Fund Type: Agency Fund
Regional Foundation: Greater Harrisburg Foundation
This endowment supports Wildwood Park and the Olewine Nature Center through the Friends of Wildwood (Friends). Formed in 1991, the Friends are the Park’s vital 501(c)3 non-profit organization credited with funding numerous Park improvements including the construction of the Olewine Nature Center, boardwalks, wetland restoration, wildlife habitat improvements, trail enhancements, outdoor public restrooms and much more. It is a public spirited and physically hard-working board of approximately 20 volunteer members with a general membership of over 350 individuals.
The Friends of Wildwood are dedicated to the preservation of Wildwood Park. This is accomplished through special events throughout the year as well as various fundraising activities. Friends donate all of their funds to Wildwood Park. The mission of the Friends is to promote the preservation, awareness, support and sensitive enhancement of Wildwood Park as a passive recreational area, an interactive environmental and educational center, and a refuge for wildlife.
Among the facilities and programs this endowment supports are:
-The Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center
-Management of Wildwood Park's 230-acre wetland environment
-Six miles of nature trails and accessible boardwalks
-Environmental education to 15,000 children each year
-Diverse Public Programs Including: Photo Contest, Lecture Series, Art In The Wild, Wetlands Festival, Celebrate Wildwood, Special Events, Guided Nature Walks, and Nature Camps
Please visit the Wildwood Park website at explorewildwoodpark.org.