Museum Renovation: Nature Discovery Area

Schmeeckle Reserve staff and the Friends group are working together to renovate the museum in the visitor center to a hands-on Nature Discovery Area. The renovation began in January 2024. It is being funded entirely by generous donations to the Friends of Schmeeckle. Click here to help make the project a reality!

Project Background

The original Conservation History museum was funded by the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) starting in 1994. The exhibits interpreted the different eras of conservation in Wisconsin over time. After 30 years, the exhibits were showing their age, and representatives from Schmeeckle Reserve and the WCHF determined that a renovation was needed. After much discussion, it was agreed that the museum space would be turned over to Schmeeckle, as the WCHF transitioned to more digital/online modes of education.

To better meet the needs of Schmeeckle and Green Circle visitors, the theme of the museum area is being transitioned from conservation history to the natural history of central Wisconsin. Interactive and hands-on exhibits will interpret the habitats and wildlife that make Schmeeckle special. The entire museum space will be opened up and brightened to provide more room for exploration.

Project Status

In January 2024, Friends volunteers removed the wolf diorama and fire exhibit at the entrance of the museum. The floor, walls, and ceiling were refinished by volunteers and staff throughout the winter season. In May 2024, the live frog, turtle, and fish aquariums were moved from the gift shop to this new space as the first step of the renovation. A digital microscope was also installed to give visitors close-up views of insects, plants, fungi, feathers, and other specimens.

Exhibits continue to be removed and donated to other organizations, such as the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Portage County Historical Society, the Outdoor Heritage Education Center, and the UWSP Olson Museum of Natural History.

Future Plans

Alex Mentele, the current Schmeeckle graduate assistant, will be developing a plan for the new discovery space as part of her graduate thesis work. She will involve community members in in the planning process to reimagine this area. The results of her research will guide the development of new exhibits and experiences. The plan will be finished in May 2026.

Ideas for the discovery area include:

• Hands-on exhibits about different habitats, like forests, prairies, oak savannas, wetlands, streams, and the lake.
• A tree that kids can climb in and on to explore.
• Interactive exploration stations about the amazing adaptations of white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, flying squirrels, butterflies, and other critters.
• Interpretation of land restoration efforts, including prescribed burns, invasive species control, and native plantings.
• Windows will be added to bring in natural light.
• A second door opening will be added to make the bird viewing area more accessible.

If you’re interested in being a part of the planning process, please send a message to info@friendsofschmeeckle.org. Alex will reach out to you with more information.

Photos

Click the albums below to view photos of the exhibit area renovation in process.

Donate to the Nature Discovery Area

The Nature Discovery Area renovation is being funded solely by donations to the Friends of Schmeeckle. Your gift will help make this hands-on space for the community a reality! All donors to the project will be recognized on this web page. Donors who give $500 or more will also have their name etched into a metal plaque that will be installed in the new exhibit area.

Please consider making a gift today that will transform the Schmeeckle museum into a space that will inspire visitors for many years to come.