The Outdoor Classroom Series

Expand learning to the outdoors with an environmental education program at Retzer Nature Center! The 60-minute environmental education programs are perfect for home school groups, virtual learners, families, caregivers, scout troops, 4-H groups, and more!

Elementary students 4K and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Programs will be conducted completely outdoors, so dress for the weather. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to an openly ventilated location. 

Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
$4 per child per class 
Free for adults and young siblings ages 3 and under
Pre-Registration is required at least 24 hours prior to the program.

Wednesdays at The Planetarium

All shows are held at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium located inside the Retzer Environmental Learning Center. Complement and expand your learning with a show on the dome! All groups are welcome. 

For elementary school students. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
$4 per child per class 
Free for children ages 2 and under

View show info: https://hdplanetarium.ticketleap.com/

Wee Wonders

Wee Wonders offers nature exploration and discovery for children ages 2-4 with their guardians. This monthly program includes hands-on experiences about a variety of nature topics.

For ages 2-4. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Each program includes an outdoor experience; please dress for the weather. 

Tuesdays + Wednesdays || 9:30 - 10:30 am 
Required: Register at least 24 hours prior to programs
$4 per child per class
Free for adults and siblings ages 5+

Explore Our Activity Guides

Flip through our digital guides for information on events, programs, activities and more.

Public Environmental Education Activity Guide
School Environmental Education Guide

Retzer Nature Center Activity Sheets

Download our digital activity sheets and enjoy them when you visit Retzer Nature Center.

• Summer/Fall Scavenger Hunt
• Winter Self-Guided Exploration Hike
• Winter Scavenger Hunt

Resources for Teaching Outdoors

Helping educators, parents and caregivers use the outdoors to enrich learning and extend beyond the walls of a classroom. 

Resources, Projects and Ideas:

• eek! Environmental Education for Kids
  
  • Activities - things to do to support outdoor time indoors!
  • Explore - information on habitat types, plants and animals found in Wisconsin and much more.
  • Engage - find ways to make your home, school and community healthier.

• iNaturalist in "Wild in Waukesha"
  Assist Waukesha County Parks and Land Use in successfully managing natural areas, while protecting sensitive and rare species, by reporting your observations to this database. App is available on your phone. (Google Play App Store)  (App Store)

• Taking Education Outdoors: A Toolkit for Schools

• Environmental Education in Wisconsin

  • Resources

At-Home Activities

Download these fun activity sheets for at-home fun!

Activity Sheets
Retzer "Nature Libs"
Your Actions Matter Crossword Puzzle
- Your Actions Matter Crossword Answer Sheet

Green Lawns and Home Composting
Making And Using Compost In The Garden
Why Compost?
Choosing Lawn & Garden Fertilizer
Lawn Watering
Lawn Weed Control
Do It Yourself Alternative Lawn Care

Coloring Sheets
Recycle Raccoon - Take the Pledge
Friends of Retzer Nature Center Outdoor Design
Clean Water - Protect Rivers and Lakes
Clean Water - Pickup After Your Pet

Virtual Lessons and Videos

Learn from Park and Land Use staff about ecology, wildlife, land management, recycling, waste reduction, science applications, water conservation and more!

Flora
Busting Backyard Invasives
Nearby Nature: Plant Shapes - Earth Week Edition
Virtual Wildflowers Hike - Earth Week Edition
Native Nature - Earth Week Edition

Fauna
The Power of Pollination
Backyard Birding - Earth Week Edition
Turtles vs Tortoises - Earth Week Edition

Sustainability
Understanding Soils:  What Homeowners Need to Know for their Basements
Super Soils: Composting at Home - Earth Week Edition
Nature Storytime & Craft - Earth Week Edition
 - Reading "What Matters?" by Alison Hughs and Holly Hatam

Ask the Experts Series on Facebook
Experts from Waukesha County Parks and Land Use are joined Retzer's Facebook page live to answer your burning questions!
Watch the recordings:

-How to Green Your Lawn Q&A (Jan. 2021)
-Backyard Birding Q&A (Feb. 2021)
-Well & Septic Q&A (Mar. 2021)
-Invasive Species Q&A (Apr. 2021)
-Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels Q&A (May 2021)