The Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary: A Celebration In Books
Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Science 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.
Scott Spoolman
Scott Spoolman is a science writer whose passion for the outdoors led him to develop an avid interest in geology and natural history, especially in his home state of Wisconsin. He is the author of the Wisconsin State Parks: Extraordinary Stories of Geology and Natural History, Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers, and Waterfalls, and Wisconsin Rocks! A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Badger State. Since 1996, he has worked as a freelance writer and editor for a variety of outlets and has coauthored several editions of a series of environmental science textbooks. Throughout his life he has enjoyed exploring the forests and waters of the upper Midwest, as well as the mountains of the western and eastern United States.
Betsy Korbinyr
Award-winning author Betsy Korbinyr, CAPSW, CT, WI-SSW, has thirty-plus years of social work experience, with clients ranging from newborns to centenarians. She weaves her professional and personal knowledge of aging, loss, and resilience throughout the book, and invites you to learn more about yourself along with her. A native Wisconsinite, she has hiked in multiple states and several countries.
Randy Hoffman
Retired ecologist Randy Hoffman spent his nearly 30-year career with the Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program. His statewide responsibilities provided the opportunity to experience the best nature Wisconsin has to offer. Hoffman’s ecological work led to the establishment of more than 300 State Natural Areas. He is the past president of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, author of Wisconsin’s Natural Communities and When Things Happen, and was the major contributor to Wisconsin’s Important Bird Areas. He enjoys nature exploration, birding, writing, and public service. He lives with his wife, JoAnn, in Waunakee, Wisconsin.