Parks and Land Use Events

Special Events & Programs

  • Waukesha County Scout Nights at Retzer Nature Center March 20, 2025

    Cub Scout Night
    2025 schedule
    Registration is open

    $6 per Scout per Retzer program
    $7.50 per person for the Planetarium     

    Join us to complete adventures during our Spring Scout Nights!

    • Come as a Scout Den or independently
    • Each Scout must be accompanied by parent chaperone (individual scout) or leader chaperones (den).
    • Each Scout must register individually for desired programs
    • For Planetarium programs only, leaders/parents/siblings must also pay for their seat at the door (space permitting).
    • Programs start promptly at scheduled times; please arrive on time.
    • Portions of programs may be outside; be sure to dress for the weather. 
    • Cancellation: A program may be cancelled if fewer than 10 enrollments

    SPRING Scout Nights
    2025     schedule
    Registration opens Sept. 1, 2024

    Below: View program schedule and register for Lion, Tiger, Bear, Wolf, Webelos and Arrow of Light!

    March 18, 2025  Tuesday

    Scout Rank Time Program Registration
    Lion & Tiger 5:00-6:00 pm

    Mountain Lions and Tigers in the Wild
    (limit 30 Scouts)
    Take a hike at Retzer Nature Center and explore the outdoors! Learn about wild and domesticated animals, natural and manmade objects, and learn about the Outdoor Code and S.A.W. Requirements 1-4 will be completed.

    		 Register
    Bear 5:00-6:30 pm

    Bear Habitat
    (limit 30 Scouts)
    Come prepared for a one-mile hike at Retzer Nature Center! Review the Cub Scout Six Essentials and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids. Requirements 1-9 will be completed.

    		 Register
    Tiger 6:00-7:15 pm

    Sky is the Limit *🌠
    (limit 60 Scouts)
    During the Star Signs planetarium show, observe easy-to-see constellations and names of stars in the night sky. If weather permits, scouts will use a telescope, binoculars, or a sunspotter to observe distant objects, including but not limited to stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies and/or the sun. A live planetarium star talk will take place instead of telescope observation if the weather is not conducive for outdoor viewing. Lastly, a homemade model of a constellation will be made. Requirements 3-4 will be completed and guidance for Requirements 1-2 will be provided (weather permitting).

    		 Register
    Wolf 6:00-7:00 pm


    Paws on the Path
    (limit 30 scouts)
    Join us as we identify the Cub Scout Six Essentials, learn about the buddy system, how best to prepare for a hike, discuss the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids and take a walk outside to explore Nature at Retzer. Requirements 1-5 will be completed.

    		 Register

     *🌠Any chaperone or sibling wishing to attend the planetarium show with their scout can pay $7.50 at the door on Cub Scout Night as space allows (capacity: 90).

    March 20, 2025  Thursday

    Scout Rank Time Program Registration
    Arrow of Light 5:00-6:00 pm

    Into the Woods
    (limit 30 Scouts)
    Learn about what trees and plants do for us and animals and why taking care of them is important to our planet’s well-being. Visit Retzer Nature Center and conduct a tree inventory. We will select a tree, classify it, learn how it deals with wildfire and how wildlife uses the tree. Requirements 1-5 will be completed.

    		 Register
    Webelos 6:00-7:30 pm

    Champions for Nature
    (limit 30 Scouts)
    Learn about the wildlife we share our planet with - Explore the components of habitat, learn about an endangered species, what caused it to be endangered, and what is being done to protect the animal. Participate in a conservation service project to help endangered species habitat. Requirements 1-6 will be completed.

    		 Register

     
  • Nature Storytime March 24, 2025
    Enjoy a different story theme each day!
     
    Monday, March 24: Life in a Shell
    Tuesday, March 25: Spring has Sprung
    Wednesday, March 26: Nature Recycles
    Thursday, March 27: Rabbits Rule
    Friday, March 28: Things with Wings
     
    • For ages 3 to 2nd grade.
    • $5 per child per class (limited to 20 children per class).
    • Students must be accompanied by an adult; adults are free.
    • Register by 24 hrs. prior; sorry, no walk-ins.
     
    This is an indoor program, but may include an outdoor component in good weather.
     
    To register for the program, visit wauk.co/webtrac and click "Programs & Special Events."
  • Animal Adaptations March 24, 2025
    Enjoy a visit from the Retzer teaching animals! See how an animal’s physical and behavioral traits can help it to survive as we explore the concepts of habitat and adaptation.
     
    This is an indoor program with a different theme each day:
    Monday, March 24, 2025
    Wednesday, March 26, 2025
    Friday, March 28, 2025
     
    • For grade 1 and up.
    • $5 per child per class (limited to 20 children per class).
    • Students must be accompanied by an adult; adults are free.
    • Register by 24 hrs. prior; sorry, no walk-ins.
     
    To register for the program, visit wauk.co/webtrac and click "Programs & Special Events."
  • Nature Storytime March 25, 2025
    Enjoy a different story theme each day!
     
    Monday, March 24: Life in a Shell
    Tuesday, March 25: Spring has Sprung
    Wednesday, March 26: Nature Recycles
    Thursday, March 27: Rabbits Rule
    Friday, March 28: Things with Wings
     
    • For ages 3 to 2nd grade.
    • $5 per child per class (limited to 20 children per class).
    • Students must be accompanied by an adult; adults are free.
    • Register by 24 hrs. prior; sorry, no walk-ins.
     
    This is an indoor program, but may include an outdoor component in good weather.
     
    To register for the program, visit wauk.co/webtrac and click "Programs & Special Events."
  • Your Actions Matter (Spring Break Program) March 25, 2025
    Join our staff to see the Recycling Exhibit at Retzer Nature Center in action! We’ll go for a hike and learn from Recycle Raccoon, Waukesha County Recycles mascot. He’ll teach us what everyday actions you can do in and around your home and yard by exploring the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. There will be lots of adventure along the way!
     
    Two dates:
    Tuesday, March 25, 2025
    Thursday, March 27, 2025
     
    • For grade 1 and up.
    • $5 per child per class (limited to 20 children per class).
    • Students must be accompanied by an adult; adults are free.
    • Register by 24 hrs. prior; sorry, no walk-ins.
     
    To register for the program, visit wauk.co/webtrac and click "Programs & Special Events.
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