The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve is a community-based nonprofit organization that supports Schmeeckle Reserve, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus natural area. The mission of the Friends is to support the work of and advocate for Schmeeckle through engaging the local and wider communities. This is accomplished by:
Upcoming events
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Are you interested in attending this evening's jellyfish program? If so, you might wonder where to park - for this event, free parking is available along the east side of Michigan Avenue, as well as along Minnesota Avenue and Maria Drive (see attached map).
The program is free, and will meet at the Accessible Fishing Pier on Lake Joanis (star on attached map) at 5 p.m. We will take an hour long walk on the trails around the lake so please dress for the conditions. We hope to see you there!
The program is free, and will meet at the Accessible Fishing Pier on Lake Joanis (star on attached map) at 5 p.m. We will take an hour long walk on the trails around the lake so please dress for the conditions. We hope to see you there!
Where do they go when the snow falls?
Come out to Schmeeckle Menzel Pavilion on October 21st at 6 pm and discover which animals decide to brave the Wisconsin winters and which ones decide to leave.
Come out to Schmeeckle Menzel Pavilion on October 21st at 6 pm and discover which animals decide to brave the Wisconsin winters and which ones decide to leave.
The Stevens Point community lost a dear friend and Schmeeckle Reserve lost one of its greatest champions this past week.
Ron Zimmerman was the first director of Schmeeckle Reserve, hired in 1979, just a year after the Reserve was established. He worked tirelessly for 36 years to shape Schmeeckle into the special place it is today.
Working alongside crews of university students, Ron built many of the original trails and boardwalks, transformed an old ranch-style house into a Visitor Center, planted the prairie near the Visitor Center, led thousands of public nature programs, coordinated the restoration of Moses Creek, and founded the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.
Ever after retiring in 2016, Ron dedication to Schmeeckle never wavered. He remained an active member of the Tuesday volunteer trail crew, served on the Friends board, and led the organization as its president from 2023 to 2025.
Ron’s vision and enduring commitment helped shape Schmeeckle Reserve into the treasured place it is today. His legacy will live on in the landscape he helped create, the people he inspired, and the community he brought together.
A Celebration of Life will be held in spring 2027.
Read more about Ron's life in his own words by clicking below.
Ron Zimmerman was the first director of Schmeeckle Reserve, hired in 1979, just a year after the Reserve was established. He worked tirelessly for 36 years to shape Schmeeckle into the special place it is today.
Working alongside crews of university students, Ron built many of the original trails and boardwalks, transformed an old ranch-style house into a Visitor Center, planted the prairie near the Visitor Center, led thousands of public nature programs, coordinated the restoration of Moses Creek, and founded the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.
Ever after retiring in 2016, Ron dedication to Schmeeckle never wavered. He remained an active member of the Tuesday volunteer trail crew, served on the Friends board, and led the organization as its president from 2023 to 2025.
Ron’s vision and enduring commitment helped shape Schmeeckle Reserve into the treasured place it is today. His legacy will live on in the landscape he helped create, the people he inspired, and the community he brought together.
A Celebration of Life will be held in spring 2027.
Read more about Ron's life in his own words by clicking below.
Ron Zimmerman Remembered
Ron Zimmerman, 1949–2026: his life in his own words, photographs, and remembrances from family and friends.
Did you know we have jellyfish right here in Stevens Point, Wisconsin?
Believe it or not, we do have local jellyfish, and not in an aquarium! If you want to learn more about our freshwater jellyfish and see one in person, please join us on Tuesday, October 20th, at 5 p.m. at the accessible fishing pier on Lake Jonas in Schmeeckle Reserve.
Extra parking will be available on Maria Drive and Minnesota Avenue.
Believe it or not, we do have local jellyfish, and not in an aquarium! If you want to learn more about our freshwater jellyfish and see one in person, please join us on Tuesday, October 20th, at 5 p.m. at the accessible fishing pier on Lake Jonas in Schmeeckle Reserve.
Extra parking will be available on Maria Drive and Minnesota Avenue.
Have you enjoyed seeing the creative carved pumpkins at past Candlelight Hike Festivals? Join in on the fun!
Come carve pumpkins October 26 to 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or October 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the visitor center. Then come back for the Candlelight Hike on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. to see your creation displayed on the trails.
Pumpkins and tools are provided. Come and go as you please.
We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1UFPR81hNv/
Come carve pumpkins October 26 to 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or October 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the visitor center. Then come back for the Candlelight Hike on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. to see your creation displayed on the trails.
Pumpkins and tools are provided. Come and go as you please.
We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1UFPR81hNv/
Small critters, big personality! Little Critterz are have been restocked at the Schmeeckle Reserve Gift Shop. These tiny hand-painted porcelain creatures stand under two inches tall. Choose from insects, birds, mammals, farm animals, and even fish, or pick up a pair of ceramic critter earrings to wear your favorite. Visit the Visitor Center, open daily 9 AM to 4 PM, and start your collection.
