Welcome fall through programs at UW-Stevens Point's Schmeeckle Reserve
10/4/2013
 
Welcome fall through programs at UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve

Welcome fall and learn about the world around you through nature programs offered this month at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve, including the annual Candlelight Hike Festival.

Taught by UW-Stevens Point students, the free programs meet at the reserve’s Visitor Center, located at 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 715-346-4992 or go to www.uwsp.edu/cnr/schmeeckle. Dress for the weather, as most programs are outdoors.

Program offerings in October include:

·         Getting Batty, Monday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. Discover how bats live, why their numbers are declining and how this will affect people.

·         It’s All About Apples, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. The myth, the man, the legend – meet Johnny Appleseed and taste how thousands of years have made the apple one of America’s most popular fruits.

·         Iverson’s Backbone, Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. Explore the rich history of Iverson Park, which represents the hard work and dedication of city residents over the past 100 years. Meet at Iverson Park’s north parking lot, located off Highway 66/Park Ridge Drive.

·         Autumn Color Cascade, Saturday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. Color your mind with nature’s palette as you hike through Schmeeckle Reserve to discover why certain plants and animals change color every fall.

·         Insect Insomnia, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. What do bugs do when you go to sleep? Join a campfire program to get up close and personal with the night-loving insects of Schmeeckle Reserve.

·         The Facts and Fiction of Schmeeckle’s Trees, Thursday, Oct. 17, 5 p.m. A stroll through Schmeeckle Reserve will help a new appreciation of trees take root. Hear tales from the past while learning about the trees around you.

·         Once in a Hunter’s Moon, Friday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. The Hunter’s Moon, or Blood Moon, is the traditional name for a full moon in October. Join us under the moonlight to learn the legend behind this natural phenomenon.

·         Raging River Pigs, Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. “River pigs,” or the men who delivered timber downstream, braved the rushing waters of the Wisconsin to drive logs to the waiting lumber mills of the past. Meet a river pig and join him on his perilous journey to deliver timber. Meet at the downtown Mathias Mitchell Public Square.

·         Now You See Me, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m. Discover the beauty behind nature’s diverse textures and hidden patterns by taking a hike in an artist’s shoes. Unearth works by Frost, Thoreau and other writers to see what nature teaches about art and life.

·         Potent Poisonous Plants, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. The plants of Schmeeckle Reserve hold many secrets, including deadly ones. Discover how to identify poisonous species and find out why their lethal adaptations are beneficial.

·         2013 Fall Candlelight Hike Festival, Friday, Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. Join as Schmeeckle Reserve recognizes “Nature’s Recyclers” through family campfire programs at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Additional activities include half-mile and one-mile walks along torch lit paths, discovery stations with hands on activities and free crafts, snacks and door prizes. The event is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family.

·         Nature’s Everyday Hoarders, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m. Many animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers and raccoons, stockpile food to survive in hard times. Discover what an animal goes through to make sure it has enough food.

·         Halloween Hieroglyphics, Thursday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. Join the Witch of the Wetlands as she demystifies the cultural and spiritual symbols of All Hallows’ Eve. Test your fates and play traditional games inside the Harvest Hall. Costumes are encouraged.​


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CNR