Retzer Nature Center Hosting 6 Springtime Classes

WAUKESHA, WI — As the weather eventually turns to spring, members of the public are invited to attend popular springtime topics on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Retzer Nature Center.

Attendees can learn about gardening for pollinators, invasive species, home composting, sustainable home practices, and container gardening ideas.

“These sessions are a great way for people to engage with local experts to discover new techniques and processes as they prepare their homes and yards for spring,” said Janet Barthel, Nature Center Supervisor. “The support from partners, like Johnson’s Nursery, makes these free programs possible for the community.”

Each seminar will be led by an expert and will cover a range of information on each topic. Participants are welcome to come for one session or stay for them all. Registration is not required, but is recommended by March 13 at www.waukeshacounty.gov/springworkshops.

Visitors can also take advantage of the one-day Garden Gadget Sale and save $10 on Home Compost Bins or Rain Diverter Kits. Both are on sale for $50. Purchasers must be able to take items home after the workshops. No holds are available.

Check in begins at 8:45 a.m. Registration not required, but recommended to reserve a spot by March 13.

9:00 a.m. Invasive Worms, Presented by Bernie Williams, Wisconsin DNR

Learn about invasive worms and their effects on yards, gardens and forests.

10:00 a.m. Backyard Habitats 101 Presented by Julia Robson, Waukesha County Conservation Biologist

From planting for birds to managing invasive species, learn what you can do to create healthy living scapes for wildlife.

11:00 a.m. Home Composting for Healthy Soils, Presented by Abbie Liedtke, Waukesha County Recycling Specialist

Learn about how compost works to improve the health of your soils and how to create your own ‘black gold’!

12:00 p.m. Home Makeover: Green Edition Presented by Jayne Jenks, Waukesha County Conservation Specialist

Find ways to live a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle from recycling right to simple lawn care.

1:00 p.m. Planting for Pollinators Presented by Carrie Hennessy, Johnson’s Nursery

Learn about the best plants for native pollinators, specifically bees and butterflies. Learn how you can combat rapid habitat loss by making your own yard more attractive to these beneficial insects. Whether you have a sprawling green lawn or a tiny city lot, you still have the ability to attract native pollinators.

2:00 p.m. Container Gardening, Presented by Jennifer Lazewski, Master Gardener Volunteer

Container plantings are for everyone! With a little bit of space, anybody can have beautiful flowers or productive vegetables. Learn everything you need for great container plantings, including types of pots, the ideal soil mix, which plants to use, how to put together plant combinations, watering and fertilizing, and how to overwinter your pots.