Parks and Land Use Events

BUILD-A-SCARECROW AT HOME

Be part of the fun on Scarecrow Lane! Schools, churches, families, businesses, scouts, 4-H groups, daycares, and individuals are invited to build a family-friendly scarecrow at home and install it at Retzer Nature Center. Your creation will be on display along the Blue Trail from September 20 to October 31, 2025, as part of a self-guided autumn hike.

Want to learn more about Scarecrow Lane? Click here.

DATES & TIME: Build your scarecrow at home, then install it between September 15–19, 2025, anytime from sunrise to 10 p.m.

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

COST: Free, this is a volunteer activity.

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon on September 14, 2025. You will need to create an account in our system.

NOTE: 
• Read the Build-A-Scarecrow instructions before creating your scarecrow at home.
• Print the scarecrow ID card on page 2 of the instructions. Insert it into a zippered or sealed bag and pin it to your scarecrow.
• Install your scarecrow on the stakes provided along the Blue Trail from September 15-19, 2025.
• No violent or gruesome scarecrows. Retzer Nature Center reserves the right to remove any inappropriate entries.
• Remove your scarecrow November 1-9, 2025.
• Any scarecrows not removed by November 10, 2025 will be discarded.
• Retzer Nature Center is not responsible for any loss or damage to displays.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDS

Learn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.

DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*

*except on September 10 & October 22

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

COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.

JULY 9 — Beautiful Bobolinks: Retzer welcomes this special bird each spring! Come spot their unique behaviors before they fly away.

JULY 16 — Butterfly Survey Skills: Use cool survey tools (no net needed!) to count butterfly species for science.

JULY 23 — Recycle Raccoon’s Adventure: Join our mascot to explore how Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot help the planet.

JULY 30 — The Beetles: What makes a bug a beetle? Learn about Earth’s most numerous critters!

AUGUST 6 — Squirrels Are Special: Discover the secrets of Wisconsin’s common grey squirrel and other species.

AUGUST 13 — Prairie Plants: Let’s identify Retzer’s prairie plants and explore what makes them so special.

AUGUST 27 — Bats Day and Night: Fall is a great time of year for detecting bats! Learn about them during the day, then register for Bat Night to see them in action. Note: Bat Night is a separate offering on September 10.

SEPTEMBER 3 — Monarchs & Milkweed: Explore monarchs’ lifecycle as they begin their fall migration. Learn how to help them return safely next year.

SEPTEMBER 10 — Bats at Night: As a follow-up to our August 27 program, join us to explore the night sky and detect bats using echolocation equipment. Note: Open to all! Prior attendance at the August 27 program is not required.

*This program is 7:30-8:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17 — Wood Wide Web and Fungus: Mushrooms and fungi keep our ecosystem healthy! Discover their colors, features, and importance.

OCTOBER 1 — The Life of an Oak: Find out why oaks are a keystone species and learn how to spot them on the trail.

NOVEMBER 5 — Dig In! Soils: What’s under our feet? Learn different characteristics of soils and appreciate life in and under it!

NOVEMBER 19 — Talkin' Turkey!: Meet a turkey up close, hopefully see some far away, and learn what makes them unique in the bird world!

DECEMBER 3 — Conifers: It’s cold, but conifers are tough! Learn what makes a conifer a conifer and discover their secrets.

DECEMBER 17 — Deer of the Midwest: We’re lucky to have hooved animals in Wisconsin. Learn about these famous holiday creatures and their kin!

JANUARY 7 — Mighty Eagles: Where are they going? What are they doing? Learn about the eagles that soar over Retzer Nature Center!

JANUARY 21 — The Story of Bears: Bears have a special place in our hearts! Explore their cozy dens, fascinating habits, and how they brave the seasons.

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

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

Public Ice Skating

Grab your skates and hit the ice at Eble 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. Our Public Skate Sessions are open to all ages and skating abilities. 

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!

CITIZEN SCIENCE: BUMBLE BEE SURVEY

Join our team and invertebrate enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on bumble bee survey! Learn all about these fuzzy pollinators while helping us spot and ID them in the field.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 14, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Menomonee Park, Beach Parking Lot – Northwest Corner

MAY 21, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 Cancelled due to weather

MAY 28, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

MAY 29, 2025 • 1-2 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby

JUNE 11, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1

JUNE 26, 2025 • 1-2 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby

JULY 9, 2025 •  2-3 p.m. • Fox Brook Park, Park Office

JULY 30, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 1

JULY 31, 2025 • 1-2 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby

AUGUST 28, 2025 • 1-2 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Muskego Park, Park Office

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 • 2-3 p.m. • Fox Brook Park, Park Office

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 • 1-2 p.m. • Retzer Nature Center, Lobby

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

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

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as survey takes place outdoors. In poor weather, survey may be cancelled or rescheduled.

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

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.

CITIZEN SCIENCE: ACOUSTIC BAT SURVEY

Team up with Master Naturalist Carrie Frantz to survey bats using high-tech detectors! These devices capture the ultrasonic calls that bats use to communicate.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

APRIL 10, 2025 • 8-9 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

APRIL 24, 2025 • 8:15-9:15 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

MAY 8, 2025 • 8:30-9:30 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

JUNE 11, 2025 • 9-10 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

JUNE 24, 2025 • 9:15-10:15 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

JULY 10, 2025 • 9-10 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

AUGUST 7, 2025 • 8:40-9:40 p.m. • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 • 8-9 p.m. • Muskego Park, Beach House Parking Lot

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 • 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Minooka Park, Beach House Parking Lot

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 16+)

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

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as survey takes place outdoors. In poor weather, survey 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.

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.

Glow Ice Skating

Join us for an exciting evening at Eble Park Ice Arena's Glow Skate! 

Bring your friends, family, and teammates to skate under the vibrant, colorful new lights, accompanied by your favorite tunes. This fun-filled event is open to all ages and skating abilities.

SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Blue Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Note: There is a new route this year; please start at the trailhead near the Learning Center building.

(Hint: Check back for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet!)

Feeling creative? Join our "Build-A-Scarecrow at Home" fun! Learn more.

DATES & TIME: Daily, from September 20 - October 31, 2025 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

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

COST: Free (all ages)*
*September 20 only - $10 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.