The Friends of Schmeeckle host several programs and events throughout the year. Explore upcoming events below.
Join us as we explore the "Lights of the Night" and 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 $2/person or $5/family helps fund future programs and events. "Lights of the
Join us for a "fluttering frenzy" and walk torch-lit half-mile and 1-mile loop trails through the spring woods. Arrive and leave when you like! Cost: Suggested donation of $4/person or $10/family helps fund future programs and events. "Fluttering Frenzy" character programs: Family-friendly programs presented by environmental interpretation students take place at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Are bats the bloodsucking monsters of our nightmares or nature’s helpful heroes? Come learn about how these creatures of the night benefit us and our ecosystem with their nocturnal feeding habits! Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
Long ago, a certain bird took to the skies in groups large enough to block out the sun. Today not even one remains. Join our flock for a fireside chat to discover how the passenger pigeon went from being one of the most common birds to being extinct in only a hundred years, with a
What is a fossil? How do they form? Where and how can you find them? Join us for this fireside chat to get hands-on experience with real fossils and discover what they can tell us about ancient Wisconsin. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone
The history of Schmeeckle reflection the settlement of the state. Join us for a hike to see the traces of Schmeeckle’s logging and farming past and discuss its future as a nature reserve. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
Experience outdoor activities you can use to enhance your enjoyment of nature. Don’t fret, there will be activities for different abilities and interests -- there is plenty of nature to be explored! Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
What happens to leaves after they fall? Why don’t logs pile up to the sky? Is it magic? No! Come break it down with nature’s decomposers and get a behind the scenes look at what really goes on in the woods of Schmeeckle! Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number
Investigate what white-tailed deer have been doing after the peak of the breeding season. We will explore deer behavior and look for deer signs. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
Join us for a hike to the lake! Hear the lake’s origin story and find out about some species that call it home. Create your own story lake story with interactive activities and a craft. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
Take a break from your Thanksgiving preparations and join us for a program about the night sky. Discover different constellation names, shapes, and the stories behind them. Learn how to navigate using only the stars. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
Learn what the “leavings” of animals can tell us about the wildlife that call Schmeeckle home! Join us for a fireside chat and guided exploration of nearby nature. Email us to register for this program. Include the program title, number in your group, and phone number.
