Interpretive Program

Combine Newport’s beauty with the joy of painting to create a plein air masterpiece! Join the naturalists and talented volunteers to explore outdoor painting techniques using watercolors. Artists of all skill levels are welcome. Bring your own art supplies or supplies will be provided. Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot […]

Explore, rediscover and connect with the plants of Newport guided by the book, ‘Let’s Botanize!’. Join the park naturalist on an exploratory walk as we follow a selection of prompts ranging from comparing leaf vein patterns to hunting for lichens. Come with an open mind and a curious spirit as we spend time growing our […]

This is a drop-in interpretive program. Grab a magnifying glass and start your search! Freely explore the miniature world beneath your feet or complete a family-friendly scavenger hunt for tiny treasures in the woods and along the beach. No need to bring anything but your sense of adventure! Look for a table in the picnic […]

From shimmering fish scales to vivid bird feathers, structural colors change how we see the world around us. Learn how structural colors work and common examples at Newport while experimenting with interference acrylic paints. There will be a washable paint option for younger artists. Located in the Nature Center, Lot 1. All programs are free, […]

This is a drop-in interpretive program. Have you ever looked at the clear waters of Lake Michigan and thought you could be somewhere tropical? Invasive mussels around the size of your fingernail are partly responsible for the lake’s color shift. Stop by to learn about the difference between native and invasive freshwater mussels and try […]

This is a drop-in interpretive program. Be in the know about where the stars and constellations track throughout the year. Make and learn to read your own star map and take it home with you. Look for the table set up in the picnic area, Lot 3. All programs are free, but a state park […]

Head out with the park naturalists and try your hand at Nature journaling. This is an activity designed for everyone, no matter your skill level. What nature journaling is: What nature journaling is not: Come with an open mind, an adventurous heart and a willingness to connect with nature! Materials provided, or bring your own. […]

We are fortunate that an internationally recognized freshwater estuary is just down the road from Newport State Park! Join park naturalists for an easy 1.6 mile hike on the Shoenbrunn Trail to learn about freshwater systems, the locally-famed Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly, and the importance of preserving wetlands. Meet at the Shoenbrunn Trailhead parking lot off […]

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 […]

Join the park naturalist and learn all about the Monarch Butterfly's amazing life cycle, including migration. She will also talk about Newport's Monarch monitoring site, and how you can monitor your own milkweed or pollinator garden. Meets in the Nature Center, Lot 1. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required […]