Event

Outdoor Classroom for Kids: July 2024 - January 2026

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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.

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DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*
*except on September 10 & October 22
LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)
COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12)

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REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.

Register at wauk.co/webtrac (click "Programs & Special Events," then "Public Programs").

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JULY 9 — Beautiful Bobolinks: Retzer welcomes this special bird each spring! Come spot their unique behaviors before they fly away.

JULY 16 — Butterfly Survey Skills: Use cool survey tools (no net needed!) to count butterfly species for science.

JULY 23 — Recycle Raccoon’s Adventure: Join our mascot to explore how Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot help the planet.

JULY 30 — The Beetles: What makes a bug a beetle? Learn about Earth’s most numerous critters!

AUGUST 6 — Squirrels Are Special: Discover the secrets of Wisconsin’s common grey squirrel and other species.

AUGUST 13 — Prairie Plants: Let’s identify Retzer’s prairie plants and explore what makes them so special.

AUGUST 27 — Bats Day and Night: Fall is a great time of year for detecting bats! Learn about them during the day, then register for Bat Night to see them in action. Note: Bat Night is a separate offering on September 10.

SEPTEMBER 3 — Monarchs & Milkweed: Explore monarchs’ lifecycle as they begin their fall migration. Learn how to help them return safely next year.

SEPTEMBER 10 — Bat Night: As a follow-up to our August 27 program, join us to explore the night sky and detect bats using echolocation equipment. Note: Open to all! Prior attendance at the August 27 program is not required.
*This program is 7:30-8:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17 — Wood Wide Web and Fungus: Mushrooms and fungi keep our ecosystem healthy! Discover their colors, features, and importance.

OCTOBER 1 — The Life of an Oak: Find out why oaks are a keystone species and learn how to spot them on the trail.

OCTOBER 22 — Outdoor Classroom at Night: Details will be provided soon!

NOVEMBER 5 — Dig In! Soils: What’s under our feet? Learn different characteristics of soils and appreciate life in and under it!

NOVEMBER 19 — Talkin' Turkey!: Meet a turkey up close, hopefully see some far away, and learn what makes them unique in the bird world!

DECEMBER 3 — Conifers: It’s cold, but conifers are tough! Learn what makes a conifer a conifer and discover their secrets.

DECEMBER 17 — Deer of the Midwest: We’re lucky to have hooved animals in Wisconsin. Learn about these famous holiday creatures and their kin!

JANUARY 7 — Mighty Eagles: Where are they going? What are they doing? Learn about the eagles that soar over Retzer Nature Center!

JANUARY 21 — The Story of Bears: Bears have a special place in our hearts! Explore their cozy dens, fascinating habits, and how they brave the seasons.

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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 UGFya3NJbmZvIHwgd2F1a2VzaGFjb3VudHkgISBnb3Y=.
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