Retzer Nature Center to Celebrate Earth Day with Week of Free Events
The Friends of Retzer Nature Center’s Annual Earth Week Celebration Finale concludes week-long Earth-themed activities on Saturday, April 27 at Retzer Nature Center. The Finale event is offering free exhibits, programs, and activities for all ages from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Retzer Nature Center is located at S14W28167 Madison Street, Waukesha.
“Visitors appreciate the variety of events we offer throughout the week to celebrate Earth Day,” said Janet Barthel, Nature Center Supervisor. “We love ending the week with a day full of hands-on learning about science, sustainability, and conservation for all ages.”
The Environmental Learning Center will host the week’s events in cooperation with local clubs, groups and businesses. Visitors can take part in family hikes, presentations, a live raptor show, and birdwatching. Earth Week concludes on Saturday with hands-on activities, recycling, water resources and composting exhibits, a live animal discovery table, water and wildflower focused hikes, and planetarium shows. Pre-registration is required for some events. See the full event schedules below.
About Earth Day
The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 to make people aware of the importance of keeping our planet healthy and clean. On Earth Day, people made promises to help the environment and make positive changes in their community. More information is available at www.earthday.org.
About the Waukesha County Park System
Waukesha County’s Park System demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities. For more information and to register, visit our web site at www.waukeshacountyparks.com or follow @WaukeshaCoParks on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
2019 Retzer Nature Center’s Earth Week Celebration
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Retzer Nature Center Earth Week Events
Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26
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Date/Time
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Program
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Details
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Monday, April 22
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Ages 2-5
*Register by Friday, April 19
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Ages 5+
*Register by Friday, April 19
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Earth Day Kid's Hikes
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Explore the sensory wonders of the outdoors while observing and comparing spring insects, flowers, and other treasures! Participants must be accompanied by an adult.
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Tuesday, April 23
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
*Register by Monday, April 22
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A Wealth of Nature
presented by Eddee Daniel
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Learn about the abundance of nature and recreational opportunities in Southeastern Wisconsin. Discover local adventures and information about how to preserve and protect them. Recommended for ages 8+. www.awealthofnature.org.
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Wednesday, April 24
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
*Register by Sunday, April 21
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Spring Bird Walk
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Join our conservation biologist for a bird survey at Retzer Nature Center! We will be identifying, counting, and recording all bird species seen and heard. Recommended for ages 13+.
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Thursday, April 25
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
*Register by Monday, April 22
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RAPTORS presented by the Wildlife in Need Center
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See and learn about these beautiful birds as a naturalist from the Wildlife in Need Center showcase a few of their captive birds. Recommended for ages 5+. www.helpingwildlife.org.
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Friday, April 26
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
*No registration required
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Morning Bird Hike presented by Benjamin Goss Bird Club
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Explore the birds of one of the rarest wetland plant communities in Wisconsin: Brown's Fen. Recommended for ages 8+. Meet in Retzer parking lot. www.gossbirdclub.org
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Friends of Retzer Nature Center’s Earth Week Finale
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Time
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Program
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Details
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10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Hands-on Activities
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Live animal discovery table, children's activities and games.
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10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Exhibits
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Recycling, water resources, composting exhibits, and more!
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10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
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Hikes
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Water and wildflower focused hikes throughout the grounds of Retzer Nature Center.
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10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
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Papermaking Sessions
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Learn the process and make your own recycled paper to take home. Recommended for ages 5+. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.
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10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
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Reptile Program
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Discover fun facts and details about Wisconsin reptiles. Recommended for all ages. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.
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11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
*Register by Friday, April 19
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Volunteer Service Project*
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Join Retzer Nature Center staff in volunteer projects, which include invasive species removal and spreading wood chips on trails. Must be 14 years of age or older.
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10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(every 30 minutes)
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Planetarium Show:
Dynamic Earth
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This high-resolution full-dome production, narrated by actor Liam Neeson, explores the inner workings of Earth's climate system. Recommended for ages 5+.
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