Schmeeckle Reserve in Fall Colors
UW-Stevens Point students are among those who enjoy time in Schmeeckle Reserve.

Schmeeckle Reserve helps UW-Stevens Point student success

For many students and community residents, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point would not be complete without Schmeeckle Reserve, the 280-acre nature conservancy on the north end of campus.
 
“Not only does it provide refuge and stress relief for students and the community at large, it is also a fantastic recruiting tool and research opportunity,” said one UW-Stevens Point student responding to the survey. “It’s a powerful and practical symbol of our university’s commitment to the proper stewardship of our state’s shared natural resources.”
 
Two recent surveys of students and community members show just how much value the reserve brings to Stevens Point. Erika Jensen, Schmeeckle trail recreation intern and a senior forestry recreation major from Farmington, Minn., administered both surveys and compiled the results.
 
More than 1,110 students took the survey earlier this year, of whom 93 percent had visited the reserve. Nearly 30 percent said they did so four or more times a month.
 
Those who regularly visit the reserve said it helps them escape the stress of college life. Eighty percent said the reserve is a valuable part of their experience at UW-Stevens Point. More than 35 percent said the reserve was a reason they chose to attend the university.
 
“This survey confirms how important the Schmeeckle Reserve experience is to university students,” said Ron Zimmerman, director of the natural area since 1979.
 
Of students who visit the reserve, the top five activities were walking (95 percent), jogging or running (62 percent), wildlife watching (61 percent), attending classes (42 percent) and photography or art (35 percent).
 
UW-Stevens Point students help support Schmeeckle Reserve through $13.56 in student activity fees paid each year per student. About 92 percent of students support the activity fee being used to fund Schmeeckle, and 74 percent of respondents said they would support an increase to help offset the costs of maintaining and operating the reserve. Eighty-eight of the respondents also supported expanding the natural area.
 
A second survey was distributed over the past three years to recreational visitors at the reserve. Of those who responded, 95 percent said the natural area contributes to the character of Stevens Point, and about 86 percent said they felt a pride in their community when visiting the reserve.
 
Respondents said they believe Schmeeckle Reserve provides essential services, with 96 percent of visitors agreeing that the reserve is a valuable educational venue for the area. Ninety-four percent said Schmeeckle Reserve is vital in protecting the landscape from further development.