Getting Batty Monday, October 7, 6 p.m. Presenter: Rick Hengel
Bats have chosen Wisconsin as their home for several reasons, many of which are
not too different from our own. Discover how they live, why their numbers are
declining, and how it will affect us.
It’s All About Apples Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 p.m. Presenter: Hillary Niemi
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, October 11, 5:30 p.m. Presenter: Roxy Gerard
Iverson Park is more than just a great place for picnics. It represents the hard
work and dedication of the city’s residents over the past 100 years. Join us as
we explore Iverson’s rich history. Meet at Iverson Park’s north parking lot
located off Hwy. 66/Park Ridge Dr.
Autumn Color Cascade Saturday, October 12, 1 p.m. Presenter: Sam Haack
Color your mind with nature’s palette and hike with us through Schmeeckle
Reserve to discover why certain plants and animals change color every fall.
Insect Insomnia Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. Presenter: Courtney McKoy
It’s easy to see bugs during the day, but have you wondered what they are up
to after you go to sleep? Join us for a campfire program and get up close and
personal with some night-loving insects of Schmeeckle.
The Facts and Fiction of Schmeeckle’s Trees Thursday, October 17, 5 p.m. Presenter: Holly Galetka
Sometimes we take for granted the best things ever planted; but knock on wood, a
stroll in Schmeeckle will help a new appreciation take root. Enjoy tales
of the past while learning some lesser known facts about the trees around you.
Once In A Hunter’s Moon
Friday, October 18, 7 p.m. Presenter: Shane Kauzlaric
The Hunter’s Moon or the Blood Moon is the traditional name for a full moon
in October. Join us under the moonlight to find out the legend behind this
natural phenomenon.
Raging River Pigs Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m. Presenter: Nick Tomassucci
River pigs braved the rushing waters of Wisconsin’s rivers while driving
logs downstream to waiting lumber mills, helping transform our great state
into what it is today. Meet a river pig and join him on his perilous journey
to deliver timber. Meet at the downtown Stevens Point Square.
Potent Poisonous Plants Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 p.m. Presenter: Chris Rada
The plants of Schmeeckle Reserve hold many secrets, including some deadly
ones. Discover how to identify poisonous species and why their lethal
adaptations are beneficial.
Nature’s Everyday Hoarders Thursday, November 21, 6 p.m. Presenter: Bree Hanson
What should I do when I find a baby bird on the ground? Discover the do’s and
don’ts of common wildlife issues, and explore how wildlife rehabilitation plays
a role in keeping animals wild.
Wisconsin’s Extreme Survivors
Wednesday, October 30, 5 p.m. Presenter: Bree Hanson
Friday, November 22, 5 p.m. Presenter: Chris Rada
Many animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers and raccoons
stockpile food so they can survive through lean times. Discover what an
animal goes through to make sure it has enough food.
Halloween Hieroglyphics
Thursday, October 31, 6 p.m. Presenter: Lindsay Buesgens
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
our Harvest Hall. Costumes are encouraged.
Oak Savannas: Dominant to Endangered
Saturday, November 2, 3 p.m. Presenter: Jacob Ponkratz
Once a common cover type in Portage County, oak savannas now are
rare. Tour through these massive trees and learn about their management and
fiery history! Meet at Wood Lane on the eastern entrance to Schmeeckle Reserve.
Schmeeckle’s Superheroes
Sunday, November 3, 2 p.m. Presenter: Shane Kauzlaric
Schmeeckle Reserve is home to its very own command center of superheroes,
including spiders, raccoons, trees and bats. Watch as we reveal how their
“super” power adaptations compare to the familiar superheroes.
The Masked Bandit
Sunday, November 10, 1 p.m. Presenter: Hillary Niemi
Have you ever wondered about the secret life of the raccoon? Discover their
secretive lifestyle and habits, and watch footage of real raccoons foraging in
Schmeeckle Reserve.
Raising the Bar on Recycling
Friday, November 15, 5 p.m. Presenter: Katie Rischar
“Is this recyclable?” Get answers while discovering how recycling has evolved,
by celebrating America Recycles Day! You’ll be surprised to see what products
are made from recycled material and find new ways to reuse common items.
Tracking Signs of Life Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m. Presenter: Rick Hengel
Where have they been and where are they going? Explore ways to find out what
critter left behind their signs of life. Become a wildlife detective and reconstruct
the stories of an animal by collecting clues.
Now You See Me Dances with Birds Tuesday, October 22, 5 p.m. Presenter: Katie Rischar
Sunday, November 17, 1 p.m. Presenter: Sam Haack
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 along the way to see what nature can teach us about art and life.
Keep ’em Wild Birds of a feather dance together. Many Wisconsin birds have elaborate
courtship dances for attracting mates. Explore the intricate steps of bird love and
come shake a tail feather!
Plants and animals existed before the appearance of humans. Discover the
incredible achievements of some of Wisconsin’s species, as well as how
they perform such astounding feats.
Ale Tales
Monday, November 25, 7 p.m. Presenters: Jacob Ponkratz
& Alec Brown
From breweries to pubs, from Prohibition to the bottom of the barrel,
experience how beer has played a vital role in crafting central Wisconsin’s
heritage.
Bald Eagles: Living Legends
Monday, December 2, 7 p.m. Presenter: Nick Tomassucci
Using their incredible adaptations, bald eagles have survived, thrived, and
endeared themselves into the hearts of Wisconsinites.
The Quilled Tale of a Porcupine
Wednesday, December 4, 6 p.m. Presenter: Holly Galetka
Do you think porcupines can shoot their quills when threatened?
Explore the facts and folklore of Wisconsin’s second-largest rodent, the quill pig.
Farmers of the Forest Saturday, December 7, 5 p.m. Presenter: Lindsay Buesgens
Meet Schmeeckle’s very own local laborers. These creatures act as the planters,
harvesters, and butchers of the forest. Discover the connection between nature’s
farmers and the “farm to fork” movement of Stevens Point.
Fish On!
Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m. Presenter: Roxy Gerard
What do you get when you combine ice, a pole, a bucket and your family?
Memories that will last a lifetime. Throw on your ice crampons and trek on
over; as we will drill deeper into the meaning of “Gone Fishing.”
Frigid Feathers Monday, December 9, 6 p.m. Presenter: Alec Brown
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Discover how our feathered friends brave
winter’s wrath. Help your winter neighbors by bringing a clean milk or juice
carton to build a feeder.
Migratory Madness Wednesday, December 11, 6 p.m. Presenter: Courtney McKoy
With the chill of winter comes an annual tradition among ducks and geese
in Wisconsin: migration! Join us for a program that will reveal more about
waterfowl along the Wisconsin River as they prepare for this great journey.
= Dress for the weather!
2013 Fall Candlelight Hike Festival
Schmeeckle Reserve
Discover woodpeckers, worms, beetles, fungi and
other critters that serve as a cleanup crew for debris
on the forest floor of Schmeeckle.
Arrive when you please for this FREE event!
(suggested donation of $2/person or $5/family)
Program: “Nature’s Recyclers”
Presented at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the campfire ring.
As the cool air of autumn blows in, leaves and branches drop and
pile up on the forest floor. Who cleans up the mess so we’re not
buried in debris? Meet nature’s recyclers, animals and fungi who
have the important job of cleaning up the forest floor. Characters
come to life in a fun campfire program for the entire family!
Other events all evening:
Directions to Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center
Schmeeckle Reserve
2419 North Point Drive
Stevens Point, WI
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Schmeeckle Reserve
2419 North Point Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Walk half-mile and one-mile paths lit by torches.
Discovery Stations featuring hands-on activities.
Free colorful crafts and sweet snacks.
Peruse fall gifts in the Browse Shop.
Free door prizes.
For more information, call 715-346-4992
or visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle
Join our Facebook page at facebook.com/SchmeeckleReserve.
Email schmeeckle@uwsp.edu to receive an electronic version of this brochure in the future.
Friday, October 25, 6-9 p.m.
Fall 2013 Programs
Photo by: Gemma Garner
Schmeeckle Reserve