Mornin' to everyone looking to score 25% off the Wiscampsin Shop (‘til the end of the weekend)! This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

• How to experience the solar eclipse ☀️

• Horned Owl spectacle 🦉 

• Oak tree protection tool 🌳 

How to experience the solar eclipse in Wisconsin

Gather your crystals, astrological charts, and telescopes - a major event is about to take place in our galaxy!

Next week, North America will get to experience a solar eclipse, and it has everyone buzzing—from space lovers to science nerds and eclipse junkies.

Shedding light on WI’s Solar Eclipse

• The eclipse will occur in Wisconsin at about 2 p.m. on April 8

• A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the light of the sun

• WI will only experience a partial solar eclipse (read below for the path of totality)

What, when, and how?

A solar eclipse is a rare event in which the moon blocks out the light of the sun for a few minutes.

Imagine, it’s the middle of the day, bright and sunny, and suddenly—it’s night time.

Be warned: Birds, insects, and animals (including humans) can act strange during this time.

The solar eclipse on April 8 is being called by some as “once in a lifetime,” though the last solar eclipse was in August of 2017.

The path of totality

Unfortunately for ‘Scons, we won’t have a total solar eclipse, just a partial eclipse due to our position on the earth.

Only a strip of land called the “path of totality” will experience a complete solar eclipse, from Texas to Maine.

Per NASA, some 31.6 million Americans will be in the path of totality, but another 3 million are predicted to travel to see the phenomenon.

One such person is John Rummel.

A member of the Madison Astronomical Society, John traveled to Oregon to view the solar eclipse 7 years ago.

“Earth-shatteringly gorgeous and terrifying and dramatic,” said Rummel of the 2017 eclipse, which some 215 million Americans viewed either in person or virtually, according to NASA.

This year, he’ll travel 1,100 miles to Texas for the event, apparently renting some 10 hotel rooms in 7 different states just to catch a glimpse of the event.

How to get out ‘der

Don’t worry - you don’t have to leave the Dairyland to enjoy the solar eclipse shenanigans.

Experts say the best place to be is right around Kenosha at 2 pm on April 8.

But folks: Even though the sun will be partially blocked by the Moon, you can’t stare directly at it.

Use solar eclipse glasses, watch it virtually, or consider using a pinhole projector or kitchen colander. (Note: We have never actually used one of these DIY methods, so do so at your peril!)

Several solar eclipse events are also happening across the state, including: Madison, Milwaukee, De Pere, Newport State Park and Sturgeon Bay.

And if you miss it? Don’t worry, the next eclipse will take place in 2044!

Now get out der!

Support the Wiscampsin Weekly and check out the Wiscampsin shop - now 25% off until Sunday night!

Wisconsin State Bird Art Print: “Very nicely made, great colors and design. It looks amazing in my home. Keep it up Wiscampsin ❤️” - Peggy

Wiscampsin Badgers Tee: “It’s the perfect t-shirt to show off my love for camping and Wisconsin at the same time :)” - Emily

Wiscampsin Recycled License Plate Frame: “Love it! Get out der! Makes my Mazda look even better” - Alex

Wiscampsin Mug: “Awesome mug, very lightweight, the mug doesn't get piping hot if you need to microwave your coffee either.” - Matthew

Other great Wiscampsin reads…

Wisconsin's natural springs (and how to find 'em)

Reveling in Wisconsin's Night Sky

Camping Wisconsin's Wildlands

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Overwhelming support for bringing the recreational passport program to Wisconsin with 91% of votes in support of it!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🦉 WI couple’s unexpected roommate: "She refuses to pay rent. Squatter, she’s a squatter," Moczynski said. "I saw the red pot had this perfectly carved out crater in it and dirt was all over the place.” For the past few weeks, Christine of West Bend has had a Great Horned Owl living in a pot on her porch. The owl has now laid two eggs, and it has folks from all over the world watching. Check out the The Potted Owl’s livestream or Instagram page.

🌳 New tool to combat dying Oaks: The DNR and UW-Madison have developed a new tool to help reduce oak tree deaths. Oak trees are a keystone species in Wisconsin, but unfortunately, thousands die every year due to a fungal disease called Oak Wilt. The satellite mapping tool tells forest owners when it’s safe to prune and harvest oak trees, based on temperature.

❌ Antlerless deer ban bill vetoed: Gov. Evers struck down four bills, most notably the antlerless deer ban up nort’ and a wolf population goal statewide. All the bills were presented by the Republican-controlled legislature. Gov Evers’ position echoed the position of the DNR.

Want to sponsor the Wiscampsin Weekly?

Reply “Sponsor” and we will get back to you with the details!

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… You always have a home here, neighbor ❤️