Retzer Nature Center

  

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Our view of the stream from the boardwalk during our activity today, 05/03/2017

     Friends of Retzer, a non-profit organization operating in Waukesha County, works to expand the goals of Retzer Nature Center, and educate the public about conservation, the environment, and natural resources.  With over 450 acres of forest, wildlife habitat, nature trails, and environmental learning facilities, Retzer is an important part of the Waukesha County Parks System, and a leader in environmental education. 
     Retzer Nature Center, however, does not only seek to educate the residents of Waukesha County, but aims to educate any who will listen about the natural environment all around us.  Through their environmental learning facilities, they educate school groups in and outside Waukesha County, as well as the public, about animal habitats, environmental issues, and the importance of conservation.  They also travel to schools within Waukesha County, providing fun educational programs for the students.  They also hold frequent community events educating the public about their mission.
Because there is a lack of education concerning the conservation and preservation of the environment in many parts of the world, the causes for Retzer's mission can be considered global.  Although Retzer focuses on educating the public about Wisconsin's environment, many places around the world are in need of a program like the Retzer Nature Center to focus on education.  It is only through of the public that we can improve, conserve, and preserve our environment for future generations. 
     While volunteering with Retzer, I have learned many things about animal habitats, and the many different plant species we have in Wisconsin, that I had either forgotten since I was a child, or had never learned.  I have also observed how simple it is to educate the public, especially children, about the environment, and to get them excited to be a part of its well-being.  Children are extremely enthusiastic about all living things, and all they need is someone to get excited about the environment with.  Through the amazing volunteers and naturalists at Retzer Nature Center, children have the chance to begin their education about the environment young, so when they grow into adulthood, they will be motivated to make a positive difference in the environment. 
     The educators at Retzer use a variety of methods to educate the students and create enthusiasm.  Some of my favorite activities we have done are planting flowers, exploring the trails, and through hands-on activities, observing the abundant animal, insect, and plant life in the forest.  Today we went on a hike with some kindergarteners from Woodside Elementary in Sussex, and visited stations where the naturalists showed us how to collect insects, what kinds of animals, plants and insects live near the streams and ponds at Retzer, and helped us identify an collect them ourselves.  It was extremely interesting, and although I know I was involved in activities like today's as a kid, I did not remember just how fun it was to get a little muddy, and interact with the environment in a positive way.  

Naturalist, Chris, handing out magnifying glasses to the students so they can observe the bugs from the basin more closely. 05/03/2017

 Three students enthusiastically playing with some tadpoles.  05/03/2017

 Chris, naturalist, showing the students a baby turtle.  05/03/2017

 Chris, naturalist, showing the students a frog she caught in the basin.  05/03/2017

Exploring the 'wooded stream' environment with Janet, naturalist on the boardwalk.  05/03/0217

     At Retzer, I have had the chance to be a part of the education, and excitement of the children, while learning a great deal about the environment and its importance.  Because of the education I have received along with the children at Retzer, I have begun to think twice about my impact on the environment, and what I can do to make sure my contribution is positive instead of negative.  My volunteering at Retzer will also extend beyond the requirement for this class, and because the naturalists there are so amazing, I will be continuing to volunteer with them as long as they will let me.  I would recommend to anyone who wants to get involved in the education, conservation, and preservation of our environment, to visit Retzer Nature Center, and fill out a volunteer application.  It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and has changed my understanding of, and the importance of, our environment


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A trail map of Retzer Nature Center.