(WAUKESHA, WI) – Think spring and prepare for warmer weather at expert-led workshops and programs. Retzer Nature Center invites residents and visitors to a series of free programs highlighting popular springtime topics.
“These workshops are a great way for people to engage with local experts as they prepare for spring,” said Janet Barthel, Nature Center Supervisor. “The support from local partners, like Johnson’s Nursery, make these programs possible for the community.”
The series runs one Saturday a month from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, February through April at Retzer Nature Center, located at S14W28167 Madison Street, Waukesha. Each seminar will be led by an expert and will cover a range of information on the topic. Participants are welcome to come for one session or stay for them all. The programs highlight birding, gardening and citizen science.
Spring Workshop Series Lineup:
- February 9: Better Birding
- March 9: Spring Gardening
- April 13: Citizen Science Day
Registration is free, but required by Friday before the program. For more information or to register for Retzer Nature Center’s Spring Workshop Series, call 262-896-8007, or visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/springworkshops. Detailed workshop schedules available below.
About Retzer Nature Center
Retzer Nature Center is a part of the Waukesha County Park System, which is a natural resource based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/retzernaturecenter, follow Waukesha County Parks on Twitter, or like us on Facebook.
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Retzer Nature Center Spring Workshop Series
Presented by Johnson’s Nursery, Inc.
| Better Birding |
| Saturday, February 9, 2019: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Check in begins at 8:45 a.m. Register by Friday, February 1st. |
| Time |
Workshop |
Description |
| 9:00-9:45 a.m. |
Birding for Beginners |
Tips on becoming a birder or becoming a better birder. Plus, an overview of hotspots in Waukesha County Parks! |
| 9:45-10:45 a.m. |
Bird Friendly Garden Design
With Carrie Hennessy
from Johnson’s Nursery |
Learn how to design your home landscape for the birds with trees and shrubs. |
| 11:00-11:30 a.m. |
Citizen Science Online |
Discover eBird & iNautralist to help track data. Designed to help amateurs and professionals alike. Learn the basics and see how you can get involved. |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
Winter Bird Hike |
Apply new birding skills on the trails at Retzer Nature Center. Bring your binoculars or use ours! Dress for the weather. |
| Spring Gardening |
| Saturday, March 9, 2019: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Check in begins at 8:45 a.m. Register by Friday, March 1st |
| Time |
Workshop |
Description |
| 9:00-9:45 a.m. |
Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels |
Discover how rain barrels help restore a more natural water flow while saving you money. Learn the benefits of rain gardens and how to install rain barrels. |
| 9:45-10:45 a.m. |
Gardening for Pollinators
With Zannah Crowe
from Johnson’s Gardens |
Learn about the important role pollinators play as indicators of our environmental health. Learn how to create a productive and beautiful pollinator habitat. |
| 11:00-11:30 a.m. |
Home Composting |
Learn how to create your own compost, how to use it, and different bin styles to build or buy. Hot or cold, you’ll create “black gold”! |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
Planning Your Spring Garden |
Learn how to establish your garden site and prep your soil. Decide which plants to grow and how to start from seed inside. |
| 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale |
Get discounts on environmental gadgets during the seminars. |
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| Citizen Science Day |
| Saturday, April 13, 2019: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Check in begins at 8:45 a.m. Register by Friday, April 5th. |
| Time |
Workshop |
Description |
| 9:00-9:50 a.m. |
Wild in Waukesha - Citizen Science Projects Presentation |
Join Waukesha County Parks and Land Use for the launch of our first-ever county-wide Citizen Science Program! Our conservation biologist will discuss how you can help study and protect rare plant and wildlife populations through Citizen Science in Waukesha County. Citizen Scientists will be trained to help monitor wetlands, birds, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and more! No prior experience necessary. |
| 10:00-10:50 a.m. |
Migratory Bird Survey Program & Hike |
Learn how to do a bird survey and why we should. Then help document breeding and migratory birds with our trained staff using the Retzer's vital natural areas. Dress for the weather. |
| 11:00-11:50 a.m. |
Wetland Monitoring Program
& Hike |
Learn about wetlands and what goes into monitoring them. Then learn about surveying for sensitive species that inhabit our local wetlands such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and fairy shrimp! Dress for the weather. |
