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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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.
Important Candlelight Hike Bake Off Announcement 🎃
We are excited to see everyone at this fall's Candlelight Hike Festival on October 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The theme is The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off.
While we're bringing the fun of a baking show to the woods, there is no actual baking competition. No entries needed, no judging, and no fear of a soggy bottom.
Instead, enjoy an evening of torchlit and Jack-o'-lantern-lined trails, character programs, crafts, face painting, and more.
We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1UFPR81hNv/
We are excited to see everyone at this fall's Candlelight Hike Festival on October 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The theme is The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off.
While we're bringing the fun of a baking show to the woods, there is no actual baking competition. No entries needed, no judging, and no fear of a soggy bottom.
Instead, enjoy an evening of torchlit and Jack-o'-lantern-lined trails, character programs, crafts, face painting, and more.
We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1UFPR81hNv/
So, You Want to Be a Fur Trader? 🦫
Jump back to the 18th century with Pierre and Jean to report for your first day as a
Wisconsin fur trader. Discover the history of the fur trade, touch real furs, learn trapping techniques, and find out what it takes to succeed. Report for duty outdoors at the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater on October 18th from 10 to 11 am. Historical costumes are encouraged, but completely optional.
Are you ready for the job?
Jump back to the 18th century with Pierre and Jean to report for your first day as a
Wisconsin fur trader. Discover the history of the fur trade, touch real furs, learn trapping techniques, and find out what it takes to succeed. Report for duty outdoors at the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater on October 18th from 10 to 11 am. Historical costumes are encouraged, but completely optional.
Are you ready for the job?
