Waukesha County

Conservation in the Parks Programs

Waukesha County has worked to acquire natural areas of regional and statewide ecological significance containing a diversity of ecotypes and rare flora and fauna found within the area.

Our Conservation in the Parks Programs are focused on working with our communities to promote environmental stewardship, provide research and educational opportunities, and create healthier natural areas throughout Waukesha County.

View our 2023 Annual Volunteer Report

The natural areas within the park system contain a variety of habitat types including, oak savanna, oak woodland, maple-basswood forest, fens, prairie, southern mesic forest, lowland hardwood swamps, and wetlands.

Effectively protecting and managing these diverse and unique natural resources is of paramount importance in preserving the ecological integrity and function of these green spaces for the enjoyment of generations to come. Our staff, volunteers, and corporate sponsors work together to restore and monitor the natural areas and species within them throughout the Park System.

Citizen Science Volunteer Research Support

Reptile conservation, bird conservation, wildlife nest box monitoring, mammal monitoring, wetland monitoring, and invertebrate monitoring.

Citizen Science Programs

Habitat Projects Support

Habitat restoration volunteer workdays, self-led garlic mustard removal, rare plant conservation, and photo point monitoring

Stewardship Projects

Financial Support

The Parkland Conservation Fund is a stewardship fund focused on conservation and park enhancements.

More Info: Parkland Conservation Fund

Are you our next Citizen Scientist?

Help gather data on wildlife species within the Park System to assist in making sure that common species remain common and that rare, threatened, and endangered species are protected.

• Data helps our staff plan and prioritize their land management and habitat restoration efforts.
• Monitors are trained to use protocols to gather and record data in the field.
• For some projects, monitors may work independently or with trained personnel.

• All equipment provided
• No prior experience required
• Required: Attendance to a training program

Get started: Click a button to view each Citizen Science program schedule

Questions? Email our Conservation Biologist

Monitor bats in the parks with high-tech detectors.	Document breeding and migratory birds in natural areas.
Monitor and Record Vital Bumble Bees	Butterflies • Dragonflies & Damselflies Raising Galerucella Beetles
Asian Clams • Freshwater Mussels	Monitor nesting boxes • count eggs, hatchlings, fledglings

Plant Natives, Remove Invasives: Join A Stewardship Project

Join our Stewardship Projects in your community! Help study and improve the health of your prairies, wetlands, and woodlands.

From planting trees and native wildflowers to removing invasive species that negatively impact our natural areas, you can become a certified Site Steward:

• Train with Waukesha County Parks and partner organization staff and / or
• Attend a public "habitat restoration workday" when it’s convenient for you!

Questions? Email our Conservation Biologist.

2023 Conservation in the Parks Annual Report

The Waukesha County Park System had another exceptional year of volunteerism from businesses, organizations, families, and individuals. Check out some of our discoveries in this annual report.

updated March 15, 2024

ENTER YOUR DATA:

Enter Your Citizen Science Data

RESOURCES:

Find a Park

Retzer Nature Center

e-bird

Wild In Waukesha - iNaturalist

STAY IN TOUCH! Join our mailing list

return to Parks home • Alerts and Closures • Annual Memberships

Park Hours Sunrise to 10 pm • 365 days a year

Waukesha County Park System
515 W. Moreland Blvd • AC 230
Waukesha WI 53188 (map)

Hours M-F • 8 am - 4:30 pm* (closed holidays)
Visit us in person in room AC 260
*Rentals: in-person support 8 am - 4 pm
Contact us 262-548-7801 | [email protected]

•