Newport Wilderness Days: Forest Forensics, History Walk, Binocular/Telescope Use, Night Sky, Universe in the Park

Sunday, September 6, 2026, 9:00 am - 10:30 pm

Description

Join us for Newport Wilderness Days on Saturday Sept. 6 with the following activities: Forest Forensics, Newport History Walk, Do You See What I see? Binocular and Telescope Use 101, From Dark Sky to the Celestial River: Newport's Unique View of the Night Sky and Universe in the Park.

9 a.m. Forest Forensics: Join WI Master Naturalists and NWS volunteers Maureen Flatley (NWS board member) and Tom Flatley and look for clues to unravel the rich history of the forest. The story of a forest reveals itself if you just know where to look and how to decipher the clues. Meet by the office building, Lot 1.
11 a.m. Newport History Walk: The pristine beaches and towering forests of Wisconsin’s designated wilderness park looked very different just a hundred years ago. Join park naturalists on a tour of the site of a once-bustling logging town and discover what brought indigenous peoples and European settlers to Newport. Meet at the picnic area, Lot 3.
1 p.m. Do You See What I see? Binocular and Telescope Use 101: NWS board member and hobby astronomer, Dave Kocken, will discuss binoculars, proper focusing, which size is best for your needs and little tricks you might not be aware of. There will also be a discussion on telescopes (dobsonian reflector). Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1.
3:30 p.m. From Dark Sky to the Celestial River: Newport's Unique View of the Night Sky: We all know that Newport State Park is Wisconsin's only designated Dark Sky Park, but do we know what that really means? Join Wisconsin Master Naturalist Ivy Worm-Summers as she takes us through the unique designation, and the incredible opportunities we have at Newport to see parts of the night sky that many people may never see anywhere else. We will take a dive into some of the recognizable constellations we see from the Northern Hemisphere, learn how to find true Celestial North, and explore some of the origins of the universe's Celestial River, the Milky Way. Held in the Nature Center, Lot 1.
7:30 p.m. Universe in the Park: 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 Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. Some seating is available, or bring a lawn chair or blanket, flashlights, or headlamps with a red lens (protects night vision). Meet at Lot 3, follow path to seating area.

This event is weather-dependent.

Group/Program Hosting: Newport Wilderness Society
Property & Event Location: Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Event Contact: Beth Bartoli, beth.bartoli@wisconsin.gov, 920-854-2500