Parks and Recreation Events

This year’s symposium brings together foundational design strategies, fresh perspectives on misunderstood native “weeds,” and practical techniques to transform resource-intensive lawns into thriving habitat.

Start your morning with a cozy cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa! Take a stroll with a Naturalist while enjoying the birds that live at Wiconisco Creek Park. Meet at the Pavilion. Dress for the weather, as this program will take place entirely outdoors. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Plarn is a word that combines the terms “plastic” and “yarn.” It is the process of creating a usable upcycled yarn out of plastic grocery bags. Participants will learn how to make “plarn” out of their plastic bags at home and begin making a small bag.

Join a history educator to learn how maple sap was harvested in years past and see how maple trees are tapped today using modern equipment. This event will take place outdoors so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Diane Kovach from Shale Hollow Farmstead, will teach you about various food preservation methods including dehydrating, freeze drying, water bath, and pressure canning methods.

Join Moonrise Candle Co. for a Winter Candle Making class, where you will get to make a 7.5 oz soy candle in the container of your choosing.

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 Wednesdays. 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.

Join a Naturalist to explore the world of geese, examine their amazing adaptations and discover why jets mimic geese in flight! The program will include a short walk, craft, and activities to take home.

Join Appalachian Audubon Society to learn about their Bird Safe Harrisburg initiative. A major component of this initiative is a bird collision monitoring program which aims to identify the timing of collisions, what bird species are most affected and what buildings in Harrisburg are most deadly. Attendees will learn about the preliminary conclusions from 2025, how to make their home or business bird-safe, and, if interested, how to volunteer for the program to help save birds. Pre-registration is not required for this program.

Sample the Japanese art form known as bonsai. This workshop will provide you with a brief history, a Juniper (Procumbens nana), wire, chopstick, small pruners, and a care sheet. Instructors from Fat Cat Bonsai will guide you from the selection of a viewing side to trunk and branch placement. Create your own living art. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Wildwood. Space is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required.