by Barbara Dixson
Conservation, education, and recreation: these are the foundations of Schmeeckle Reserve’s mission, and conservation comes first. This fall’s practicum students have given us a window into four of the recent projects which have been restoring Schmeeckle’s widely diverse habitats. You can be surprised by them as you wander, or you can pick up a passport challenge at the visitor center or at the link below, follow the map, and even, if you wish, get a prize at the end of the adventure.
A storm with a powerful straight wind hit the Reserve in 2017, knocking down many trees. Now the southern edge of the Reserve, on Maria Drive below Lake Joanis, sports interesting fencing and all kinds of new trees and plants.
This family taking a cold weather walk around Lake Joanis paused to take in the story behind the restored space.
Berard Oaks, along the Green Circle Trail in the northeast corner of the Reserve, has been restored as an oak savanna. Wonderful birds, like the Red-headed Woodpecker, have found a welcome in this habitat that suits them perfectly.
The oak savanna restoration project experienced a setback when oak wilt invaded. That’s why you have seen trees cut in this area, to prevent the spread of the disease.
Do you remember what the Moses Creek wetland restoration looked like in 2010? The pines came down, the red mud piled up, and the ground looked barren. Now? Now we see beautiful meanders, lovely transient ponds, wildflowers, and the delighted creatures who have made their homes in this wetland space.
Along the Frog Chorus trail on the east side of Michigan Avenue, invasive glossy buckthorn thought it had triumphed. Not so! The UWSP Fire Crew vanquished it, and a troupe of volunteers planted native saplings in this area.