The Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 Northpoint Dr. (Courtesy UWSP)
The Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 Northpoint Dr. (Courtesy UWSP)

Schmeeckle Reserve offers full slate of free summer programs

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT — Families, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will have plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors this summer as UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve launches a season of free public programming.

The reserve, located at 2419 North Point Drive, will host a variety of guided hikes, educational programs, paddling instruction, birding walks and nature-based activities throughout the summer. Most events are free and open to all ages.

Student naturalists will lead several family-friendly programs focused on wildlife, plants and local ecosystems. Programs include a morning birding hike on July 8, a guided exploration of medicinal plants on July 12, a creek investigation for aquatic creatures on July 21 and an evening program on nocturnal wildlife on July 30.

Additional programs led by UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff will explore topics ranging from local ecology to deer biology and paddling skills.

The summer schedule includes:

  • June 20, 10 a.m. — Guided Nature Hike: Moses Creek Meadows
  • July 7, 6:30 p.m. — “A Tale of Tines,” presented by UW-Stevens Point ungulate ecologist Dr. Monet Gomes Goethlich
  • July 18, 1 p.m. — Paddling 101 on Lake Joanis (registration required)
  • Aug. 7, 9 p.m. — Night at the Reserve, a guided nighttime hike

Schmeeckle Reserve also will offer weekly Nature Story Time sessions on Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. beginning June 26 and continuing through Aug. 28. Programs are designed for young children and feature nature-themed books followed by hands-on activities or crafts.

Weekly topics include gardening, respecting wildlife, books by Indigenous authors, pollinators, giving back to nature, community, fire in nature, colors in nature, underwater ecosystems and insects.

All programs meet at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.

For more information, contact Schmeeckle Reserve at 715-346-4992 or email [email protected].

Schmeeckle Reserve serves as a field station for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources, supporting ecosystem conservation, outdoor education and recreation opportunities for the community.