PBS Wisconsin caught up with Wisconsin Life host Angela Fitzgerald to uncover four fun facts about the adventures coming up in the new season, which premieres at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10!

Fun Fact 1 — This will be Wisconsin Life’s 11th season and Fitzgerald’s seventh as host.

Angela Fitzgerald: I enjoy the opportunity to travel around the state that has become my home and to learn about interesting people and places that you don’t often hear about. I appreciate that opportunity for myself, but even more so that I get to share those experiences with others.

I’ve learned that Wisconsin is more diverse than what it may appear on the surface and that there is a ton of natural beauty and interesting spaces to explore.

Fun Fact 2 — Four or five production team members are needed on-site at each location shoot. 

Fitzgerald: That includes me as the host, our producer Kelly [Saran], two videographers and a sound recordist. [Saran] and I are the constants at every shoot, and the rest of the team can alternate based on who is available. Despite the reality of our team being different for each shoot location, our dedication and enjoyment of the work that we get to do lends to our having a great time together.

Fun Fact 3 — The production crew visited 10 different locations with Angela this season.

Fitzgerald: We went as local as a few minutes away from the studio to the State Archive Preservation Facility in Madison, and traveled as far as a few hours away to the Wisconsin Concrete Park in Phillips. I appreciate learning about the uniqueness of each location, exploring the culture and getting to know the people. While there are consistencies that all connect back to Wisconsin, each has its own unique vibe that I enjoy getting to know.

Fun Fact 4 — The Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin in Appleton were first intended to be botanical gardens.

Fitzgerald: The owners of this space originally sought to develop a botanical garden, but pivoted in response to the presence of the butterflies and other creatures who were drawn to the natural ecosystem. So, rather than lean into their original idea, they pivoted to expand upon what was already present and benefiting the environment within that space.