From Green to Gold
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.
The Friends of Schmeeckle host several programs and events throughout the year. Explore upcoming events below.
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
What makes a frog a frog? Where might salamanders hunker down during winter? Get to know some of our friendly neighborhood amphibians and investigate the ways they survive and thrive.
Have you ever stared at a rabbit’s buck teeth or your puppy’s canines and wondered why they’re different? Take a bite into the incredible things we can learn about mammals from their dental diaries, and nibble on the tales told by teeth.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown — but for bucks, antlers aren’t just extra weight. From velvet to bone, having antlers is as fascinating as it is demanding. Bound on down to Schmeeckle to explore the process, see real skulls and antlers, and find out what happens when growth goes wrong. Dress for
Have you ever wondered what happens to pollinators when winter arrives? Find out the fascinating ways bees, butterflies, and other Wisconsin pollinators make it through the coldest months, then head out on a short hike to see these strategies in action. Dress for the weather.