The Parks & Recreation Committee meeting held on October 31, 2024, in West Bend City, Wisconsin, focused on several community programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing local engagement with nature and outdoor activities.

One of the key highlights was the continuation of the "Nature in the Classroom" program, which runs from October to April and remains free for schools. Other established programs, such as birding activities, snowshoeing sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, and the "Little Hikers" classes in spring and fall, will also see no changes in their structure or fees. Additionally, the Bald Eagle Nest Watch program and school field trips will continue without any fee adjustments.

A new initiative introduced during the meeting is an urban landscaping class set to launch in the spring. This four-week course aims to transform traditional yards into thriving ecosystems. The class will focus on selecting appropriate native plants and enhancing local habitats to attract wildlife, including birds and pollinators. It is designed for homeowners looking to make minor or significant changes to their properties, with a limit of ten participants to ensure personalized attention. Each session will feature a guest speaker, including master gardeners with expertise in native plants and invasive species control.

The committee also approved the program fees unanimously, signaling strong support for these community-focused initiatives. The urban landscaping class is expected to begin in April, with specific dates and registration details to be announced soon. Overall, the meeting underscored West Bend's commitment to fostering environmental awareness and community involvement through its Parks and Recreation programs.