenic North Boardwalk. Trails are clear and easy walking. All skill levels welcome. Appropriate for ages 8 through adult. Pre-registration not required. This walk is not appropriate for large groups.

Volunteer Work Day
Saturday, May 8
10am - 1pm

The public is invited to join the monthly outdoor work days on the second Saturday of each month. Work days are an opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood's continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Help us keep your park clean and beautiful. Call the Nature Center for more information about upcoming work day activities. Pre-registration is not required but please let us know if you are bringing a group of six or more.

Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpit Flower Walk
Sunday, May 16
1:30 - 3pm

Join volunteer Cara Martinez-Williams for a Sunday afternoon flower walk at Wildwood Park . White is the predominant flower color in this late spring walk. Some colors are beginning to appear. We should definitely see Jack in the Pulpits. Come learn the interesting facts about this flower and why it could also be known as "Jill in the Pulpit". Pre-registration is not required.

The Appalachian Trail - A Footpath for Those Who Seek Fellowship with the Wilderness
Tuesday, May 25
7 - 8:30pm

The National Scenic Appalachian Trail runs 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and is readily accessible to residents here in south-central PA. In 2006, local naturalist, Lorrie Preston, (Trail name "Shutterbug"), started section-hiking the trail through PA with the local Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, and has now hiked nearly 1,000 miles of the trail, including the very rugged White Mountains in New Hampshire. Lorrie will share images of trailside flora and fauna; including wildflowers through the seasons, birds, and other jewels of nature, as well as vistas and trail highlights which delight and inspire this middle-aged hiker. Also, learn where you can easily access the trail in our area for your own adventure. Next week is PA Hiking Week. This program will help inspire you to get outside and take advantage of some great local hiking opportunities. Pre-registration is not required.