by Melissa Ruether
If you have enjoyed a Discovery Station at the last couple Candlelight Hikes, you can thank the Environmental Educators and Naturalists Association (EENA). This UW-Stevens Point student organization has partnered with the Friends and Schmeeckle Reserve to gain some relevant experience in the world of environmental education and interpretation.
EENA provides members with opportunities to build their skills through a variety of experiences, including networking with professionals in the field, volunteering in the community, and creating and leading educational programs.
Each semester, EENA officers and members decide what types of activities they would like to participate in as an organization. The Candlelight Hike is one of those activities. For many falls, they have helped carve pumpkins. It is always a fun time with pumpkin guts everywhere and plenty of group bonding. The last few semesters EENA has agreed to dive deeper into the Candlelight Hike experience by designing and running the Discovery Stations.
These are hands-on stations that give visitors a look into different topics related to the Candlelight Hike theme. Last spring, the theme was Fluttering Frenzy and EENA developed stations that showcased all things butterflies and moths. This fall, the theme is Totally Terrific Turtles! EENA has been busy planning these stations and they cannot wait to see all of you at the Candlelight Hike this Friday, October 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
If you want to be a part of the fun, you too can volunteer. Interested? Find volunteer opportunities descriptions and signups here!
