A word from

Wildwood

Spring 2012

The Friends of Wildwood, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Eleventh Annual Wetlands FestivalSaturday, April 28

A great day of activities is planned for Wildwood’s annual Wetlands Festival. The festival will be open from 9 am—4 pm with two pre-festival morning walks.

New this year will be two presenters offering unique programs.

Van Wagner, songwriter, historian and Penn-sylvania logger has developed a musical program celebrating the past and present of the

Pennsylvania timber industry. His first program will include songs that he has performed all over the world and have been featured in several film productions.

Van’s second program will review the past, present and future of Pennsylvania’s Timber heritage. This program covers how timber was harvested over the past several centuries and who harvested it. He will demonstrate timbering tools spanning 200 years. The program also focuses on the rafting days when Pennsylvania timber was assembled into various styles of rafts and piloted down our streams and rivers.

The second new presenter will be Storyteller Deb Takach of Duncannon. Deb is a retired teacher and member of the Susquehanna Tellers Guild. She has been telling stories and Native legends for 20 years with an energetic style geared to all ages. Deb will be presenting “Possum’s Tale”.

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Jack Hubley to Visit Wildwood Park

Jack Hubley is coming to Wildwood! Jack will be presenting his program “Critters Beyond Your Backyard” on Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Olewine Nature Center.

Jack has been an advocate for the natural world for over 25 years. As part of his “Wild Neighbors Lecture Series”, he will use live native animals to talk about their importance to the local ecology.

Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased by sending your check made payable to Dauphin County Parks and Recreation to Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Deadline for purchasing tickets is May 1, 2012.

Wildwood Family Triathlon Saturday, June 16, 2012

8:00 am—12:00 noon

A word from Wildwoodis published quarterly by

The Friends of Wildwood100 Wildwood Way

Harrisburg, PA 17110(717) 221-0292 • (717) 221-0318 fax

www.wildwoodlake.orgEmail: friendsofww@wildwoodlake.org

Board OfficersMary Lou McDowell-PresidentArt Schiavo-Vice PresidentMarilyn Dowling-SecretaryShawn Scott-Treasurer

Board MembersCarolyn BlatchleyRobert W. Colman, Ph.D.Carl DicksonJohn W. Greenleaf, IIIEmily Matlin, D.O.Wendy McClintockChris RebertKathy SilksValerie SimmonsLou StarzlOlivia SusskindEugene Wingert

A Word from the President

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Wildwood Park and the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center are part of the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. The Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed Mondays and

holidays. Wildwood Park’s trails are open from dawn until dusk. Programs can be viewed at www.dauphinc.org and questions can be directed to wwstaff@dauphinc.org.

County CommissionersJeff Haste, ChairmanMike PriesGeorge P. Hartwick III

Parks and Recreation DirectorCarl Dickson

Wildwood Park StaffChris Rebert, Park ManagerSandra J. Lockerman, Environmental EducatorSandra K. Nevius, Part-time Environmental EducatorDeb Rowe, Administrative AssistantJane K. Webster, Environmental Educator

We know for sure spring has arrived at Wildwood Park when we spot the great egrets. Once again they arrived in mid–March. Actually, three were spotted on March 10 in Wildwood Lake! Other sure signs of spring include the arrival of the wood ducks and the emergence of skunk cabbage. The wetlands are teeming with plants and animals ready for warm and sunny days. Come with a friend and walk the trails of Wildwood Park. See what you can find emerging each time you come.

The Wildwood staff and volunteers have planned a wide range of fun springtime activities at Wildwood. Please join us on Saturday, April 28 for our expanded Wetlands Festival. In addition to an exciting speaker lineup, there will be a native woodland plant sale, adopt-a-turtle program, hands-on activities and crafts for kids, ZooAmerica live animal programs, bird banding, and more. Check www.wildwoodlake.org for details about this and all our programs.

Get your two-person team together and join the Wildwood Family Triathlon on June 16. This is a fun-filled time for all teams to try their personal best at biking, 1.6 miles, canoeing 0.5 miles and running 1.6 miles in Wildwood Park.

Come join our knowledgeable volunteers for guided plant and photography walks this spring. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn what‘s happening in the park.

I look forward to seeing you at Wildwood.

Mary Lou McDowell, PresidentFriends of Wildwood

Park HighlightsNew Park Manager Named

The Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department has named Chris Rebert as its new Park Manager at Wildwood Park and the Olewine Nature Center, effective Jan. 9, 2012. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Park Management/Environmental Interpretation from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science Degree in Park and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. He has worked as an Environmental Educator and Naturalist at facilities in Centre County, Lancaster County, Clinton County and North Carolina before joining the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department in 2004 where his service began as an Environmental Educator.

Chris has a diverse work experience in non-profit, government, nature center and county park settings and is thrilled with the opportunity to lead this institution forward by building on momentum from talented staff and dedicated volunteers. “We look forward to Chris’ vision and leadership strengthening our important role in education, recreation and preservation,” notes Mary Lou McDowell, President of the Board of the Friends of Wildwood.

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Wildwood Welcomes Deb Rowe to Staff

A warm welcome to Deb Rowe, who has joined the staff at the Olewine Nature Center. Deb has been with Dauphin County as an administrative assistant for 10 years. She has worked in various departments such as District Attorney and Human Services Director’s Office. Deb lives in Linglestown and is excited to be working at Wildwood.

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For a full schedule of events, check the Friends’ web-site at www.wildwoodlake.org or Dauphin County’s website at www.dauphincounty.org. The brochure is also available at the nature center.

Ann Franklin Wins Photo Raffle

The beautiful Great Egret at Wildwood photo raffled off by the Friends of Wildwood was won by Friends member, Ann Franklin of Carlisle. The drawing was held during the Photo Awards Ceremony in January.

Ann was excited to be the winner. When she came in to pick it up, she had already picked out the wall on which to hang the framed photo. She and her husband Don discovered Wildwood Park when they moved here a few years ago and love the park and nature center.

A huge thank you to volunteer Phil Lloyd for donating one of his beautiful photographs for the raffle.

The Return of Spring

March brings snow melt, spring rain and the return of migrating species of ducks, herons and egrets to Wildwood Park. Not everything that returns is welcome. Runoff from the roads surrounding the park carries accumulations of winter. The water that refreshes the wetland can carry pollutants. In spring, the Department of Environmental Protection helps Wildwood staff place booms at storm water inlets. These thick ropes of absorbent material float on the surface, skimming off oil. Animals that live and eat in the marsh, including the PA endangered Great Egret and Black-crowned Night Heron, are protected from pollutants.

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Photo Contest Results

Winners of the 2011 Photography Contest were announced at the Contest Awards Ceremony in January. From 118 entries, the judges selected first, second and third place winners in four categories; beginners, intermediate, advanced and youth.

Olivia Susskind, Board Member and chairperson and Mary Lou McDowell, Board President presented the awards to the winners.

The winners were:

Advanced: First Place: Marty Ginter Second Place: Donald Phillips Third Place: Jim Horning

Beginners: First Place: Savanna Lenker Second Place: Becki Kraft Third Place: Kim Reese

Intermediate: First Place: Matthew Cordier Second Place: Geoff Crego Third Place: Terry Smith

Youth: First Place: Josh Cramer Second Place: Josh Cramer Third Place: Cleo Yatsko

Thank you to the judges, Denny Bingaman, Raymond Gehman and Madelaine Gray for their time and expert efforts and to the committee, staff and volunteers for their hard work.

A special thank you to the contest sponsors:

2011 First Place PhotographyContest Winners

Advanced: Marty Ginter, Afternoon Reflections

Beginner: Savanna Lenker, Caught in the Act

Youth: Josh Cramer, Make a Wish

Intermediate: Matthew Cordier, Fall Meets Winter

Charlie Smithwww.csPhotoArt.cominfo@csPhotoArt.com

(717) 329-7928

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Events CalendarNPR-No pre-registration, no fee * PR-Pre-registration and possible fee * PwR-Payment with Registration is required

All programs meet at Olewine Nature Center unless otherwise notedPrograms and events are listed at: www.dauphincounty.org and www.wildwoodlake.org

Call the Nature Center at 717-221-0292 for more details

Wed., April 11, Preschool Storytime: Spring at Wildwood!10:00—10:45 a.m., NPR

Sat., April 14, Wildwood Clean-up Day 10:00 a.m.— 1:00 p.m., (Raindate: April 15, 12:30—3:30 p.m.) NPR

Sun., April 15, Flower Walk: Dutchman’s Breeches and Trout Lilies1:30 p.m.—3:00 p.m., NPR

Sat., April 21, Girl Scouts-Brownies Water Everywhere Try-It Workshop10:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m., PwR

Sat., April 28, Eleventh Annual Wetlands Festival9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., NPR

Sat., May 5, Digital Photography Workshop9:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m., PwR

Sun., May 6, Photography Walk8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m., NPR

Sun., May 6, Jack Hubley: Critters Beyond Your Backyard2:00—3:00 p.m., PwR

Sat., May 12, Volunteer Work Day10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m., NPR

Sun., May 13, Webelos Scouts-Naturalist Badge Workshop10:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m., PwR

Sun., May 13, Flower Walk: Jack in the Pulpits and Other Spring Flowers1:30—3:00 p.m., NPR

Sat., May 19, Wandering Wildwood with Phil Lloyd 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., NPR

Tues., May 22, Outdoor Learning DayTime Slots Available., PR

Sat., June 2, National Trails Day Walk1:00—3:00 p.m., NPR

Sun., June 3, Bird Banding Demonstration1:00—3:00 p.m., NPR

Fri., June 8, Preschool Storytime: Summer at Wildwood!10:00 a.m.—10:45 p.m., PR

Sat., June 9, Volunteer Work Day10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m., NPR

Sun., June 10, Flower Walk: Peak of Blooming10:30 a.m.—12 noon, NPR

Sat., June 16, Wildwood Family Triathlon8:00 a.m.—12:00 noon, PR

Thurs., June 21, Educator Workshop: Wonders of Wetlands9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. PR

Sun, July 8, Flower Walk: Still More Blooms10:30 a.m.—12 noon, NPR

Wed., July 11, Stress Relief Walk6:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m., NPR

Sat., July 14, Volunteer Work Day10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m., NPR

Upcoming Summer Day Camps

Tues., June 12 to Wed., June 13Nature Explorers Day Camp (ages 5-6)-NEW9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m., PR

Mon., June 18 to Fri., June 22 or Mon., June 25 to Fri., June 29Wildwood Way Day Camp (ages 7-9)9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., PR

Mon., July 9 to Fri., July 13Junior Naturalist Day Camp (ages 10-11)9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., PR

Mon., July 16 to Fri., July 20Outdoor Week (ages 12-13)9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., PR

Mon., August 6 to Fri., August 10 Wildwood Digital Photography Day Camp (ages 10-16)9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., Information throughwww.hcckids.org

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Volunteer News

National Volunteer Week!April 15—21, 2012

Wildwood Park had 125 volunteers logging in over 6,000 hours in 2011. The staff and the Friends of Wildwood want to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and support.

Winter Lecture Series Wrap-up

The 2011-2012 Winter Lecture Series was well received with its excellent slate of speakers. Over 200 visitors attended the “Paradise Almost Lost” series.

Gene Wingert, Friends Board Member spoke about the future of Pennsylvania’s forests. Paul Zeph, Audubon PA spoke about protecting the Kittatinny Ridge Corridor. Katie Fallon of West Virginia, related her research to the cerulean warbler and its connection to coal and coffee production. Fourth in the series was Debra Bowman who spoke about the South Mountain Conservation Landscape Initiative.

Funding for the Lecture Series was made possible by the Friends of Wildwood.

Upcoming Photo ContestCheck the Friends’ website for the latest 2012 Photo Contest guidelines and news. The contest brochure will be available starting April 1 by downloading it from www.wildwoodlake.org.

The Photo Committee will again have a limited supply of 11x14 (8x10 photo window) mat/backboard kits starting October 1 for those entering the photo contest. Kits will be available at the nature center’s front desk.

Freas Foundation Grant Awarded

The Friends of Wildwood received a generous grant from the Freas Foundation. The Freas Foundation provides funding for educational, religious and medical purposes. Thanks to the grant and a cash match from the Friends of Wildwood, the Nature Center now houses a set of 36 replica eggs for birds of North America. The eggs are currently on display in the lower level display case.

Save the Date: Volunteer Picnic

Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Time: 5-8 PM (5-6 PM Social our & 6 PM Meal) Location: Olewine Picnic Pavilion Guest Chef: Jeff Haste, County Commissioner

More details to come!

H

Fox Run Bridge Recovered from Susquehanna Spillway

As part of the on-going cleanup from 2011’s high water events, the Fox Run Bridge was retrieved from the top of the Susquehanna Spillway. The bridge was brought to shore in one piece. Its new home is on the East Shore Trail where it bridges a small ephemeral stream that flows into the lake.

Book Sale Results

This year’s Used Nature Book Sale was a huge success. The sale brought in $1,300.00 for programs at Wildwood. Thank you to all who purchased books or helped with the 2012 Book Sale.

Friends of Wildwood Membership Application

New Membership Renewal Membership

Name__________________________________________

Address________________________________________

City___________________________________________

State and Zip Code _______________

Telephone ______________________________________

Email Address ___________________________________

Make checks payable to: Friends of Wildwood 100 Wildwood Way

Harrisburg, PA 17110

Or

Sign up to use PayPal at www.wildwoodlake.org

Questions about the Friends of Wildwood or Wildwood Park can be directed to friendsofww@wildwoodlake.org

Membership Category (please check one)

$15.00 Student Membership

Student Membership: School _____________Grade ______

$35.00 Individual Membership

$50.00 Family Membership

Family Membership: Please list the family members’ names and dependent children’s ages.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

$100.00 Supporting Membership

$500.00 Business Membership

I would like to contribute additional funding in the amount of $ _______________ to help support Wildwood Park.

Membership Benefits Your membership supports the ongoing environ-mental education programs and conservation efforts of Wildwood Park and the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center.

Membership includes the following:

• 10% discount off Nature Shop purchases

• Subscription to A Word from Wildwood quarterly newsletter

• Invitations to special programs or activities “For Members Only”

• Reciprocal membership in more than 125 nature centers throughout the country that participate in the Association of Nature Center Administrators program

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The Friends of Wildwood Lake Nature Center, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization listed with the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations, and incorporated within the Commonwealth of PA. It is an advocate for Wildwood Park through preservation, education and financial support.

Go GreenSign up for anE-newsletter

A Word from Wildwood can be sent electronically to Friends of Wildwood members. Contact the editor at slockerman@dauphinc.org

with a subject header of “Newsletter” to sign up to receive your next newsletter by email.

Help save paper! Go Green!

Memorial Bricks For SaleHonor someone special by purchasing a Memorial Brick. The 4 x 8 brick is $100; the 8 x 8 brick is $175. Lotus engraving is $10. For more detailed information visit www.wildwoodlake.org or pick up a flyer at the Nature Center. The next dedication ceremony will be in September, 2012.

Friends of Wildwood100 Wildwood WayHarrisburg, PA 17110(717) 221-0292www.wildwoodlake.org

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHARRISBURG PAPERMIT NO. 533

30% Recycled post-consumer fiber

Wildwood Family Triathlon

Saturday, June 16 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon

Wetlands Festival

Saturday, April 28 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs!

Jack Hubley: Critters Beyond Your Backyard Sunday, May 6 2:00 –3:00 p.m.