Parks and Recreation Events

Join a Naturalist for a fun interactive story session for children ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, and a craft/activity will introduce science through the eyes of the Cat In The Hat. Classes are offered during 3 consecutive Thursdays. 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. Pre-registration required.

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 is not required.

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided. Pre-registration required.

Night has captured human imagination since the dawn of time. Join us as day turns to night to fulfill requirements for the Cadette Night Owl badge. Scouts will explore Wildwood, discover the myths of the stars and moon and learn about adaptations of nocturnal animals. Turn out the lights, tune in your senses and step out into the night! Please bring a snack, drink and something for dinner (no cooking is available). Pre-registration required.

Wild animals are very busy in the fall. Winter is coming! Discover how the animals in Wildwood Park prepare for the winter-from making dens to storing food to migrating south! Examine how fur and feathers can keep an animal warm and go on a scavenger hike in search of good spots for animals to find food and shelter in the Park! The afternoon will end with a craft and take-home activities. 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.

Join Volunteers Rick and Peggy Price to search for migrating waterfowl along the Towpath Trail. There may be other migratory birds such as Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. Pre-registration required.

Animals live all around us, but each species has survival requirements connecting them to a habitat! In this hands-on program, scouts will discover wild animals’ needs and adaptations; explore the wetland and forest habitats of Wildwood Park; and examine far-off endangered ecosystems. Scouts will also discuss ways to improve habitat for wildlife around their school or neighborhood and make a small bird feeder to take home. Please bring a drink, snack, and lunch. Dress for the weather. Sneakers or other close-toed shoes recommended. Pre-registration required

Join a Naturalist for a hike on some of Wildwood’s less-traveled trails. Admire the fall foliage and clearer views of the Lake as the leaves fall. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy close-toed shoes. Hike will be around 3 miles. Pre-registration required.

Curious about edible plants and how to utilize them to create yummy fall recipes? Join Naturalists at Wildwood Park to learn how to cook with a variety of fall fruits and nuts. Samples of each edible treat will be provided. Pre-registration required.

Join Dr. Steven Burg, professor of history at Shippensburg University, at the Fort Hunter Park Centennial Barn on Wednesday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. for an informative talk about the Fort Hunter African American Cemetery and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The free lecture will provide a look at the Craig family, whose members were enslaved and free African Americans living and working at Fort Hunter from the late 18th through the early 20th century, and the property where several family members are buried. This is a free program arranged by The Friends of Fort Hunter; registration is requested.