Great Wisconsin Bat Count
Help our state bats by participating in this Citizen Science program. Our hibernating bats are in great danger of being wiped out because of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a white, powdery fungus on the muzzle of infected bats that causes die offs of multiple species of bats in infected hibernation sites. This state wide survey is […]
Wings of the Night – Bat Presentation
Learn all about bats, a most unique and misunderstood mammal. Bat ambassadors will talk about the bats we can expect to find in Wisconsin, their lifecycle, and threats challenging the bat population. Meet in the Nature Center. Lot 1. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some […]
Fungi Foray with Charlotte Lukes
Door County’s mushroom expert will lead us through the fascinating world of fungi. Charlotte has been studying wild mushrooms for over 40 years and she loves to share her knowledge through classes and programs throughout Door County. This hike is for those who want to learn about all aspects of fungi and is not intended […]
Nature Apps 101
Confused by all the nature apps out there? Whether it be about birds, trees, plants or insects, come learn about some of our tried and tested favorites. Join WI Master Naturalists in the Nature Center (Lot 1) then we will spend some time in the field trying our new skills. All programs are free, but […]
Universe in the Park
Join guest astronomers from UW-Madison for a presentation on astronomy. We start with a PowerPoint presentation at the shelter building then we look to the heavens through a high powered telescope to experience stars, planets and galaxies. You won’t want to miss this chance to enjoy the night skies at Wisconsin’s first International Dark Sky […]
NWS Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Newport Wilderness Society will be held outdoors at the park Picnic Shelter on Saturday, July 26th at 9:00am. Coffee and baked treats will be provided. Along with reports from members of NWS Board Executive Committee and park staff, new board members will be voted onto the board by a majority […]
Nature Hike on Sugarbush Trail
Head out with the Park Naturalist to explore the Sugarbush Trail. We will check out the old shorelines and a massive stone fence along the way. Meet at Parking Lot 4. All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles. Some programs are weather related, so check with the […]
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 […]