Interpretive Program
The Secret Life of Ferns
Beautiful, diverse, and ancient, ferns reproduce in a mysterious alteration of life forms. Join Master Naturalist and horticulturist Holly Smith as she delves into fern evolution, life cycle, reproduction, diversity, and identification. This program is geared to adult participants. Meets at the Nature Center (Lot 1), with time at the end to look at some […]
The History of Rock Island
Rock Island’s rich history started long ago, many years before it became a state park. Join Brian Grube, Park Manager of both Newport and Rock Island state parks, as he shares Rock Island’s amazing story including indigenous peoples, European explorers and settlers, the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, and the influence and vision of inventor Chester Thordarson. Meets […]
Beetles, Aphids, and Flies – Oh, My!
Insects are an underappreciated, yet a very important part of our ecosystem. Retired arborist and educator Donna Danielson will help you learn more about the importance of insects, their life cycles, anatomy, and more. We will use microscopes and magnifiers to look at them up close. Don't worry, they will all be dead when we […]
Universe in the Park – Perseid Meteor Shower
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison as they present Badger Talks, a PowerPoint presentation about astronomy, and a chance to view the night skies through a high-powered telescope. Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is the best place to view the spectacular Perseid meteor shower as it is Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. No […]
Herb Hike
Dave LaLuzerne was born with a green spark in his heart. (Interestingly, his last name is the French word for alfalfa.) Nurtured through pharmacy school and many years as an herbal pharmacist in his own herb shop, he now finds his passion is educating people about the numerous and wondrous ways to use herbs for […]
Fossil Finds: Geology Bingo Drop-in Program
Door County’s rich geologic history is written in the rocks, just waiting to be discovered. Join us this self-paced geology/fossil Bingo game. Search for fossils in the rocks along the beach area, then bring your check list back to the table in the picnic area. There will be prizes! Park in Lot 3 and look […]
Monarch Madness
Join Beth Bartoli, Newport's park naturalist, on a visit to the monarch nursery, seeing them at their various stages of growth. You will learn about their amazing life cycle. Find out about Newport's Monarch Monitoring site. Meet in the Nature Center (Lot 1). All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required […]
Star Gazing at the Dark Sky Park
**IMPORTANT: This event will be held on August 25 OR August 26, depending on weather/viewing conditions.** Join us at Wisconsin’s only designated dark sky park for a night of star gazing. There will be telescopes and other equipment set up with some of Door County’s best amateur astronomers on hand to point out some highlights […]