Free, public programs at Schmeeckle Reserve in March

For the Metro Wire

Spring is coming early to Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, with a variety of free programs that celebrate the upcoming season.

These public programs will be taught by UW-Stevens Point students at the reserve’s Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Dr., Stevens Point, unless otherwise noted. Some activities are outdoors, so dress for the weather. For more information, call 715-346-4992 or go to www.uwsp.edu/cnr/schmeeckle.

March programs include:

· Sweet and Sappy, Tuesday, March 6, 5-6 p.m. Walk through the reserve to discover how syrup nourishes both trees and people.

· Spring Cleaning: Hibernator Style, Thursday, March 8, 6-7 p.m. What is on the to-do list of animals when they wake up from a long winter’s nap?

· Long-legged Legends, Thursday, March 15, 6-7 p.m. Explore how sandhill cranes adapt to become experts in wetland survival and how they keep wetlands healthy.

· Forest and Fire: An Unlikely Friendship, Saturday, March 17, 1-2 p.m. A tree spirit will share how fire can help keep forests healthy.

· Times, They are A-Changin’, Tuesday, March 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Many changes are coming for plants, birds and animals as spring returns to the reserve.

· Water World, Thursday, March 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Lake Joanis is home to a multitude of native animals and plants, but also hosts some sinister invasive species. This program meets at the intersection of Marie Drive and Minnesota Avenue.