Hartman Creek State Park, Wisconsin located about 113 miles (182 km) north of Madison, Wisconsin, on the upper Waupaca Chain-O-Lakes, is 1,500 acres of post-glacial beauty. A highlight of the year for amateur astronomers and their families is the Wisconsin Observers Weekend; enthusiasts from all over the midwest flock here to enjoy three days of summer camping and observing. Please note that while camping is allowed, the park is only open to the public between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and requires a vehicle admission sticker. Annual park stickers and camping passes can be reserved online or over the phone by calling 1-888-305-0398 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.