by Barbara Dixson
The official opening of Moses Creek Meadows really was grand! Such an accomplishment to celebrate: a woods trail to be part of the Green Circle Trail, a spur trail over sedge meadows and across beautiful boardwalks, and a viewing platform offering a vista of the headwaters of Moses Creek. Such wonderful Friends to celebrate, too: the volunteers who planned, labored, and used all their skills and energy towards this creation, the Schmeeckle staff in full support at every point, and the wider community, providing financial and moral support as the project unfolded. Many of the people who made this project happen in those different ways joined in the grand opening celebration on Sunday afternoon, May 19.
And I had a lovely time chatting with several of them! Including, pictured above, Chris Thompson, Friends board member and trail cam photographer par excellence, and Julie.
Ron Zimmerman, Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve president and past director of the Reserve, spoke about the value of the pristine sedge meadows at the source of Moses Creek.
Donna and Dan Marx have jumped in to support every one of the major Friends projects, from the amphitheater to Moses Creek Meadows. Dan was one of the original Friends board members. Dan and Donna helped cut the ribbon for the grand opening.
Gary and Kathy Speckmann chatted with Mike Orella at the opening. Gary, Friends vice president, and Mike, longtime board member, are both part of the Tuesday Crew and put in many hours of work on the property.
Gordon Miller biked out to Moses Creek Meadows from his home on the east side of Stevens Point in order to cheer the project on.
Karl Wolf, Friends board member, is a volunteer who has helped in so many of the Friends’ projects!–including this one.
Noreen and her family from Mosinee drove down to hear the stories, join in the tours, and add to the festive feeling of the day.
So many community members have contributed to Moses Creek Meadows!
Donna Zimmerman has been connected to Schmeeckle since Ron became the Reserve’s first director. She has been a supporter of the Reserve for decades.
Board member Bernie Hlavac listens intently to Ron’s remarks during the ceremony. As a board member, Bernie asks thought-provoking questions and offers sage advice.
Ginny Bondeson is a neighbor to Moses Creek Meadows. She has watched the work with pleased interest.
Heather Bray was in town with her family to celebrate the master’s degree graduation of her son Griffin, who has been Schmeeckle’s amazing graduate assistant for the past two years. Heather got to join Griffin’s guided tour of the property.
Griffin Bray, leading one of three tour groups of the property, explains the map lines.
Jeff LaMarche and Maud LaMarche were delighted to join the festivities.
Linda and Pat Wenzl are strong supporters of this and other green endeavors in the community.