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
Despite the inclement weather this summer, our trail crew volunteers have been hard at work on the Sedge Meadow Trail East boardwalk project. Yesterday, the crew finished removing all pieces of the old narrow boardwalk, and completed the first section of the new 8-foot-wide boardwalk on the lake end!
The old treated boardwalk lumber is available for free in the gravel overflow parking lot near the Schmeeckle visitor center. Please use caution as the lumber has sharp edges and screws embedded.
A special thank you to our dedicated Tuesday crew members! If you're interested in joining the crew, contact us at any time.
The old treated boardwalk lumber is available for free in the gravel overflow parking lot near the Schmeeckle visitor center. Please use caution as the lumber has sharp edges and screws embedded.
A special thank you to our dedicated Tuesday crew members! If you're interested in joining the crew, contact us at any time.
Ever wonder why we burn prairies in Schmeeckle? Wonder no more! Join us on Tuesday, August 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and discover the benefits of fire for restoring prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands with UWSP forestry professor Dr. Michael Tiller.
Dr. Tiller is a forestry professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) specializing in fire ecology, fire effects monitoring, and prescribed fire as a tool for ecosystem restoration and wildlife habitat management. He teaches forest ecology, fire ecology, wildland fire behavior, and wildland fire policy, and leads the UWSP Fire Science Program while serving as advisor to the UWSP Fire Crew. Through prescribed burning and applied field experiences, students contribute to foundational prescribed fire research projects at Schmeeckle Reserve and Treehaven that evaluate fire effects and identify effective prescribed fire practices across pine forests, oak woodlands, oak savannas, prairies, barrens, and wetlands.
Dr. Tiller is a forestry professor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) specializing in fire ecology, fire effects monitoring, and prescribed fire as a tool for ecosystem restoration and wildlife habitat management. He teaches forest ecology, fire ecology, wildland fire behavior, and wildland fire policy, and leads the UWSP Fire Science Program while serving as advisor to the UWSP Fire Crew. Through prescribed burning and applied field experiences, students contribute to foundational prescribed fire research projects at Schmeeckle Reserve and Treehaven that evaluate fire effects and identify effective prescribed fire practices across pine forests, oak woodlands, oak savannas, prairies, barrens, and wetlands.
New in the gift shop: handcrafted wooden glow lights! Each light is handmade in Minnesota and features a nature-inspired design. A beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece for your home or cabin, or a thoughtful gift for the nature lover in your life. Come take a look next time you're at the Visitor Center! Open 9 AM – 4 PM daily
While we're still a few months out from the spooky season, it's never too early to give some of Schmeeckle's "creepy" critters some love! Come meet them on July 30 at 5:30 p.m. and hear all about how bats, flying squirrels, and American crows benefit their ecosystems in this free, all ages program.
For more information, please visit the event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/191b6SrhRf/
Red bat (4a) by Chris Harshaw; CC BY-SA 3.0
For more information, please visit the event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/191b6SrhRf/
Red bat (4a) by Chris Harshaw; CC BY-SA 3.0
Get lost in Wisconsin — one page at a time!
Our gift shop shelves are stocked with everything you need to know (and a few things you didn't) about the Badger State. From trail guides to tales of the strange and spooky, there's a book here for every kind of explorer.
🥾 Hiking, biking & paddling guides
🌸 Wildflower & wildlife field guides
👻 Myths, mysteries & haunted history
🏘️ Small-town road trip inspiration
Whether you're planning your next adventure or just love a good local legend, stop in and find your next read!
Our gift shop shelves are stocked with everything you need to know (and a few things you didn't) about the Badger State. From trail guides to tales of the strange and spooky, there's a book here for every kind of explorer.
🥾 Hiking, biking & paddling guides
🌸 Wildflower & wildlife field guides
👻 Myths, mysteries & haunted history
🏘️ Small-town road trip inspiration
Whether you're planning your next adventure or just love a good local legend, stop in and find your next read!
Ever wanted to see what a baby dragonfly looks like? Well this is your chance!
Join Schmeeckle student naturalists at 11:00 a.m. on July 21 and dive into the wonderful underwater world to meet the animals that call the creek floor home. This program is free and all ages are welcome. While we don't plan on going for a swim, we will be looking for critters in trays of water, so please wear clothing you are comfortable getting wet.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/185yfhEiMo/
Join Schmeeckle student naturalists at 11:00 a.m. on July 21 and dive into the wonderful underwater world to meet the animals that call the creek floor home. This program is free and all ages are welcome. While we don't plan on going for a swim, we will be looking for critters in trays of water, so please wear clothing you are comfortable getting wet.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/185yfhEiMo/
