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:
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On your mark, get set, bake!
Join us for the Fall 2026 Candlelight Hike Festival on October 30th from 6–9 p.m. as we see what’s on the menu for Schmeeckle’s wildlife during "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off."
With jack-o'-lanterns and torches lining the trails, hands-on activities, face-painting, and a student-lead character performance, there are activities for the whole family.
Want to help make this year’s festival a recipe for success? We’d love to have you volunteer! Sign up for a spot at https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/o2xvcj.
Join us for the Fall 2026 Candlelight Hike Festival on October 30th from 6–9 p.m. as we see what’s on the menu for Schmeeckle’s wildlife during "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off."
With jack-o'-lanterns and torches lining the trails, hands-on activities, face-painting, and a student-lead character performance, there are activities for the whole family.
Want to help make this year’s festival a recipe for success? We’d love to have you volunteer! Sign up for a spot at https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/o2xvcj.
Calling all young explorers! Fresh fun has landed at the Schmeeckle Reserve Gift Shop, with new puzzles, sticker books, nature-themed tattoos, picture books, and games. Match up animal droppings in the Who Pooped? memory game, spot hidden critters in the Woodland World Search & Find Puzzle, say good night to our home state with the Good Night Wisconsin board book, or bring a story to life with a fuzzy finger puppet book. Visit us at the Visitor Center, open daily 9 AM to 4 PM.
We see you, UWSP students. 👀🌲
Between outdoor labs, walks with friends, and those “I just need to get outside” moments, you are spending a lot of time in the Reserve. If you find yourself inspired by this 280-acre greenspace and enjoy expressing yourself through art, submit an entry to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Arts Contest.
The Friends accept photography, art, writing, and digital art pieces. Entries are due December 4. For more information on the contest and submitting entries, visit the Friends website.
https://friendsofschmeeckle.org/arts-contest/
Photo by Rae Henneman, UWSP Student, 2025 Wildlife Photography entry
Between outdoor labs, walks with friends, and those “I just need to get outside” moments, you are spending a lot of time in the Reserve. If you find yourself inspired by this 280-acre greenspace and enjoy expressing yourself through art, submit an entry to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Arts Contest.
The Friends accept photography, art, writing, and digital art pieces. Entries are due December 4. For more information on the contest and submitting entries, visit the Friends website.
https://friendsofschmeeckle.org/arts-contest/
Photo by Rae Henneman, UWSP Student, 2025 Wildlife Photography entry
An invasive fish species called the Round Goby was found in Lake Joanis a few weeks ago. UWSP College of Natural Resources faculty, staff, and students will be working with the Wisconsin DNR to monitor the population and evaluate different control techniques.
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you catch what you believe to be a Round Goby in the lake, the DNR requires you to release it back. There are several native fish species that look similar to Round Gobies, and the goal is to protect those native populations.
Josh Raabe, CNR Associate Professor of Fisheries, is helping to head up the project and was interviewed by WAOW Channel 9 News this week. Watch the video below!
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you catch what you believe to be a Round Goby in the lake, the DNR requires you to release it back. There are several native fish species that look similar to Round Gobies, and the goal is to protect those native populations.
Josh Raabe, CNR Associate Professor of Fisheries, is helping to head up the project and was interviewed by WAOW Channel 9 News this week. Watch the video below!
Invasive species in Lake Joanis provides opportunity for UWSP students
Last month an invasive species, the Round Goby, was caught in Lake Joanis in the Schmeeckle Reserve near the UW-Stevens Point campus. The discovery, while disappointing, is giving students a
Something to sing about! The Audubon singing birds have been restocked in the Schmeeckle Reserve Gift Shop. Each one plays its species' real call so you can practice your birding by ear right at home. Stop by the Visitor Center, open daily 9 AM to 4 PM, and pick out your favorite before the whole flock flies off the shelf.
