UWSP releases fall program schedule for Schmeeckle Reserve

Metro Wire Staff

From family nature programs to the fall Candlelight Hike Festival, many public programs are available at UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve this October.

The public is invited to share creations inspired by the Reserve in the ninth annual Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Writing, Art, and Photo Contest.

The Candlelight Hike Festival, “Lights of the Night,” will be held Friday, Oct. 28, from 6-9 p.m., at the reserve, 2419 North Point Dr. It will feature torch and jack-o’-lantern lit trails, children’s programs at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., passport stations with hands-on activities, live raptors on display, craft stations, and s’mores and snacks for sale. The event has a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family.

The Writing, Art, and Photo Contest has a deadline of Friday, Dec. 9. All ages are welcome to participate. Submissions must be accompanied by a 75 to 100-word statement describing how the entry was inspired by time spent in Schmeeckle Reserve.

A reception to honor the winners and participants will be held Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, and all entries will be displayed on the Friends website. For more information and a submission form, go to www.FriendsofSchmeeckle.org/arts-contest.

Nature programs, led by UW-Stevens Point students, are held outside, so dress for the weather. Meet at the Menzel Pavilion unless otherwise noted.

The following programs will be offered in October:

• “A Look into Wisconsin Symbols,” Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6-7 p.m. Learn what animals, minerals, plants, and foods represent the dairy state during a fireside chat.
• “The Versatile Vulture,” Thursday, Oct. 13, 6-7 p.m. Vultures’ dining habits keep humans safe and healthy. How can you help them?
• Backyard Birding Basics,” Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m. Practice using binoculars and new-school birding apps, then discuss how you can contribute to science.
• “Nature: The Masterpiece,” Sunday, Oct. 16, 3-4 p.m. Fall in love with nature and the beauty hidden in Schmeeckle, then create your own masterpiece.
• “Diagnose the Invaders of Schmeeckle!” Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5-6 p.m. The reserve has been invaded by exotic plants – find them and find out how you can prevent the spread.
• “Schmeeckle Insect Superheroes,” Friday, Oct. 21, 6-7 p.m. Join Ant-Man and shrink down to discover insect superheroes and explore their habitats and adaptations.
• “Positive Pollinators,” Saturday, Oct. 22, noon-1 p.m., Pop into the pollinators’ world and find out how you can make the world safer for them.
• “Searching in the Oak Savanna,” Saturday, Oct. 22, 3-4 p.m. Join a guided hike through the oak savanna, and learn about its animals and what makes it so special.
• “Trees of Wisconsin,” Sunday, Oct. 23, 3-4 p.m. Take a short hike to learn about trees in Schmeeckle and what they provide for wildlife and people.
• “Beneficial Bats,” Sunday, Oct. 30, 3-4 p.m. Are bats monsters or helpful heroes? Learn how bats benefit people and our ecosystem.

Participants must register ahead by emailing [email protected], calling 715-346-4992, or in person at the Visitor Center. Include the programs you want to attend, the total in your group, your email address, and your phone number. Confirmations, cancellations, or rain rescheduling information will be sent via email. Reasonable accommodations for special needs will be made with advance 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 www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle.