Parks and Land Use Events
Explore Our Events
Scroll down to browse a selection of our upcoming events or visit the full calendar to see everything we have coming up!
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Explore Our Events
Scroll down to browse a selection of our upcoming events or visit the full calendar to see everything we have coming up!
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.
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!
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!
SPRING BIRD COUNT
The Spring Bird Count is held each May by the Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club, which corresponds to counting spring migration of owls, waterfowls, shorebirds, songbirds, warblers, and other spring birds migrating from the south.
Bird watchers of all skill levels can contribute to scientific data either in the field, in a car, or at feeders. A gathering occurs in the afternoon reviewing the birds seen.
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 7 a.m. – Noon
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) and other locations
COST: Free, open to the public! (recommended ages 16+)
REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome!
To learn more, email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) or Jasonn Weber (jasonnweber@wi.rr.com).
COMPOST BIN SALE
Waukesha County Recycles is hosting a home compost bin sale! Pre-order is available online for the price of $57 (plus tax). Pickup is May 9 between 8-11 a.m. at Retzer Nature Center; you must pre-order your bin to pick up on this day.
After you pick up your bin, join us as we celebrate Compost Awareness Week with two free workshops and learn how to turn your food scraps and yard waste into compost! Each workshop covers the basics of how composting works, which materials belong in the bin, and the different methods of composting.
DATE/TIMES:
MAY 9, 2026 • 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Free Workshops
• Yardening – 10 a.m.
Make your space a contributor to a healthy environment by creating habitat, planting natives and protecting water.
• Composting: Start to Finish – 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to create and use your own compost and how it improves the health of your soil in lawns and gardens.
LOCATION:
Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 16+)
REGISTRATION: Required; please register in advance online to help us plan appropriately. Walk-ins may be accepted only if space allows.
For any questions, please contact recycling@waukeshacounty.gov
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 • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, 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.
A HALF DAY OF AWARENESS
Join the Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee at Retzer Nature Center for A Half Day of Awareness – a four-hour experience designed to reconnect you with nature and yourself. Through gentle walking, mindful movement, meditation, forest bathing, and a simple service project, you’ll cultivate presence and peace in a supportive outdoor setting.
This event invites you to slow down, restore balance, and deepen your mindfulness practice. Whether you’re new or experienced, it’s a meaningful way to connect with yourself and the world around you.
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 9, 2025 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: Free! (for ages 12+)
REGISTRATION: Not required, but helpful if we need to contact you. Click here to register.
NOTE: Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water as well as any items you need for being outdoors. In poor weather, program 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
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.
