Start the summer off outdoors at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve with free programming open to the public.
Join student naturalists for free, family-friendly programs that will explore the natural world. All programs meet at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point. Programs include:
- Wednesday, July 8, 8 a.m. – AM Ornithology – Just getting into birding? Don’t know where to start? Join our student naturalists on a peaceful morning birding hike. Bring your Binoculars and ID books or borrow some from us as we fly into the basics of birding.
- Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m. – Mullein Medicine: Healing Plants in Schmeeckle – Many plants have restorative or medicinal properties – you just have to know where to look! Join student naturalists on a guided walk to explore the medicinal plants found here in Schmeeckle Reserve, including mullein, yarrow, and many more, and discover their uses and benefits.
- Tuesday, July 21, 11 a.m. – Critters of the Creek – Grab your dip nets as we dive into the wonderful underwater world that is the creek. Join student naturalists and explore the creatures of the creek floor in this stream side adventure! Wear clothing you are comfortable getting wet.
- Thursday, July 30, 5:30 p.m. – Creatures of the Night – The creatures of the night are here in Schmeeckle Reserve! Join student naturalists for an evening of wonders and explore how bats, flying squirrels, and American crows benefit their ecosystems.
More programs for all ages will explore Schmeeckle Reserve with UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff. Programs include:
- Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. – Guided Nature Hike: Moses Creek Meadows – Moses Creek Meadows (near Yulga Disc Golf Course). Meander through Moses Creek Meadows with a naturalist from Schmeeckle Reserve and get to know the birds, bugs, and blossoms that call the area home. Parking is available at Yulga Disc Golf Course, 4551 Wojcik Memorial Dr, Stevens Point.
- Tuesday July 7, 6:30 p.m. – “A Tale of Tines” with speaker Dr. Monet Gomes Goethlich – Visitor Center Meeting Room. Found yourself admiring Schmeeckle’s 10-point bucks? Join UW-Stevens Point’s ungulate ecologist and committee member of Wisconsin’s Elk Advisory Board, Dr. Monet Gomes Goethlich, to discover the purpose and biology behind deer antlers.
- Saturday, July 18, 1 p.m. – Paddling 101 – Meet at the Fishing Pier on Lake Joanis. Looking to get your feet wet in the wonderful world of canoeing and kayaking? Join us at Lake Joanis for a family-friendly program on the basics of boating and try your hand at paddling your own canoe (or kayak if you prefer). We will cover paddling skills, boating safety, and practice our skills on the lake in boats provided by Schmeeckle Reserve. The program is free, but registration is required.
- Friday, August 7, 9 p.m. – Night at the Reserve – Meet at the Menzel Pavilion. Become part of the nightlife at Schmeeckle and traverse the trails after hours guided by Schmeeckle naturalist Griffin Bray. Listen to the sounds of summer and try to catch a peek at some of the Reserve’s elusive nocturnal critters.
- Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. – Rocks Rock! –Join longtime rock hound Doug Moore to discover the wonderful world of rocks, minerals, fossils, and agates with hands-on samples. Bring your own rock to be identified!
Schmeeckle student naturalists will also host a weekly nature story time Friday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m. Listen to age-appropriate storybooks on a weekly nature topic and explore the great outdoors with a hands-on activity or craft. Programs will take place at Schmeeckle Reserve, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point.
Summer story time programs include:
- June 26 – Gardening
- July 3 – Respecting Wildlife
- July 10 – Books by Indigenous Authors
- July 17 – Pollinators
- July 24 – Giving Back to Nature
- July 31 – Community
- August 7 – Fire in Nature
- August 14 – Colors in Nature
- August 21 – Under the Water
- August 28 – Insects
For any questions, reach out by emailing schmeeckle@uwsp.edu, calling 715-346-4992 or visiting in person at the Visitor Center. Reasonable accommodation for special needs will be made with advanced notice. Schmeeckle Reserve is a field station of UW-Stevens Point, operated by the College of Natural Resources to protect and restore ecosystems, serve as an outdoor classroom for learning, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn more at uwsp.edu/schmeeckle-reserve.