Saturday, Oct 25th
4:30 – 5:30pm
Wisconsin Historical Society Auditorium
Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Book Festival.
Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System with three award-winning authors who highlight the natural history, beauty, and transformative power of our fifty state parks. Join Scott Spoolman, Betsy Korbinyr, and Randy Hoffman as they share their experiences exploring our state parks and inspire you to set off on your own outdoor adventure!
In Wisconsin State Parks, author and former DNR journalist Scott Spoolman takes readers with him to twenty-eight parks, forests, and natural areas where evidence of the state’s striking geologic and natural history are on display. In an accessible storytelling style, Spoolman sheds light on the volcanoes that poured deep layers of lava rock over a vast area in the northwest, the glacial masses that flattened and molded the landscape of northern and eastern Wisconsin, mountain ranges that rose up and wore away over hundreds of millions of years, and many other bedrock-shaping phenomena. These stories connect geologic processes to the current landscape, as well as to the evolution of flora and fauna and development of human settlement and activities, for a deeper understanding of our state’s natural history.
Betsy Korbinyr’s Time, Beauty, and Grief is part trail guide, part memoir, and part conversation on the adventure of becoming a senior citizen, this engaging collection of essays offers you fresh perspectives on the parks and new insights into your own coming-of-age. A woman turning sixty-five ends up with one of her hiking boots in the grave as she embarks on a Quest to complete five miles in all fifty Wisconsin State Parks in one year. Life is remarkably similar to taking a hike. You can prepare and have all the right gear yet still struggle on the journey.
Great Nature Wisconsin is a comprehensive guide crafted by Randy Hoffman, a seasoned nature expert, and the Stingleys, who are passionate about introducing their children to the natural world. This essential guide is designed to help nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests. The guide first identifies prime vacation spots categorized by desired experiences, making it easy to plan your ideal getaway. The second section provides a breakdown, by county, of destinations perfect for weekend adventures. Finally, the book concludes with a selection of favorite places ideal for daily activities.
Check out more Wisconsin Book Festival & Wisconsin Science Festival partner events here!
