Special Events...................................pages 6

Retzer Nature Center SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise noted, these programs are held at Retzer Nature Center. For more information or to register visit www.waukeshacountyparks.com.

Wee Wonders

Various Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. $4 per child per class Ages 2 - 4 Pre-Registration is required at least 24 hours prior to the program

This monthly program is an opportunity for nature exploration and discovery for children. Wee Wonders offers hands-on experiences about a variety of nature topics. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Each program includes an outdoor experience; please dress for the weather. Please register at least 24 hours prior to the program. The January Planetarium show requires pre-registration due to limited seating. (Walk-ins are welcome for the February - April programs, space permitting. Please arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.)

Planetarium Show - Wilbear’s Adventure

Tuesday, January 11 & Wednesday, January 12

Follow Wilbear, the Teddy Bear, as he wants to fly and discover flight. His grandpa uses demonstrations about the nature of flight to build up to the story of the Wright Brothers’ historic first airplane experience. Grandpa Bear captivates audiences with tales of inventions over time, from kites and gliders to today’s jet planes. The program also includes some mythology and a few winged constellations. After the show we will take a short hike to see if we can catch some animals taking flight!

Footprints in the Snow

Tuesday, February 8 & Wednesday, February 9

We will learn about many animals’ feet and the footprints they leave in snow and mud. We will step into a pair of snowshoes and head outdoors for a winter walk (weather permitting). Have fun making tracks in the snow as we explore the winter scenery on snowshoes. Snowshoes will be provided for registered children, adult snowshoe rental will be available for an additional fee (snow cover & conditions permitting)

Moonlight Animals

Tuesday, March 8 & Wednesday, March 9

Learn all about animals that are up past your bedtime: owls, foxes, bats, raccoons, and other nocturnal creatures. We will then take a walk to explore where these animals call home.

House for Sale

Tuesday, April 12 & Wednesday, April 13

Come take a walk as we collect nesting supplies for a homemade nest. Participants will build a nest that can be taken home for added fun in your backyard as you watch for lodgers to move in.

Sundays: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 24, 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 11+, Registration not required

Benjamin Goss Bird Club provides an opportunity for those interested in an active study of birds and their habitats. The public is invited to attend an in-person meeting (resuming in September), join the meeting virtually, or keep in touch through the club’s Facebook Discussion Group. For more information, visit www.gossbirdclub.org.

Morning Bird Hikes

Fridays: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3, 10, all from 7 - 8:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 8+, Registration not required

Join us as we scout areas of Retzer to see how many different types of birds we can find on an easy, 1.5 mile walk. No expertise is needed, and all skill levels are welcome. If groups of 10 or more plan to attend, please contact Retzer Nature Center in advance. Bring your own binoculars or borrow ours (limited quantity); cameras are also welcome. Hikes are held rain or shine, so dress for the weather and meet in the parking lot area nearest the Learning Center building.

Annual Benjamin Goss Bird Club Waukesha Spring Bird Count

Saturday, May 7 Various times and locations in Waukesha County Recommended for ages 16+

Join others for some birding fun during this event, which encompasses an area 15 miles in diameter to tally observed bird species. Those interested in attending the count should email Jasonn Weber at jasonnweber@wi.rr.com to join a group covering the various areas. For more information, visit www.gossbirdclub.org.

Retzer Spring Bird Count

Sunday, May 8, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Recommended for ages 8+, Registration not required

Join us to scout all areas of Retzer Nature Center for year-round and migrating bird species during the annual Retzer Spring Bird Count. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own binoculars or use Retzer’s (limited quantity available.) Meet by 7 a.m. in the parking lot area nearest the Learning Center building.

Retzer Camera Club

Wednesdays: January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, all at 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 16+, Registration not required

The Camera Club meets monthly with instructional programs, sharing/ critiquing of members’ photographs, discussing equipment and technique, and providing opportunities for taking photographs at Retzer Nature Center and other nature areas. Open to the public! To learn more, visit www.retzercameraclub.blogspot.com or find them on Facebook.