The Friends of Schmeeckle host several programs and events throughout the year. Explore upcoming events below.
Did you know that Stevens Point is known as the Gateway to the Pineries? Join us on Tuesday, November 25th as we discover how people in the past used these trees to provide for their families. Meet at the Menzel Pavillion before taking a walk through the woods. Uncover how pine trees can meet the
Bears: a furry friend or fearful foe? Mosey on over to learn about the adaptations needed to help a bear thrive! We'll explore a bear's toolkit for survival through hands-on investigation. Presented by Aleda Chambers and Isa Medrano.
Begin creating artwork, taking photos, and writing for the annual arts contest! Categories include Artwork of a medium of your choice (paintings, sculptures, etc.), Writing in the form of an essay, poem, story, etc., Photography with images being high resolution and suitable for print and digital display, and our newest category Digital Art. For more
Follow the wolf, coyote, and fox tracks to learn more about the wild members of the dog family who call Wisconsin home. Using our senses, observation skills and hands-on exploration, we will discover what our canine residents need to survive. Dress for the weather! Presented by Isa Medrano.
Who pooped in the woods? Who left that track behind? It wasn’t me! Take a walk and practice identifying signs of life in the woods to find out which critters are out there. Dress for the weather! Presented by Aleda Chambers.
Have you ever wondered what different clouds tell us about the weather? What causes those cool shapes we see in them? Get to know the different types of clouds and get crafty by creating your own. Presented by Lynx McCoole and Hazel Vandemark.
Join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony for the 12th annual Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Art, Writing, and Photography Contest on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. Visit the Friends website to see previous year's entries.https://friendsofschmeeckle.org/arts-contest/
Is the opossum in your backyard a nuisance or one of nature’s superheroes? Take a hike around Schmeeckle and discover the superpowers of urban wildlife that share our home of Stevens Point. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Emily Lureau.
Ever wonder where animals go during the winter? Put your investigation skills to the test as we find out where our animal friends hibernate and how they wake up! Please dress for the weather. Presented by Sara Haroldsen.
In between the day and the night, creatures of Schmeeckle come to life. Travel the trails at dusk and discover the creative ways that wildlife use the twilight hours. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Madelyn McHugh.
What is something that ties us all together but is often taken for granted? The Sun! Join us on an exploratory walk as we uncover the surprising ways that plants, animals, and people depend on the sun. Please dress for the weather. Presented by Hannah Scherwinski and Madelyn McHugh.
Vanquish beastly weeds while making something beautiful. Discover practical uses for backyard vegetation like hackberry and nettle. We will learn basic weaving and cording techniques, helping our natural community along the way. Presented by Lilly Mahon.