Parks and Land Use Events

ART IN NATURE

Nature has some unique art to share with us; let’s explore Retzer Nature Center to find inspiration! We’ll craft, sketch, and paint the natural world around us. All supplies are provided.

DATES/TIMES:

JUNE 11, 2026 • Chalk Art • 9-10 a.m.
JUNE 18, 2026 • Charcoal • 9-10 a.m.
JUNE 25, 2026 • Painting with Dots • 9-10 a.m.
JULY 2, 2026 • Fabulous Flowers • 9-10 a.m.
JULY 9, 2026 • Wonderful Watercolors • 9-10 a.m.
JULY 16, 2026 • Animal Portraits • 9-10 a.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $8 per child (ages 6-15)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 8:45 a.m.

NOTE: Children must be accompanied by an adult; adults are free. Dress for the weather, as programs may include an outdoor component. In poor weather, full programs may move indoors.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

WEE WONDERS

Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.

DATES/TIMES: Second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the month • 9:30-10:30 a.m. (all days) • 1-2 p.m. (Tuesday only)

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 2-4)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:15 a.m.

Same program offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

MAY 12, 13, or 14 — Here Comes Spring: Come explore the scents and colors of spring, and celebrate living things coming alive on our hike.
JUNE 9, 10, or 11 — Things with Wings: Explore different living things that have wings - some surprises are in store!
JULY 14, 15, or 16 — Exploring Amphibians: Find out what amphibians are and see some up close.
AUGUST 11, 12, or 13 — Insects on the Move: Wander through the prairie to see how many pollinators we can find and learn about their journey.

NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program includes an outdoor component. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Adult / Senior Skate (Summer)

Enjoy a relaxed public skating experience just for adults and seniors.

These designated sessions are open to skaters ages 18 and older, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just getting started, all are welcome! Standard public skating rules apply.

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends, stay active, and make memories on the ice. Our Public Skate sessions welcome all ages and skill levels, everyone’s invited to join the fun!

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena during Public Skate!

Ice skating is perfect for family fun, friend or group outings, staying active, or simply enjoying time on the ice.  Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities.

We do not have skate aids or double runner skates.  Sticks and pucks are NOT allowed on the ice during public skate sessions.

LOCATION: Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 General Admission (Adult/Children);  $6.00 Admission (Seniors & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay at concessions stand or admissions register upon arrival!

MORNING BIRD HIKES

With 300+ species and 70+ eBird hotspots, Waukesha County is a birder’s dream! Join the Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club to see how many different types of birds you can find on an easy, 1.5 mile walk. All skill levels welcome!

DATES/TIME: Fridays • 7 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

MAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

JUNE 5, 12, 2026

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center, parking lot area (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 8+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.*
*If groups of 10 or more plan to attend, please contact Retzer Nature Center in advance.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as hikes are held rain or shine. Bring your own binoculars or borrow our (limited quantity). Cameras are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more, email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) or Jasonn Weber (jasonnweber@wi.rr.com).

Enjoy a relaxed skating experience just for adults and senior citizens.

These sessions are designated for ages 40 and older.  Standard public skating rules apply.

LOCATION:  Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2699 Golf Road, Delafield, WI  53018)

COST: $7.00 Admission (Adults); $6.00 Admission (Senior Citizens & Active Military); $3.00/pair for Skate Rentals.

Pay upon arrival at concession stand or admissions counter.

WATER MONITORING AT PRAIRIE SPRINGS

Event By: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF)

Join the NRF for a special field trip with Retzer Nature Center staff! Dive into the pristine waters of Genesee Creek at Prairie Springs Environmental Center as we net for crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and more. We'll use our findings to calculate a biotic index for the stream - a fun, educational way to explore the natural environment. 

Discover the fascinating physical features of streams and witness the ongoing restoration efforts along the banks. Learn how the physical and chemical aspects of waterways influence the wildlife that calls them home. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and expand your understanding of stream ecosystems!

DATE & TIME: Friday, June 12, 2026 • 1-4 p.m.

LOCATION: Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center (Waukesha, WI)

COST: $20 per person
*Field trips help support the Natural Resources Foundation; financial assistance may be available prior to April 1. Details. 

REGISTRATION: Required; register on the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website. *Attendance limited to NRF members – join on their website.

NOTE: This field trip takes place at Prairie Springs Environmental Education Center; it is hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and led by Retzer Nature Center staff. For any questions, please contact the NRF at Info@WisConservation.org.

HABITAT RESTORATION WORKDAY

Join us for a fun day in nature! Help remove invasive species and restore rare oak ecosystems right here in Waukesha County. Make a real impact on habitats that matter! No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 9, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

MAY 16, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Menomonee Park, Family Camp parking lot (W220N7884 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI)

JUNE 13, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

JUNE 20, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox Brook Park, Beach House (2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI)

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Naga-Waukee Park, Park Office (651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI)

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Minooka Park, Picnic Area 3 (1927 E Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 10, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1 (S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI)

OCTOBER 24, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 2 (W330 N5113 County Rd C, Nashotah, WI)

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register by noon the day before.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as work takes place outdoors. In poor weather, workday may be cancelled or rescheduled. This program requires at least five attendees to run.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, loppers (optional), water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Extra gloves and safety glasses will be available.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

COMMUNTY SCIENCE PROGRAM: BATS
Learn. Collect. Contribute.

Team up with Master Naturalist Carrie Frantz to survey bats using high-tech detectors! Learn how scientists capture and analyze ultrasonic bat calls while helping collect valuable field data. Participants can earn volunteer service hours while contributing to ongoing research. No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

JUNE 16, 2026 • 8:30-9:15 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

JULY 21, 2026 • 8:30-9:15 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Building Entrance (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)

AUGUST 18, 2026 • 8:30-9:15 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

COST: Free! Park entry is included with registration (ages 5+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register by noon the day before. Sorry, no walk-ins.

NOTE: This program requires at least five attendees to run. Dress for the weather, as program takes place outdoors. In poor weather, program may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Survey may occasionally wander off trail into natural areas and tall grass. Close-toed shoes, long pants, water, and bug spray are recommended.

For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.