(WAUKESHA, Wis.) – Visitors to the Discovery Trail at Retzer Nature Center have a new way to connect with nature thanks to five educational signs that highlight the importance of native trees and how to identify them. The new signs were made possible through a grant from Kohl’s to the Friends of Retzer Nature Center supporting the health and wellness of families.
Installed along the Discovery Trail, the interpretive signs help visitors identify native tree species by observing key characteristics such as bark, leaves and needles. They also introduce visitors to the important role native trees play in Wisconsin’s natural environment while encouraging visitors to spend more time outdoors exploring and enjoying nature.
“These new signs encourage visitors to slow down, observe their surroundings and gain a greater appreciation for the native trees that are essential to healthy ecosystems,” said Stacy Yearling, Retzer Nature Center Supervisor. “We’re grateful to Kohl’s for supporting the health and wellness of families and helping create an even better visitor experience at Retzer Nature Center.”
The Discovery Trail features a variety of Exploration Stations that encourage outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences and STEM learning for families, school groups and visitors of all ages. The addition of the tree identification signs expands those hands-on learning opportunities by inviting guests to explore the natural environment while discovering more about the trees that surround them.
Retzer Nature Center is located at S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha. The Discovery Trail is open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. and is free for visitors to explore.
