Parks and Recreation Events

oin Keystone Trails Association with a one-day seminar on backpacking basics. This training is geared towards avid day hikers who are interested in learning about backpacking from a group of experienced backpackers. Topics will include differences between day hiking and backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear (packs, sleeping bags, stoves, lights, stuff sacks, poles, tents), food preparation, campsite selection, potential dangers (ticks, waterborne diseases, bears, snakes), Leave No Trace and unique considerations for women with available resources (online and print). A light continental breakfast will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch to consume during the designated lunch break. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Discover the beauty and ecological value of Carex species native to North America in an inspiring presentation led by Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly. Gain insight into why these versatile, grass-like plants, commonly known as sedges, are vital for creating sustainable and dynamic landscapes. Learn how Carex serves as an ideal matrix layer in ecological landscape design and explore the wide variety of native species available for cultivation. This presentation offers valuable guidance for gardeners and landscapers looking to incorporate resilient, wildlife-friendly plant choices into their designs while enhancing the health and biodiversity of their environments.

Join a Naturalist at Detweiler Park for a leisurely afternoon walk. Look and listen for signs of early spring while exploring the trails. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

We can't control the world, but we can control how we choose to focus. This program will teach the basics of meditation with a focus on deepening family and friendship bonds in your life. We all love some people, but our love can be deeper and more expansive. Come and learn ways of deepening your love. Love is our true nature, our birthright. This one-hour course will go over the basics of meditation and have some short, simple meditations to practice. These will be meditations you can easily use, whatever your belief system is. Participants should be age 12 and older.

Learn all about secretive salamanders and what makes them unique. Go for a short hike to search for them and see if you can catch one- they are slimy and fast. You may get wet and muddy, so dress accordingly. Make your own salamander craft to take home. Dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes that can get muddy. This program is sponsored by Altrusa of South Central PA, providing a book for each participant. Each participant will go home with a theme-related book. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program. A maximum of one chaperone per child is permitted. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

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.

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 “Pathways.” A map-brochure about the exhibit is available online, at the kiosks or inside the Nature Center. Art In the Wild is Presented by the Mooney family foundation.

Join The Wandering Woodcraft to create your own 3D piece of wooden wall art. Paint each layer of maple wood your desired colors, glue together and ta-da—you have a masterpiece! Follow our instructor’s lead or create on your own. This is a project that anyone can do! All material are provided- paints, glues, raw materials. Bring your favorite apron or we will have on-hand to borrow. At registration, participants will get to choose between two designs: a great blue heron or a welcome sign! Pre-registration required by Tuesday, April 8. Workshop limited to 30 participants.

Stop by the Nature Center Bird Viewing Area for a warm cup of bird- friendly coffee, tea or hot cocoa with Appalachian Audubon Society. Discover what birds visit our feeders most often and learn how to identify each one. On the second Saturday from November - April, join us in observing and counting common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. Pre-registration not required.

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. This month’s focus will be on planting new native trees and/or shrubs in various locations throughout the Park. Tools and work gloves provided. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.