Newport Wilderness Days

Description

This event at Newport State Park was started in 1992 as a way for the members of Newport Wilderness Society, the park’s official friends’ group, to showcase their beautiful wilderness park. Volunteers lead hikes and programs during Labor Day weekend, covering many areas of interest. 

Saturday, Aug. 30
 
8:30 a.m.: Coffee On The Beach 
Coffee provided by Carol Ash, NWS member and owner of Kick Ash Coffee, Ellison Bay. What a great way to start your day! A hot cup of locally roasted, thoughtfully sourced coffee on the beach area of beautiful Newport State Park. Meet at the picnic area, Lot 3. In case of rain, this will be held at the shelter building, Lot 3.  

10 a.m.: Newport Past And Present Tour
Hotz Trail WI Master Naturalist volunteers Mary O’Grady and Lynn Reuter will lead you along the Hotz Trail. As early as the 1920s, the trail was the original driveway to Ferdinand Hotz's cabin. Learn about the amazing family history and how the land he preserved became part of Newport State Park. Meet at the parking area at the end of Europe Bay Road.

11 a.m.: Herb Hike 
Join Dave LaLuzerne on this walk as he explores the herbs in our local environment. 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 our health and well-being. Learn how the plants that flourish in this climate can help you flourish as well. Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.

1 p.m.: Fungi Foray 
Join Charlotte Lukes as she explains the world of fungi. Charlotte has been studying mushrooms for over 40 years and loves to share her knowledge. (This is not intended to be a foraging hike.) Meet at Lot 3.

Sunday, Aug. 31  

8:30–9:30 a.m.: Yoga By The Beach 
Join instructor Sherry Seubert of Embraced by Nature for a slow hatha morning flow yoga mat class with guided meditation. We'll ground to earth and reach for the sky. Bring a yoga mat, blanket or beach towel. We'll gather in the grassy area at Parking Lot 3 near the shelter building.

10 a.m.: Trees And Shrubs Of Door County 
Join arborist and horticulturist Tom Wolfe as he shares his vast knowledge about trees and shrubs. There will be plenty of time for questions. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the woods. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

1 p.m.: The “Tick Talk Doc” Talks About Ticks And Tick-Borne Illnesses 
Learn about those pesky arachnids, ticks, and how to avoid their bites and the illnesses they may carry. An informative and fun presentation on the much-maligned tick from a physician who has diagnosed and treated patients who have had many of the infections that ticks can carry. Find out what you can do to prevent a tick bite and limit your exposure to Lyme disease, yet still enjoy the outdoors. Presented by WI Master Naturalist Paula Kocken, MD, Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.

2:30 p.m.: Flora And Fauna Of Fern Trail 
Park naturalist Beth Bartoli and Master Naturalist and Horticulturist Holly Smith will lead this easy 1.2-mile hike. They will discuss things of interest along the boardwalks and the beauty of Fern Trail. Meet at Lot 3.