TOWN OF DELAFIELD — There’s no doubt that Lapham Peak has scenic hikes and stunning views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. But are you getting the most out of your experience? From April to October, the Hausmann Nature Center is open two weekends a month and boasts a variety of program options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Situated just before the iconic observation tower, the HNC is located in the former home of Dr. Paul and Bernice Hausmann. The house was designed by an architect who worked with Frank Llyod Wright and it, along with some of the surrounding property, was donated to the state of Wisconsin in 1984 to be used as a nature center. And for the past four decades, the HNC has provided an outlet for environmental education.
The HNC’s season opening is April 20, 21, and 22 — Earth Day weekend. Hausmann Nature Center Coordinator and Friends of Lapham Peak Vice President Melissa Jarecki says there are a couple exciting programs planned to kick off the season.
“Art’s Cameras Plus has partnered with us again this year to do some photography sessions,” Jarecki said. “We also have a backyard composting program that Waukesha (County Recycling) is coming to put on.”
The HNC will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day of opening weekend. Lapham Peak guests are encouraged to drop in for a program or just stop by to have a look around. There are several other activities available for children, adults, and families.
Jarecki says there are educational and informational displays throughout the center. These exhibits “tell you all about the Kettle Moraine and how it came to be and the flora and fauna that’s in the area.” There is also an interactive section for children, where they can touch animal pelts, bones, and feathers and play nature-based matching games.
Throughout the 2024 season, there are a variety of other programs scheduled. Jarecki says they have events lined up about bees and beekeeping, Native Americans of the Kettle Moraine area, and animal skulls and what can be learned from them.
There will also be a program for World Turtle Day and an event with the International Crane Foundation. Jarecki said other programs are in the works, like sessions on mycology and foraging.
The HNC is run by the Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Lapham Peak. Together they provide environmental education and form important partnerships, like with the Boy and Girl Scouts and the Wisconsin Master Naturalists. But the HNC is always in need of additional help, and they’re currently assembling a team to help keep this programming available to the community.
“Right now, we’re getting all of our volunteers for the season and we’re starting to plan our educational programming for the season as well,” Jarecki said.
There will be a volunteer open house at the HNC on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide information about what it means to help out at the center. Jarecki says it’s both an easy and rewarding gig — volunteers greet HNC guests and tell them what’s available in the center. Volunteers will also field questions from visitors.
If volunteering isn’t your speed, Jarecki says popping in for a look around is a great way to explore all the HNC has to offer — it’s the perfect cherry on top of your outing.
“Making a stop at the nature center is a nice way to round out that visit to Lapham Peak,” Jarecki said.
On the weekends when the HNC isn’t being used for programming, it can be rented out for events like meetings, weddings, and parties. For more information about the Hausmann Nature Center and its rental options and upcoming programming, visit https://laphampeakfriends. org/.
Situated just past the observation tower, the Hausmann Nature Center is located inside the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, W329-N846 Highway C in the Town of Delafield. It is used as a nature center for educational programming.
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