Parks and Land Use Events

SPRING STORY HIKE

Join us at Retzer Nature Center as we hike, read, and enjoy this spring’s Story Hike! Set out on the Orange Trail to read “What Matters” by Alison Hughes and Holly Hatam and learn about the impact we can make by picking up litter and keeping our environment clean. 

Story Hike is provided through a partnership with Retzer Nature Center and the Bridges Library System.

DATE/TIME: April 1-30, 2026 • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

COST: FREE, recommended for all ages 

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The Orange Trail is an approximately 0.75-mile trail. Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

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 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: Select Fridays • 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

APRIL 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026

May through August programs will be available on February 15.

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.

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)

*April 2026 program falls on third Wednesday and Thursday

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.

FEBRUARY 10, 11, or 12 — Awesome Owls: Observe and learn about these wonderful birds and hear about a “little owl's night.”
MARCH 10, 11, or 12 — Life in a Shell: We will find out how many different things in our world have shells, plus see and feel some things up close!
APRIL 14, 15, or 16 — Baby Animals: Find out how different animals start their lives, challenges they may overcome, and watch them grow.

May through August programs will be available on February 15.

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.

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.

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

COST: $6 per child per date (ages 4-12)

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.

FEBRUARY 4 — All About Owls: Learn about the owl species that live at Retzer, their amazing adaptations in winter, sounds, and food sources.

FEBRUARY 18 — Winter Fur: Explore mammal furs and see how they keep animals warm, plus hike outside (on snowshoes if we can!) to look for tracks, scat, and fur.  

MARCH 4 — Plants and Papermaking: Let's learn about the natural materials that make things we use every day and make a paper craft.

MARCH 18 — The Science of Spring: Let’s hit the trails to look for signs of spring, including flowers, plants and animals.

APRIL 15 — Secrets of Stream Life: Discover a hidden world of life in a local stream. Learn how these creatures survived through the winter and what they will become!

APRIL 22 — Recycle Racoon's Adventure: Join us for an adventure hike with the Waukesha County Recycles' mascot! We’ll discover easy, everyday ways to help the planet at home and in our yards.

May through August programs will be available on February 15.

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.

BATS OF WISCONSIN

Bats fly seemingly silent through the night sky. The science of bioacoustics has taught us otherwise. Beyond our limited hearing range, bats emit high frequency calls to locate prey. Through the combined power of science and technology, humans have learned to identify bat species by their ultrasonic calls.

Join Caroline Frantz and a bat ambassador to learn more about bioacoustic monitoring and how it is being used in the conservation efforts of Wisconsin’s bat population.

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • 7-8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: Free! (ages 12+)

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

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

BENJAMIN F. GOSS BIRD CLUB MEETINGS

The Benjamin F. Goss Bird Club provides an opportunity for those interested in active study of birds and their habitats. The public is invited to attend monthly meetings in-person, led by expert guest speakers and members. 

DATES/TIME: 
January 18, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
February 15, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
March 15, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
April 19, 2026 • 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center, Community Room (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI) or online.*
*Email the Bird Club (BFGoss@gmail.com) for online link. 

COST: Free, open to the public! (ages 11+)

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

For more information, visit www.gossbirdclub.org or the Goss Bird Club Facebook Page.