Parks and Recreation Events

Stop by the Nature Center Bird Viewing Area for a warm cup of bird- friendly coffee, tea or hot cocoa with the Appalachian Audubon Society. Discover what birds visit our feeders most often and learn how to identify each one.

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.

Join an Environmental Educator for 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.

'Tis the season to make a Christmas tree mosaic! Learn to make a beautiful 10" tall Christmas tree mosaic in this workshop hosted by Amanda from Mosaic Montage. This is a beginner-level workshop, no prior experience is needed. During the class, you will get to pick from multiple shades of machine-tumbled stained glass to create your one-of-a-kind decorated Christmas tree. You will have an array of beautiful greens for your tree, warm browns for the base, and bright and cheery yellows for your star. You can also add some Christmas bulbs or a string of lights to your tree with multi-colored rhinestones. You will learn the basics of making a mosaic to create your work of art.

Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for the final webinar of his popular Home Gardening Series. He will discuss the differences between shade and part shade, and introduce a variety of shrubs, perennials, and a few understory trees that can brighten up your shade garden. Preregistration is required. Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

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 habitats. Scouts will also discuss of ways to improve habitat for wildlife around their school or neighborhood and make a small bird house to take home.

It’s National Take a Hike Day, get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery and exercise at Fort Hunter Conservancy. Join Executive Director Brook Lenker of Keystone Trails Association for a strenuous, mountain hike ending with a picturesque view of the Susquehanna River. Four-legged, leashed friends are welcome too.

Grab your hiking boots, family and friends – it’s National Take a Hike Day! Get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery and exercise. Take a hike with a Naturalist or at your own pace on various terrain exploring the trails and wildlife at a local Dauphin County Park. All ages are welcome. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.

Grab your hiking boots, family and friends – it’s National Take a Hike Day! Get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery and exercise. Take a hike with a Naturalist or at your own pace on various terrain exploring the trails and wildlife at a local Dauphin County Park.

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.