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At Waukesha County Public Health, we’re dedicated to helping people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. Through partnerships with community organizations, libraries, schools, businesses, and the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), we offer a variety of free or low-cost educational classes and health events that empower you with knowledge, tools, and support.
What We Offer: Lifelong Learning for Better Health
Whether you’re planning for the future, managing a health condition, or simply curious about wellness, our classes are designed to meet you where you are.
Flexible & Community-Driven
Most of our classes and presentations are designed to meet people where they are. We’re happy to bring educational sessions right to your:
School, business, or workplace
Neighborhood organization or non-profit
Senior center or community space
Library or local meeting room
Just submit our Public Health Event Interest Form if you want something brought to your group!
Want to stay updated on upcoming classes and workshops?
Check our online events calendar (below) — new sessions are added regularly.
Sign up for the CHIP Report newsletter to learn how Waukesha County’s Community Health Improvement Plan may connect you to helpful resources and opportunities in our community.
Public Health Event Interest Form
WILD WINTER NIGHT
Experience a Wild Winter Night at Retzer Nature Center! Explore the Planetarium, stroll through our candlelit Discovery Trail, stargaze with our telescopes (cloud cover permitting), and try out snowshoes (snow cover and trails permitting).
Participants can also enjoy a presentation from Michelle Thaller, former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. End your night by the fire with hot beverages, snacks, and storytelling. Scroll below for more event details!
Presented by the Friends of Retzer Nature Center and the Friends of the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium.
DATE/TIME: Friday, February 13, 2026 • 6-9 p.m.
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: $6 / person*
*Free for ages 2 & under and Friends of Retzer Nature Center or Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium members
REGISTRATION: Required; register online. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
EVENT DETAILS:
Indoor Activities
• Michelle Thaller presentation on Black Holes [Fen Room] • 6:15-7 p.m. & 8:15-9 p.m.
• Cosmic Questions: Answers & Mysteries [Planetarium] • 6:45-7:15 p.m. & 7:30-8 p.m.
• Mama D’s food and drink available for purchase [Community Room]
• Night Myths and Superstitions exploration tables [Community Room]
• Storytime around the indoor “campfire” [Exhibit Hall]
Outdoor Activities
• Self-guided candlelit Discovery Trail stroll (approx. 0.4 miles) [Discovery Trail]
• Campfire [patio]
• Snowshoes available – snow cover and trails permitting [snowshoe check-out in the Exhibit Hall]
• Night Sky viewing with telescopes – cloud cover permitting
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.
StrongBodies ongoing workshop. Brought to you by the ADRC of Waukesha County. Registration required!
When: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:15—10:30am
Where: Salem United Methodist Church, 541 WI-59, Waukesha (on the WI-59 bypass just south of E. Broadway)
StrongBodies is a progressive strength training class. The benefits of strength training include increased strength, muscle mass, bone density, and the ability to do activities of daily living. Strength training can reduce the risk for chronic diseases and can reduce your risk of falling injury.
To register email cklepp@waukeshacounty.gov or call Courtney at 262-444-9102
StrongBodies ongoing workshop. Brought to you by the ADRC of Waukesha County. Registration required!
When: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30—10:45am
Where: Gethsemane United Methodist Church 642 Main St. Pewaukee
StrongBodies is a progressive strength training class. The benefits of strength training include increased strength, muscle mass, bone density, and the ability to do activities of daily living. Strength training can reduce the risk for chronic diseases and can reduce your risk of falling injury.
To register email cklepp@waukeshacounty.gov or call Courtney at 262-444-9102
Do you want to see more birds, bees, and butterflies around your home this year? Are you craving inspiration to grow your garden or diversify your lawn? Join us to learn all about native plants (and why you may want to have some) with Waukesha County Conservation Specialist Jayne Jenks! Please go to the Mukwonago Community Library page to register! https://mukwonago.librarycalendar.com/event/gardening-jayne-jenks-23905
Community Health Education Classes
Waukesha County Public Health offers a wide range of community education classes designed to support your health, well-being, and everyday life. Whether you’re looking to plan ahead, build healthy habits, manage stress, learn about disease prevention, or simply connect with others in a welcoming environment, these sessions provide practical, evidence-based information you can use right away. Our classes are interactive, approachable, and open to community members of all backgrounds — no prior experience or expertise required. Each topic is led by knowledgeable professionals who aim to create a supportive space for learning, reflection, and conversation.
Advance Care Planning, Learn About the Conversation
This session helps individuals understand the importance of advance care planning and how to communicate healthcare wishes before a crisis occurs. Participants will learn about healthcare decision-making, advance directives, and how to start meaningful conversations with loved ones and providers so their values and preferences are respected.
Learn practical, everyday strategies to support brain health and cognitive well-being at any age. This class explores how lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection can help maintain memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Quality sleep plays a critical role in physical and mental health. This class explores common sleep challenges, the impact of sleep on overall well-being, and simple habits that can help improve sleep quality, energy levels, and daily functioning.
This educational session focuses on breast health awareness, including understanding breast changes, screening recommendations, and risk factors. Participants will learn how early detection and preventive care support long-term health and when to talk with a healthcare provider.
Coping with Stress Through Journaling
Journaling can be a powerful tool for managing stress and processing emotions. This interactive class introduces guided journaling techniques that promote reflection, emotional awareness, and stress relief. No writing experience is needed — just a willingness to explore self-expression.
This class provides an overview of gynecological cancers, including common types, risk factors, warning signs, and screening recommendations. Participants will gain knowledge to support informed conversations with healthcare providers and understand the importance of early detection.
Healthy Bones, Healthy You (Bone Health)
Strong bones are essential for mobility and independence. This class covers bone health across the lifespan, including osteoporosis prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and fall prevention strategies that help protect bone strength and reduce fracture risk.
Discover why good bone health is important.
Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of illness, yet many risk factors are preventable. This session explores warning signs, lifestyle habits, and prevention strategies that support heart health, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and regular health screenings.
Laughter truly can be good medicine. This light-hearted session explores how laughter and positive emotions can support physical health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being — while offering participants a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment.
Laughter Yoga combines intentional laughter with gentle movement and breathing exercises to promote relaxation and stress relief. No yoga mats or flexibility required — just an open mind and a willingness to laugh together in a supportive, welcoming space.
Mental Health: What if We Talked About It?
This class encourages open conversation about mental health and helps reduce stigma. Participants will learn about common mental health challenges, signs of distress, and ways to support themselves and others — emphasizing that mental health is an essential part of overall health.
This session provides practical nutrition guidance to support overall health and disease prevention. Topics may include balanced eating, understanding food labels, portion sizes, and making realistic, sustainable choices that fit everyday life.
Opioid Misuse Prevention: What is in Your Medicine Cabinet?
This class raises awareness about prescription and over-the-counter medications and the risk of opioid misuse. Participants will learn how to safely store, use, and dispose of medications, recognize warning signs, and understand how prevention protects individuals, families, and communities.
Learn how lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This class focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and understanding risk factors — offering realistic steps that support long-term health.
Self-Care: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Action (Grapevine & Beyond the Roll Series Options)
(Grapevine & Beyond the Roll Series Options)
This reflective class explores self-care beyond simple tips, encouraging participants to recognize stress, acknowledge personal needs, and take meaningful action. Through discussion and guided activities, participants learn practical ways to build resilience and emotional well-being.
Suicide Prevention: QPR Training
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, ask direct questions, offer support, and connect someone to help. This evidence-based training empowers individuals to act confidently and compassionately in moments that matter.
Using a fun and engaging theme, this preparedness class teaches real-world emergency readiness skills. Participants learn how to plan for disasters, build emergency kits, and stay informed — turning a playful concept into practical preparedness for everyday emergencies.
