The Friends of Schmeeckle host several programs and events throughout the year. Explore upcoming events below.
Do you find birdsong breathtaking, sunsets stunning, and rainstorms remarkable? Make environmental connections through drawing, writing poetry, and creating crafts. Materials provided but your own art supplies are welcome, too. Presented by Grace Wood. UW-Stevens Point student naturalists lead these free, hands-on programs that explore the outdoor world. All ages are welcome! Please dress for the
While predators may get a bad rap, they actually benefit the environment more than harm it. Explore these hunters’ lives and learn ways we can protect the creatures that call Central Wisconsin home. Presented by Jacob Ladik.
You might have heard that April showers bring May flowers, but what about the thunderbird that brings storms? Hear and share fascinating stories and mythologies connected to rainstorms. Discover how they shape our understanding of weather today. Presented by Grace Wood and Jacob Ladik.
Peek into the big life of Wisconsin’s smallest bird: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird! Experience the love, hardships, and triumphs faced by our feathered friends. Make a hummingbird feeder to end the journey. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Sara Haroldsen, Brennan Dittrich, and Emily Lureau.
Now you see them, now you don’t! Ephemeral ponds are ecosystems that pull a disappearing act. Walk with us as we dive into what forms these temporary ponds and why they are vital to amphibians and other wildlife. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Hannah Scherwinski.
Do you find inspiration in nature? If you enjoy writing, reading a good poem, or just spending time outside, come along to bridge the gap between words and wonder via an interactive, poetry-filled hike around Schmeeckle. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Kevin Norris.
We need your help to plant trees and shrubs donated by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve! Or join us on a litter pickup to tidy up the entire Reserve.Pre-registration is not required. Check-in and registration begins at 9 a.m. at the visitor center at 2419 North Point Drive. What to bring and things to know:
In 2025, the Friends completed the construction of the Frog Chorus Boardwalk and the North Lake Overlook, granting better access to Lake Joanis. To celebrate, the grand opening event will be held at the Menzel Pavilion to recognize donors and volunteers who made these projects possible. After the grand opening ceremony, take a guided hike to
Meander through Moses Creek Meadows with a naturalist from Schmeeckle Reserve and get to know the birds, bugs, and blossoms that call the area home. We will meet at the Yulga Disc Golf Course parking lot and walk to the site on the Green Circle trail. Please dress for the weather and conditions; the hike
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 June 26: Gardens and gardening
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 July 3: Respecting Nature
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 July 10: Books by Indigenous authors