Welcome to WITF’s Local Events Calendar!
Upcoming Events
July 2021
Call to Artists
Join the fun in making outdoor art in the park! This year’s theme is “Sunlight and Shadows”. Submit your Art In The Wild idea today. It is easy and free. Go to www.explorewildwoodpark.org for more information. Applications are due by January 21, 2022 and can be mailed to 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or emailed to rcorty@dauphinc.org.
Find out more »September 2021
Kids Discover: Dirt (Ages 8-10)
There are so many beautiful animals and plants to look at outdoors that we often forget what is right beneath our feet. Is the soil at Wildwood different than what is in your backyard? Join a Naturalist for a short walk around wildwood where we will get our hands dirty and dig up some soil to discover what it is made of and who lives there. Ages 8-10, one chaperone per child. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Preregistration required.…
Find out more »
Celebrate Wildwood
Help us celebrate Wildwood Park with a nature-themed afternoon! Learn about butterflies, birds, reptiles and more. Participate in kids activities, children’s crafts, live musical entertainment, bird/plant talks and the annual Walk for Wildwood. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines.
Find out more »How To Design a Home Garden Bed
Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Kevin Kelly, for a series of gardening workshops. During this workshop, learn how to design a home garden bed, what tools to use and where to begin. Workshops will include both an indoor and outdoor component and are limited to 12 participants. Attend one, or them all! Please dress for the weather and your own personal gardening gloves. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Preregistration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »October 2021
Preschool Storytime: Fall at Wildwood!
Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for a fun outdoor story session for children ages 2-5. Stories, songs, rhymes, play and an activity will introduce Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters. Program will occur outdoors. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Bird Walk: Fall Migration at Wildwood
October is a good month to see the transition of migrant bird species as they come and go. Join Rick and Peggy Price to look for fall warblers and other songbirds heading south; raptors including Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks are on the move; and year-round resident birds are still active. Meet in front of the nature center at 7:30 am. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Volunteer Work Day
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. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Register at www.wildwoodlake.org/events.
Find out more »Nature Journaling
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. Participants must observe current Covid…
Find out more »
Birdhouse Workshop
Please join the Friends of Wildwood for a fun afternoon of Birdhouse Construction and Design. Bring your friends and your creativity along, to construct a bluebird box, paint a natural birdhouse gourd and make your own homemade suet. Suet instruction will be provided by Linda Fisher. You will surely have fun while here and leave with multiple items to enhance bird viewing in your backyard. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Wildwood. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Tree Identification Walk
Join Cara Martinez-Williams for a leisurely walk with a focus on trees. Become familiar with a variety of species around the nature center while enjoying fall foliage. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »
Kids Discover: Trees (Ages 4-6)
How many trees can you name? Pennsylvania is home to many trees, giving us oxygen to breathe and branches to climb. Join a Naturalist to discover what trees you can find at Wildwood Park and maybe in your own backyard! Trees provide food and habitat for a large variety of wildlife. At the end of the program, everyone will be given a tree to take home and plant! Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Kids Discover: Trees (Ages 7-10)
How many trees can you name? Pennsylvania is home to many trees, giving us oxygen to breathe and branches to climb. Join a Naturalist to discover what trees you can find at Wildwood Park and maybe in your own backyard! Trees provide food and habitat for a large variety of wildlife. At the end of the program, everyone will be given a tree to take home and plant! Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Kids Discover: Fall (Ages 2-4)
Enjoy a morning outdoors learning about fall with a Wildwood Park Naturalist. Age appropriate activities and a story will accompany this program. Program will occur outside; please dress accordingly. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. For ages 2-4. Pre-registration required at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »
Night at the Nature Center
Take an after-hours walk through the Olewine Nature Center and watch the exhibit hall critters come to life! Kids will meet these fun talking animals and visit other stations including a campfire to make s’mores, sip apple cider, a craft, and a not so scary Halloween story. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favorite animal or in a Halloween costume. Don’t forget your trick or treat bag! Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Register…
Find out more »
Dr. Seuss Science Series
Join an Environmental Educator for fun interactive Dr. Seuss story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of Dr. Seuss. Classes are offered in person or virtually using OfficeSuite HD. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Pre-registration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »How To Prepare Your Home Garden for Winter
Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Kevin Kelly, for a series of gardening workshops. During this workshop, learn how to take care of your garden and support the birds in preparation for the upcoming winter months. Workshops will include both an indoor and outdoor component and are limited to 12 participants. Attend one, or them all! Please dress for the weather and your own personal gardening gloves. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Preregistration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »
Kids Discover: Spiders (Ages 4-6)
Spiders come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Join a Naturalist to learn all about arachnids to help you get into the Halloween Spirit. You’ll even get a chance to meet a live TARANTULA. Enjoy a short story and fun craft to end the program. Ages 4-6, one chaperone per child. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Preregistration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »
Kids Discover: Spiders (Ages 7-10)
Spiders come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Join a Naturalist to learn all about arachnids to help you get into the Halloween Spirit. You’ll even get a chance to meet a live TARANTULA. Enjoy a short story and fun craft to end the program. Ages 7-10, one chaperone per child. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Preregistration required. Register at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »November 2021
Wildwood Photography Contest
Now is a great time to visit Wildwood Park, camera in hand to snap outdoor photos for the upcoming Photo Contest! Photographs may be dropped off at the Nature Center starting November 2. Photos must be submitted by Saturday, December 4 by 3:00 pm. Review official contest rules and guidelines for preparing photos at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/photo-contest.
Find out more »AITW Workshop
Ever wanted to participate in Wildwood's Art In The Wild, but felt you did not possess the knowledge or necessary skills to do so? Join a local artist for a hands-on workshop of your choosing to learn the ins and outs - dos and don'ts of creating outdoor environmental art. Create a land art installation in the Park with your workshop group which will remain throughout the rest of the year for the public’s viewing. Please dress to be outside…
Find out more »
Volunteer Work Day
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. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Register at www.wildwoodlake.org/events.
Find out more »
Persimmon Walk
Fall fruits are not just a favorite of squirrels and chipmunks! There are a few humans can enjoy as well. Take a walk with a Naturalist along the Towpath Trail to view and taste these curious fall fruits known as persimmons. Meet at the South Lot trailhead. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Pre-registration required at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »
Waterfowl Walk
Join a naturalist to search for migrating waterfowl along the Towpath Trail. There may be other migratory birds such as Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. Meet at the Middle Parking Lot. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. Pre-registration required at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events.
Find out more »
Wreath Workshop
Make an evergreen wreath out of natural materials. Everything will be supplied to make a wreath with decorations from nature, including cones, berries, nuts and seed pods. Wreath assembly will occur indoors with optional decorating to follow. Bring personal work gloves and/or decorations. Participants must observe current Covid guidelines. Space is limited. Pre-registration required at www.explorewildwoodpark.org/events/.
Find out more »December 2021
Photography Contest Display
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 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice Award winners will be announced after the display ends.
Find out more »
