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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Pumpkin pickups have begun! 🎃
Thank you to Feltz Family Farms and Dairy Store, Turners Fresh Market, and Fleet Farm Stevens Point for donating pumpkins to line the trails at this year's Candlelight Hike Festival! More pumpkins are on the way.
We couldn't have done it without everyone who came out to help. If you'd like to help carve pumpkins, stop by the visitor center Monday, October 26, through Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Friday, October 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more Hike volunteer opportunities, check out the sign-up below!
grasshoppersignup.com/s/o2xvcj
We hope to see you at the Hike on Friday, October 30, from 6–9 p.m.!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1N9MFpC7Po/
Thank you to Feltz Family Farms and Dairy Store, Turners Fresh Market, and Fleet Farm Stevens Point for donating pumpkins to line the trails at this year's Candlelight Hike Festival! More pumpkins are on the way.
We couldn't have done it without everyone who came out to help. If you'd like to help carve pumpkins, stop by the visitor center Monday, October 26, through Thursday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Friday, October 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more Hike volunteer opportunities, check out the sign-up below!
grasshoppersignup.com/s/o2xvcj
We hope to see you at the Hike on Friday, October 30, from 6–9 p.m.!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1N9MFpC7Po/
We have something for every kind of bird lover at the Schmeeckle Reserve Gift Shop! Serious birders can test their skills with Sibley bird bingo, bird trivia, and a realistic bird puzzle. If you prefer the lighter side of birding, Matt Kracht's Field Guide to Dumb Birds series now comes as playing cards and a 2027 daily desk calendar, packed with hilarious illustrations and plenty of attitude. Stop by the Visitor Center, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, and find the perfect gift for the birder in your life.
Got Milk? More like Got Poison!
White snakeroot may look like an ordinary wildflower but hidden within this unassuming plant is a deadly secret. Join student Naturalists Ella and Kara at the Menzel Pavilion on October 25th, from 10-11 a.m., for their Poison on the Pasture program and get an up-close look at white snakeroot.
White snakeroot may look like an ordinary wildflower but hidden within this unassuming plant is a deadly secret. Join student Naturalists Ella and Kara at the Menzel Pavilion on October 25th, from 10-11 a.m., for their Poison on the Pasture program and get an up-close look at white snakeroot.
You may have met a copycat, but have you ever met a copy-bird?
Flock to the Menzel Pavilion on Saturday, October 24th, at 10:00 AM for “Mocking Jays,” a free family program. Explore the distinct traits that help some birds mimic the sounds they hear. Then, embark on a short bird walk to find Schmeeckle’s very own imitators.
We have a few pairs of binoculars to lend; feel free to bring your own.
Flock to the Menzel Pavilion on Saturday, October 24th, at 10:00 AM for “Mocking Jays,” a free family program. Explore the distinct traits that help some birds mimic the sounds they hear. Then, embark on a short bird walk to find Schmeeckle’s very own imitators.
We have a few pairs of binoculars to lend; feel free to bring your own.
Let it glow! A fresh batch of beeswax candles landed at the Schmeeckle Reserve Gift Shop. They burn long and clean with no soot, and some carry a light scent from essential oils. Pick up a sculpted holiday favorite for the season, or stock up on tea lights, tapers, and tins for cozy nights at home. Visit the Visitor Center, open daily 9 AM to 4 PM.
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!