The Friends of Schmeeckle host several programs and events throughout the year. Explore upcoming events below.
Celebrate another successful year! Connect with fellow Friends members over hors d’oeuvres. Recap the past year’s successes during a brief business meeting and vote for board members and officers. Celebrate this year’s award recipients and the extraordinary contributions they’ve made to the Reserve. Former Friends President Jerry Lineberger will reflect on the Friends’ history and
Sponsored by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Get ready to sing and dance along as children's Tom Pease brings his witty songs to the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater for this free summer concert.
Join Schmeeckle education fellows for a weekly story book reading for your tiny tots. Listen to age-appropriate children's books on a weekly nature topic and explore the great outdoors with a hands-on activity or craft. These programs are free and no registration is required. Theme for August 28: Insects
Join rock hound Doug Moore for an introduction to the wonderful world of rocks, minerals, fossils, agates, and more. Bring your own rock to be identified (one per person; ping pong ball size or larger please)! The program is free and all ages are welcome. The program will meet at the Schmeeckle Reserve Meeting Room
Appreciate the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn on a stroll through the woods. Discover why some trees change color and why others hold onto their leaves year-round. Dress for the weather.
Chipmunks dart through Schmeeckle with cheeks stuffed full. From the food they eat to the calls they use, these energetic rodents lead fascinating lives above and below ground. Scamper along the trails to uncover the secrets of their woodland lifestyle. Dress for the weather.
Jump back to the 18th century and report for your first day as a Wisconsin fur trader! Relive the history of the fur trade, touch real furs, learn period trapping techniques, and find out what it takes to succeed. Are you ready for the job? Dress for the weather. Dress for the weather.
Our Wisconsin waters are home to all sorts of wondrous creatures, including one that no one expects—freshwater jellyfish. Meet us at the Lake Joanis Fishing Pier to dive into the lives of these aquatic animals. Dress for the weather.
As temperatures drop, how do Schmeeckle’s animals survive the winter chill? Walk along the trails to meet animals who pack up to migrate and those who hunker down to hibernate during the coldest time of year. Dress for the weather.
Is there an echo out here? Some of Schmeeckle’s birds have a remarkable talent: vocal mimicry! Look into the special adaptations these birds use to imitate the sounds they hear. Take a short hike to search for some local copycats (copy-birds, perhaps). Dress for the weather.
White snakeroot may look like an ordinary wildflower, but hidden within this unassuming plant is a deadly secret. Get an up-close look at white snakeroot, its surprising connection to Midwestern history, and its deep-rooted importance in nature. Dress for the weather.
Join us for the fall Candlelight Hike Festival. Walk half-mile, 1-mile, and 1.5-mile loop trails lit by torches and hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns through the autumn woods and around Lake Joanis. Arrive and leave when you like! Cost: Suggested donation of $4/person or $10/family helps fund future programs and events. "The Great Schmeeckle Bake Off" Character