Parks and Land Use Events

BUILD-A-SCARECROW AT HOME

Be part of the fun on Scarecrow Lane! Schools, churches, families, businesses, scouts, 4-H groups, daycares, and individuals are invited to build a family-friendly scarecrow at home and install it at Retzer Nature Center. Your creation will be on display along the Orange and Blue Trails from September 19 to October 31, 2026, as part of a self-guided autumn hike.

Want to learn more about Scarecrow Lane? Click here.

DATES/TIME: Build your scarecrow at home, then install it between September 12–18, 2026 • Sunrise - 10 p.m.

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

COST: Free, this is a volunteer activity.

REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon on September 13, 2026. You will need to create an account in our system. 

NOTE:
• Read the Build-A-Scarecrow instructions before creating your scarecrow at home.
• Print the scarecrow ID card on page 2 of the instructions. Insert it into a zippered or sealed bag and pin it to your scarecrow.
• Install your scarecrow on the stakes provided along the marked trail starting along the Orange and Blue Trails from September 12 -18, 2026.
• No violent or gruesome scarecrows. Retzer Nature Center reserves the right to remove any inappropriate entries.
• Remove your scarecrow November 1-8, 2026.
• Any scarecrows not removed by November 9, 2026, will be discarded.
• Retzer Nature Center is not responsible for any loss or damage to displays.

HABITAT RESTORATION WORKDAY

Join us for a fun day in nature! Help remove invasive species and restore rare oak ecosystems right here in Waukesha County. Make a real impact on habitats that matter! No prior experience is needed.

DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS:

MAY 9, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox River Park, Family Picnic Area (W264 S4500 River Road, Waukesha, WI)

MAY 16, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Menomonee Park, Family Camp parking lot (W220N7884 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI)

JUNE 13, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

JUNE 20, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Fox Brook Park, Beach House (2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI)

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Naga-Waukee Park, Park Office (651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI)

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Minooka Park, Picnic Area 3 (1927 E Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI)

OCTOBER 10, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Mukwonago Park, Picnic Area 1 (S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI)

OCTOBER 24, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Muskego Park, Picnic Area 4 (S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI)

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 • 9 a.m. – noon • Nashotah Park, Picnic Area 2 (W330 N5113 County Rd C, Nashotah, WI)

COST: Free! This is a volunteer event; park entry is included with registration (ages 13+)

REGISTRATION: Required; register by noon the day before.

NOTE: Dress for the weather, as work takes place outdoors. In poor weather, workday may be cancelled or rescheduled. This program requires at least five attendees to run.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, safety glasses, loppers (optional), water, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Extra gloves and safety glasses will be available.

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!

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.

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!

Adult / Senior Skate (Fall)

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 9:45 a.m.   

SEPTEMBER 2 — Home Sweet Habitat: Explore wildlife habitats from the perspective of the animals that live there.

SEPTEMBER 16 — The Incredible Water Journey: Find out where water comes from and where it goes – some surprises are in store! 

OCTOBER 7 — Nature’s Builders: Let’s take a closer look at the home-building skills of different insects. 

NOVEMBER 4 — Glacial Wisconsin: Learn to read the glacial landscape of Retzer and discover the importance of glaciers to our region.  

NOVEMBER 18 — Thankful for Nature: Enjoy a fun discussion and hike about the ways nature can help us, feed us, or protect us.

DECEMBER 2 — Hibernation/Migration: Explore the trails of Retzer to see which animals stay, sleep, or leave during winter. Participants will hike with snowshoes if trails permit. 

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 retzer@waukeshacounty.gov.

FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER’S SCARECROW LANE

Explore the magic of autumn at Retzer Nature Center with our fan-favorite self-guided hike along Scarecrow Lane! Wander the Orange Trail and take in the fall colors while discovering a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays. Start your journey near the Discovery Trailhead and follow the Orange and Blue loop to the scenic Retzer pond.

Check back soon for a fun Scavenger Hunt activity sheet!

Feeling creative? Join our Build-A-Scarecrow at Home fun! Learn more.

DATES/TIME: Daily, September 19 - October 31, 2026 • Sunrise – 10 p.m.

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

COST: Free (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival.

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Expect woodchipped and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

FALL STORY HIKE 

Join us at Retzer Nature Center as we hike, read, and enjoy this fall’s Story Hike! Set out on the White Trail to read “The Acorn and the Oak” by Rhonda Accardo and learn more about oak trees and their fascinating ecosystem, all while enjoying a heartfelt story along the way.

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

DATE/TIME: September 19 – October 31, 2026 • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

 COST: FREE (all ages)*

*September 19 only - $15 admission per car during Apple Harvest Festival

REGISTRATION: No registration required; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: The White Trail is an approximately 0.6-mile trail. Expect gravel and mowed grass trails with some sloped terrain. Wayfinding signage along the route will keep you on track until the story hike ends where the orange, blue, and green trails meet near the paved Discovery Trail. The trail is not paved and is not lit after dark.

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

APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL 2026 – PRESENTED BY THE FRIENDS OF RETZER NATURE CENTER & GENERAC

Celebrate fall at our family-friendly Apple Harvest Festival! Purchase fresh apples and enjoy delicious apple treats like pies, crisps, and cider at the Apple Market. Visit the Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden for food, creamy root beer, and beer (21+).

Browse eco-friendly arts & crafts vendors and explore fun, free kids’ activities. Take part in the Passport Expedition, silent auction, Scarecrow Lane scavenger hunt, Planetarium shows, and live music by JC Ayer. Cards accepted at select locations, and an ATM is on site. 

Don’t miss this festive celebration, presented by the Friends of Retzer Nature Center and Generac in cooperation with Waukesha County Parks, Waukesha County Technical College, and more!

DATE & TIME: Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

COST: $15 per vehicle; CASH ONLY

REGISTRATION: No registration; walk-ins welcome.

NOTE: Cash needed for entry; ATM is beyond the entrance.

APPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
• Fresh apples from Brightonwoods Orchard and Patterson Orchard
• Apple treats prepared by WCTC Baking & Culinary students

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP:
Make Apple Harvest Festival extra sweet! Sign up to enjoy free entry, volunteer for a bit, and have fun all day long.

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS:

***UPDATE: All vendor spots for this year's festival are now FULL. Thanks for the interest! 

Apple Harvest Festival’s Arts & Crafts Fair features a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme, with a focus on upcycling, sustainability, and original, non-commercialized work. Vendor spaces for the 2026 festival are now open. To apply, you will need to create an account in our system. Register by August 28, as space allows.

To participate, exhibitors must meet at least two of the following criteria:
• Artwork or craft theme is nature or wildlife related
• Materials used are natural (e.g., wood, clay, natural dyes)
• Items incorporate upcycled or repurposed materials (e.g., sweater mittens)

**We only accept applications at wauk.co/webtrac (click “Apple Harvest Festival”) and will never solicit exhibitors over social media.**