Schmeeckle Reserve Staff

Ron Zimmerman, Director

Ron became the first Director of Schmeeckle Reserve in 1977.  Under his leadership and guidance, the Reserve has grown to 275 acres with miles of trails and boardwalks, a full-service visitor center, and partnerships with local organizations like the Green Circle Trail and Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.  He has been teaching environmental interpretation at the University with Dr. Michael Gross for over 25 years.  Ron and Mike have authored the Interpreter's Handbook Series, which are used to train interpreters throughout the country.  

E-mail: rzimmerm@uwsp.edu

Jim Buchholz, Assistant Director

Jim graduated with a Master's degree in Environmental Education/Interpretation from Stevens Point.  He became the first Assistant Director of Schmeeckle Reserve in 2002.  Growing up in and around state parks, he developed a keen interest in natural history at a young age. Jim served as a volunteer naturalist at Kohler-Andrae State Park for many years, and was an outdoor educator at the Outdoor Skills and Education Center in Plymouth.  He developed the Interpretive Technology Lab in Schmeeckle Reserve and helps teach environmental interpretation courses at the University.

E-mail: jbuchhol@uwsp.edu