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
Recent posts from Facebook
The environmental interpretation practicum students have cooked up something special for Friday night's Candlelight Hike Festival! Four teams of “bakers” from around the Reserve face off to see who can create the best signature dish. Who will take home the glory and who will go home empty-handed? Find out Friday, October 30, during "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off" character programs at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Other Hike activities will be going on from 6 to 9 p.m. We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hua9qo1g6/
Other Hike activities will be going on from 6 to 9 p.m. We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hua9qo1g6/
The 2027 Schmeeckle Reserve Nature Calendar is here!
Featuring beautiful wildlife photography by Tom Mortenson, these calendars make a wonderful gift for any nature lover. Tom generously donates the calendars, so 100% of sales support Schmeeckle Reserve!
Available now at the Visitor Center Gift Shop.
Featuring beautiful wildlife photography by Tom Mortenson, these calendars make a wonderful gift for any nature lover. Tom generously donates the calendars, so 100% of sales support Schmeeckle Reserve!
Available now at the Visitor Center Gift Shop.
The Candlelight Hike Festival is this Friday from 6-9 p.m.! As you prepare for the event, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
1. Where are the main events? Most events take place near the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive in Stevens Point. Three trail loops lit by tiki torches run throughout the Reserve. See attached map.
2. Where do I park? If the parking lots near the visitor center are full, parking is allowed along North Point Drive and Michigan Avenue. Bring a flashlight to find your way back to your car. See attached map.
3. What if it rains or snows? It won't! But, just in case, the event will go on. Dress for the weather!
4. How much does it cost? The event is free, but we strongly encourage a donation of $4 per person or $10 for family. This allows us to continue offering events for the community. Donation boxes will be located at the main entrances to Schmeeckle. See entrances on the map.
5. What times are the character programs? "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off" programs will be presented at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. It is the same program presented twice. Arrive early for the best seat!
6. Can I bring my dog or pet? Pets are not allowed in Schmeeckle Reserve. Please leave your pets to have a relaxing night alone at home.
7. Where are the bathrooms? Restrooms will be available in the Schmeeckle visitor center and in the trailhead restroom building near the parking lot. See attached map.
8. Is the event accessible for people in wheelchairs and for those with other disabilities? Yes! The main Schmeeckle parking lot off of North Point Drive is reserved for accessible parking. The visitor center, pavilion, amphitheater, and tent are all accessible. The 0.5-mile short loop of the trail is also accessible.
9. Can I bring a stroller? Pushing a stroller through the crowds of people enjoying the hike can be a challenge. If possible, we recommend some type of carrying device for the little ones instead.
10. Will there be snacks? Yes, popcorn, hot cocoa, lemonade, and s'mores will be available for $1 per item (purchase tickets at the Menzel Pavilion).
We hope to see you there!
1. Where are the main events? Most events take place near the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive in Stevens Point. Three trail loops lit by tiki torches run throughout the Reserve. See attached map.
2. Where do I park? If the parking lots near the visitor center are full, parking is allowed along North Point Drive and Michigan Avenue. Bring a flashlight to find your way back to your car. See attached map.
3. What if it rains or snows? It won't! But, just in case, the event will go on. Dress for the weather!
4. How much does it cost? The event is free, but we strongly encourage a donation of $4 per person or $10 for family. This allows us to continue offering events for the community. Donation boxes will be located at the main entrances to Schmeeckle. See entrances on the map.
5. What times are the character programs? "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off" programs will be presented at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. It is the same program presented twice. Arrive early for the best seat!
6. Can I bring my dog or pet? Pets are not allowed in Schmeeckle Reserve. Please leave your pets to have a relaxing night alone at home.
7. Where are the bathrooms? Restrooms will be available in the Schmeeckle visitor center and in the trailhead restroom building near the parking lot. See attached map.
8. Is the event accessible for people in wheelchairs and for those with other disabilities? Yes! The main Schmeeckle parking lot off of North Point Drive is reserved for accessible parking. The visitor center, pavilion, amphitheater, and tent are all accessible. The 0.5-mile short loop of the trail is also accessible.
9. Can I bring a stroller? Pushing a stroller through the crowds of people enjoying the hike can be a challenge. If possible, we recommend some type of carrying device for the little ones instead.
10. Will there be snacks? Yes, popcorn, hot cocoa, lemonade, and s'mores will be available for $1 per item (purchase tickets at the Menzel Pavilion).
We hope to see you there!
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.