Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors enjoy the new boardwalk through the Moses Creek Restored Wetland, October 2011 e eeckle Rese hm rv Sc U ni ve rs oin t July 2010 - June 2011 Annual Report ity o sP f Wisconsin-Steven eeckle Reser m ve h Sc ve rsi oi nt U ni ty of W is c on s i n - S t e v P ens A field station of the College of Natural Resources, serving the University and greater community July 2010 - June 2011 Annual Report Prepared November 2011 Schmeeckle Reserve University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone: (715) 346-4992 E-mail: schmeeckle@uwsp.edu Internet: http://www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle Director: Ron Zimmerman Assistant Director: Jim Buchholz 1 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Schmeeckle Reserve Contributing to a Sense of Community in Central Wisconsin Since its beginning in 1976, Schmeeckle Reserve has held a special place in the community. It is a location where students, faculty, city residents, and visitors can gather and celebrate the unique qualities that make central Wisconsin a great place to live. To some, the Reserve is a quiet refuge from urban and campus life; to others, it is a living laboratory for research and classes; and for many, it defines our campus’ and community’s sense of place and rich history. Schmeeckle Reserve is an integral component of the central Wisconsin community. It is a peaceful sanctuary where area residents mingle casually with university students, faculty, and staff. When surveyed, citizens consistently identify the Reserve as a place that contributes greatly to their quality of life in Portage County. A goal of the Reserve has always been to preserve and celebrate the unique landscape of central Wisconsin; maintaining select habitats for study, research, and the spiritual enjoyment of the visiting public. Schmeeckle helps residents and visitors to feel a sense of place. It allows people to develop a relationship with the land, experience the rhythm of the seasons, and just as importantly, to participate in festivals and celebrations that help bind us into a central Wisconsin community. The Reserve continues to grow in size and popularity with more people than ever before. The student staff has been increasing to better maintain and improve trails and natural habitats and to serve visitors. Special events and public programs continue to attract thousands of local supporters. Class use and research are growing, and the visitor center hosts more statewide environmental meetings than ever before. Panorama photo of Lake Joanis. October 2009. 2 Highlights of 2010-2011 Hytry Land Donation The Victor and Lorraine Hytry family generously donated an important parcel of land to Schmeeckle in spring of 2011. Located near the Green Circle Trail and Moses Creek wetland, it is a prominent gateway for people entering the Reserve from North Point Drive. It was the family’s wish to recognize their husband and father’s love of the outdoors by making this donation which forever preserves the forested parcel. Lorraine Hytry and family at the Hytry Land Donation ceremony, October 2011 Critical Easement connecting the Moses Creek Restored Wetland to the Lake Trail A trail easement was signed in February 2011 with an adjacent land owner permitting a boardwalk to be built connecting the popular Lake Joanis trail with the new Moses Creek boardwalk. Schmeeckle student staff completed the boardwalk in April in anticipation of heavy foot traffic during the warm spring weather. Pedestrians and bikers can now access the wetland and conveniently connect with the Green Circle Trail. The boardwalk under construction through the trail easement land adjacent to Lake Joanis. Cleanup of Storm Damage On July 19, 2011 a severe windstorm flattened thousands of trees in Schmeeckle Reserve. Trails were closed for over a week while the Schmeeckle student maintenance crew cleared paths through the logs and removed dangerous hanging trees and branches. Cleanup adjacent to public trails will continue over the next year. Larger trees are being cut for lumber that will be made into rustic signs, benches, and overlooks in the natural area. Smaller trees and branches will be chipped for trail surfacing. A severe windstorm in July flattened thousands of trees over the trails in Schmeeckle Reserve. 3 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Highlights of 2010-2011 Restoration of Moses Creek frogs are frequently observed in the wetlands. Research being conducted by UWSP faculty and students will track the establishment of vegetation in the wetland and aquatic life in the creek. This past year, a former ditch on the east side of Schmeeckle Reserve was restored to a free flowing stream. The Moses Creek Restoration Project was funded as a $1.3 million mitigation project through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The Moses Creek Restoration Area was officially opened at a dedication ceremony on May 11, 2011. A shallow, meandering channel was excavated for the creek, along with 17 acres of adjacent wetlands that serve as a floodplain. Islands of oaks and maples rise above the new sedge meadows. And a half mile of new boardwalk trails invite walkers and bikers to explore the habitat, which also serves as a gateway from campus to the Green Circle Trail. Wisconsin DOT will continue to monitor the restoration area and control invasive species for the next 10 years. Over the past summer, the area has greened up with a carpeting of new wetland plants, shrubs, and trees. Wildlife such as Greenbacked Herons, Eastern Bluebirds, and green Chris Knotts (Army Corps of Engineers), Mayor Andrew Halverson, Ron Zimmerman, Mark Gottlieb (Secretary of Wisconsin DOT), and Chancellor Bernie Patterson took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 11, 2011. 4 1,900’ g Fro Green Circle Trail 0’ 80’ 820’ Treehouse 0’ 1,450’ C Swale Swale Main Restoration Area South Fork Wetlands m ’ ’ 450 4t X 1,490’ 115’ Student emorial South Shore ds Residential Subdivision an John Joanis Memorial We tl 0.1 mi) 365’ 375’ Ross Amphitheater Lake Joanis Lake Restoration Area 310’ 305’ Maria 150’ 200’ 210’ 740’ 740’ ’New Moses Creek Channel 320 Indiana Avenue North 645 X X X North Shore h Swale Rappelling Tower Cr Old Moses Creek Channel Drive Min a sot ne ue en Av Michigan Avenue Illinois Avenue y Hw 5 66 New trails and boardwalks ey nl e X O es os M Ch nu Trail (1 p Loo w ek Cre ses Mo ld k ee l ne an X XX n ha i) ke La 155’ Swale Av e (Visitor Center to Lake Loop: 0.3 mi) 405’ X XX 30 Ne 730’ Trail of Reflections (0.5 mi) 1,665’ Plank T rail (0.1 mi) 1,020’ rus Tra il (0.2 mi) Cho 1,050’ 215’ X Wilshire Drive 98 360’ Tra il (0.3 mi) X Wetlands Reflection Pond e enu Av ’ 125’ X X XX Wood Lane an 970 Compost Gardens 320’ 0’ 59 ) mi .2 ( 0 860’ ig ch Mi 290’ Marsh Overlook do w 290’ 170’ S Ser avann vic a T e D rai riv l e t Bat Station 310’ ne l 5’ 170’ 82 i) ead 690’ ows il (0.1 m Tra SP eball eld 1,630’ North Point Drive 585’ e Mea Moses Creek Restoration Area Map Visitor Center St re e ’ Bi rc h 1,070 y H w 66 / a St Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Highlights of 2010-2011 Moses Creek Wetland Viewing Deck Visitors to the restored Moses Creek Wetland will be able to enjoy a relaxing view of the sedge meadows and superb wildlife watching from a new overlook. Donations from friends and family of Susan Lineberger have made this possible. An elevated platform with a viewing scope and rustic swing protected under a sod roof invite people to take some time to enjoy the natural setting. Schmeeckle student staff are constructing the deck. Moses Creek Wetland Viewing Deck under construction, September 2011 Improved Biking Trail across Schmeeckle The Green Circle Trail was upgraded across the northern section of the Schmeeckle Reserve in late fall of 2010. In the past, bikers were slowed by narrow wood chipped trails. The improved trail was widened to eight feet with hard surfaced crushed granite for easier riding and safety. Schmeeckle student staff prepared the corridor for the trail enhancement. Funding was generously provided by the Green Circle Board. New Moses Creek Bridge The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has funded a “deluxe” bridge over the recently restored Moses Creek. The money to build the bridge was awarded to Schmeeckle in early spring of 2011. Schmeeckle’s student crew built the engineered structure in summer. It is ten feet wide and provides a safe crossing for the increased bike and pedestrian use of this popular trail. Schmeeckle employees construct a new bridge over Moses Creek, part of the Green Circle Trail. 6 A/V System Installed in Meeting Room The Schmeeckle Reserve meeting room is used heavily by both community and UWSP organizations. A technology mini-grant through the College of Natural Resources provided seed funding to upgrade the meeting room with a new A/V system. This provides groups with a computer, ceilingmounted projector, speakers, cordless mouse, and document camera for enhanced presentations. This also benefits students in the environmental education/interpretation program who deliver public programs. A environmental education/interpretation student, Rosa Narus, presents a public program with the new meeting room A/V equipment. Exotic Invasive Species Control Schmeeckle student staff continue the battle to remove buckthorn from the Reserve. Buckthorn is an exotic invasive shrub that strangles out native vegetation. Support from CNR funds for equipment and herbicide helped staff to remove several acres of buckthorn from around Lake Joanis this past summer. Schmeeckle staff cut through a wall of buckthorn near Lake Joanis. The invasive species shade out native plants. Buckthorn plants require treatment with herbicide after being cut. Upgrade of Environmental Monitoring Station Installed last year, the Schmeeckle Environmental Monitoring Station continues to serve as a valuable tool. Additional sensors were added this summer with funding from the Waters discipline in the CNR. This included a heated rain/snow sensor and leaf wetness sensor. Students, faculty, and the general public can access real-time and historic monitoring data online at www.uwsp. edu/schmeeckle/weather. The station benefits natural resources, ecology, and biology classes, as well as research projects such as bat and flying squirrel monitoring. A newly installed leaf wetness sensor on the environmental monitoring station. 7 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report UWSP Student Employees: 2010-2011 Best Place to Work on Campus For the fourth year in a row, student employees voted Schmeeckle Reserve as one of the best places to work on campus. Students are critical to the operation and maintenance of the natural area. All positions are made possible through SGA funding. During the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year: • 42 students were hired in Summer 2010 • 61 students were hired from August 2010 to May 2011 • 29 students were hired in Summer 2011 Schmeeckle was voted one of the best places to work on campus in 2011 by student employees. New Graduate Assistant Developing a Volunteer Support Organization Schmeeckle Reserve’s new graduate assistant, Megan Espe, will be studying the development of a nonprofit Friends group for the natural area. Her research will provide insight into creating long-term financial and volunteer support. Megan also assists in the teaching of several Environmental Education/ Interpretation courses. The position is funded by the College of Natural Resources. Being the graduate assistant at Schmeeckle Reserve exponentially increases the value of my education at UW-Stevens Point. The practical skills I am gaining and the time I spend in the presence of talented mentors will prove invaluable throughout the rest of my career. —Megan Espe, Graduate Assistant Megan Espe prepares for the Candlelight Hike Festival this fall. 8 Office Manager Our student Office Manager, Stacey Mohr, handles all hiring, payroll, financial procedures, and trains and supervises 8-10 office staff members. I love working here at Schmeeckle Reserve for so many reasons. Mostly, I enjoy the beautiful scenery and our wonderful staff. Everyone is extremely friendly and fun and I couldn’t ask for a better work environment. —Stacey Mohr, Office Manager Maintenance Supervisor Schmeeckle’s student maintenance supervisor, Kat Dickerson, guides 3540 students in maintaining trails, building boardwalks and bridges, constructing cedar signs, and controlling invasive species. At Schmeeckle, I have had the opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and work with a great group of people. My position as maintenance supervisor is the perfect combination of nature and power tools. —Kat Dickerson, Maintenance Supervisor Browse Shop Manager The gift shop’s student manager, Michelle Swatek, trains staff to sell items, orders merchandise, maintains inventory, and works with regional authors and artists. Working at Schmeeckle has been very rewarding and has given me the opportunity to work in environment rich in nature and grow as a professional. As the Browse Shop manager, I have strengthened my skills in the retail sector which will benefit me in the future. —Michelle Swatek, Browse Shop Manager 9 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report UWSP Student Employees: 2010-2011 Interpreter’s Handbook Manager The Interpreter’s Handbook Series is a collection of training manuals written by Schmeeckle Reserve staff. Books are distributed throughout the world from the Schmeeckle visitor center. In the past year, books have been shipped to Canada, France, Japan, Finland, Romania, Jordan, Spain, and nearly every state in the U.S. The student handbooks manager, Derek Ertel, fills these orders, maintains inventory, coordinates sales, and develops marketing strategies. I enjoy the opportunity to learn about the Reserve while answering questions and dealing with customers from around the world. —Derek Ertel, Interpreter’s Handbook Manager Trail Ranger Internship Program The Trail Ranger Internship program is a successful continuing partnership among Schmeeckle Reserve, the CNR Law Enforcement program (led by Dr. Bob Holsman), and Protective Services (directed by Bill Rowe). It provides real world experience for students interested in natural resources law enforcement. Two UWSP students, Jared Fringer and John Schreiber, successfully completed the internship from April to October 2010. Two new interns, Drew Koenigs and Nate Hoftender, were hired in April 2011 and are currently finishing their programs. Our experience at Schmeeckle Reserve helped us to gain valuable skills in the law enforcement field. During our time on the trails we interacted with visitors answering questions and explaining rules of the reserve. Thanks to this program, we will be able to apply our gained skills to future employment opportunities. The trail ranger program has been a positive tool in reducing rule violations, while maintaining a safe and friendly environment for visitors. —Nate Hoftender & Drew Koenigs, Trail Rangers 10 Public Programming: 2010-2011 One of Schmeeckle Reserve’s main priorities is to provide outreach and education to the central Wisconsin community. Our association with the College of Natural Resources: Environmental Education & Interpretation program offers an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal while providing a quality experience for UWSP students. Candlelight Hike Festivals Enthusiastic crowds grow larger at every candlelight hike celebration! These free, community events feature a trail lit by tiki torches (and jack-o’-lanterns in fall), an educational campfire program presented by environmental education/interpretation students, research discovery stations, thematic crafts, snacks, and door prizes. On November 5, 2010, our largest crowd yet of over 800 people joined the fall festival featuring the wetland creatures that inhabit the Moses Creek Restoration Area. Families enjoy thematic crafts and snacks at the Candlelight Hike Festival, November 2010. Research stations allow visitors to discover more about the festival theme, such as touching muskrat pelts. On April 29, 2011, about 500 people participated in the festival that featured the importance of water in Schmeeckle Reserve. UWSP Students in Environmental Education/Interpretation present a campfire program about marsh creatures, November 2010. 11 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Public Programming: 2010-2011 Public Programs: Environmental Education/Interpretation Practicum Community members eagerly await the arrival of Schmeeckle Reserve’s public programs every fall and spring. Students in the Environmental Education/Interpretation Practicum (NRES 482) and Practicum in Interpretation (NRES 374) fine tune their interpretive skills under the guidance of Dr. Brenda Lackey. Each student develops and presents natural and cultural history programs that are free to students and community members. Fall 2010 Practicum students dressed in elaborate costumes to interpret the wetland creatures of Schmeeckle Reserve. Approximately 750 visitors attended weekly public programs at Schmeeckle Reserve last year, in addition to the 1,300 visitors who participated in the Candlelight Hike Festivals. Last year’s diverse topics included: witch hazel, fall leaves, tall-grass prairie, groundwater, wind, Halloween traditions, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, logging history, black bears, bats, snapping turtles, bluebirds, bald eagles, winter recreation, galls, maple syrup, camouflage, and clouds. Spring 2011 Practicum students dressed up as water drops, a marsh, and a duck to interpret the importance of water. “Schmeeckle Reserve provides a fabulous resource for the practicum students majoring in Environmental Education and Interpretation at UWSP! The students are able to practice their naturalist skills firsthand with members of the Stevens Point community, providing educational programs for all ages...Students recognize the value of gaining this experience at Schmeeckle Reserve as they prepare to head into the job market.” —Dr. Brenda Lackey, Assistant Professor of Environmental Education & Interpretation Numerous other organizations sponsored walks, races, fishing tournaments, Halloween hikes, and other public special events in the Reserve last year. 12 Serving the UWSP Academic Program: 2010-2011 Schmeeckle Reserve is an essential outdoor classroom and laboratory for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In 2010-2011, the Reserve continued to serve the ever expanding educational and research needs of faculty, staff, and students. Last year, over 3,600 UWSP students attended a class or conducted research in Schmeeckle Reserve. Students spent 11,700 hours attending class in the Reserve. This doesn’t include the uncountable hours spent conducting studies for classes and student organizations. The following list includes a sampling of the diverse classes and organizations that used the Reserve: Student organizations, like The Wildlife Society, have been conducting studies in Schmeeckle Reserve for over 20 years. College of Natural Resources FOR 322- Forest Mensuration FOR 327- Forest Protection FOR 330- Forest Recreation and Site Design FOR 424- Forest Pathology FOR 426/626- Forest Entomology FOR 432- Urban Silviculture FOR 435- Nursery Operations & Mgmt NR 151- Ecological Basis for NR NR 250- Fisheries, Forestry, and Wildlife NR 251- Soil and Water Resources NR 367/368/568- Oral Interp. Methods NR 369/569-Interpretive Media NR 370-Intro to Env. Study and Education NR 374-Env. Interpretation Practicum NR 392-Law Enforcement Theory NR 482- EE/Interp. Practicum NR 483- Professional Development EE/I Soils 350-Selected Topics in Soil & Waste Water 387-Aquatic Insects Water 389- Hydrology Water 480- Water Chemistry Wildlife 350/550- Wildlife Mgmt Techniques BIO 306- Ecological Methods BIO 351- Plant Physiology BIO 353- Enthnobotany BIO 355- Plant Ecology BIO 362- Animal Parasitology BIO 367- General Entomology BIO 399- Mosquito Study BIO 490- Mushroom Identification HIST 392- Native American Forestry College of Professional Studies Adv. Ed. 250- Camping/Backpacking Wellness 173- Scuba Diving Wellness 199- Pathways to Point UWSP Student Groups The Wildlife Society Fisheries Society Student Athletic Advisory Committee Society of Ecological Restoration UWSP Sports Medicine Club Ichthyology and Aquarium Science Society Environmental Educators & Naturalists Assn. UWSP Fire Crew Society of American Foresters: Timbersports College of Letters and Science BIO 100- Biological Principles and Human Env. BIO 101- General Biology BIO 160- Introduction to Animal Biology 13 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Facility Improvements: 2010-2011 Community Meeting Room Renovation A public meeting room located in the visitor center is a popular gathering place for agencies, organizations, and classes. It is provided free of charge to conservation and non-profit organizations. Last year, renovation funding from the College of Natural Resources provided new chairs, tables, carpeting, wall paint, and window blinds. In May of 2011, a new audio-visual system was added that included a computer, ceiling-mounted projector, speakers, document camera, and control panel. The renovated meeting room, which includes new portable tables, chairs, and carpeting (above), provides a more comfortable and convenient space for groups to meet in. The room offers excellent exposure for Schmeeckle Reserve and the CNR to diverse groups of people from around the state. These are potential supporters of the program. Meeting Room Use (2010-2011) • Approximately 3,560 people met in the community meeting room for a total of 1,100 hours • The room was used 242 days of the year by agencies and organizations The Schmeeckle Reserve meeting room is heavily used by statewide natural resources agencies and organizations, educational public programs, and classes. A few representative groups include: • Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association • Wisconsin Wildlife Federation • Green Circle Trail • Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (multiple divisions and committees) • Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee • Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin • Northwoods Coalition • Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers • Conservation Congress • Heart of Wis. Gem and Mineral Society • Dept. of Ag Trade and Consumer Protection • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14 Citizens of Scenic Wisconsin Bluebird Restoration Association of Wis. Wisconsin Bow Hunters Wis. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Standard Oversight Counsel Forest Industry Safety & Training Alliance Wis. Land and Water Conservation Assn. Natural Resources Conservation Service Center for Land Use Education (UWSP) UW Cooperative Extension UWSP Continuing Education LEAF Program (CNR, UWSP) Central District 4-H Partners: 2010-2011 Schmeeckle Reserve serves as an interface between the university and the greater central Wisconsin community. Formal partnering organizations, such as the Green Circle Trail and the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame, are essential for providing quality educational and recreational experiences for students, faculty, and community members. Green Circle Trail Schmeeckle Reserve staff designed and coordinated fabrication of the first trail kiosk along the Green Circle. Installed in May of 2011, the kiosk features native sandstone, pine beams (donated by Dr. Bob Govett), a large map of the entire trail, and signs that interpret unique natural and cultural features. This is the first of about 13 proposed kiosks at major intersections along the trail. In addition, the Green Circle Board funded $16,600 for a major upgrade to the trail through Schmeeckle Reserve. Over a mile of trails were widened to 8 feet and surfaced with crushed granite, making them accessible to bikes and wheelchairs. Schmeeckle staff stand in front of the newly constructed Green Circle kiosk, installed off of Wilshire Drive. May 2011 Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame Schmeeckle staff again helped to coordinate and facilitate this year’s Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) Induction Ceremony held on May 7, 2011. W. Noble Clark, Stanton W. Mead, and Jacque and Dorothy Vallier were inducted. The newly renovated WCHF formal gallery. The formal hall of fame gallery was renovated by Schmeeckle student staff with new paint, wood trim, and a reorganization of the plaques so more can be added. As part of her graduate work, UWSP student Elise Kahl developed a “Wisconsin’s Heroes” video exhibit in the WCHF museum. Several short vignettes interpret the lives of Wisconsin conservationists who were connected through the protection of Horicon Marsh. Historic photos, interviews, and music bring these incredible stories to life. New “Wisconsin’s Heroes” video exhibit in WCHF museum. 15 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Funding Schmeeckle Reserve Sufficient funding must be generated annually by Schmeeckle Reserve to restore and manage habitats, operate and maintain the visitor center, upgrade and build the expansive trail and boardwalk system, and provide educational programs and events that unite the community and UWSP. About 37% of Schmeeckle Reserve’s operational budget (not including external projects) is supported by General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funds. The other 63% comes from a variety of funding sources that Schmeeckle staff consistently develop and nurture on a yearly basis. Funding Sources: 2010-2011 Total operating expenses for Schmeeckle Reserve in Fiscal Year 2010-11 was $309,931 (not including external consulting projects). Revenue that supported this operating cost came from the following sources: Expenses covered by Program Revenue (in red): $114,401 Auxillary Operations (signs, shop, handbooks), 13% Projects & Contracts (interpretive consulting), 23% Student Government Subsidy, 26% Donations, 1% CNR Position Support, 29% Expenses covered by GPR (in blue): $115,100 Expenses covered by student fees (in green): $80,430 Visitor Center Utilities Support, 2% Support for CNR courses, 1% Grounds and Maintenance Assistance, 5% 16 Planning for the Future Proposal for a new Schmeeckle Reserve Education and Visitor Center Popular with students, visitors, and conservation groups, the existing Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center is a bustling hub that connects the UW-Stevens Point and the larger central Wisconsin community. The current building, once a private home, was remodeled by the student staff and has served well for several decades. Today, the building hosts over 300 conservation group meetings per year; is the headquarters for the Green Circle Trail; houses the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame; and is the work site for an enthusiastic 50 member student staff who manages the Reserve. In recent years, special events and programs attract thousands of community members. The success and potential for growth is immeasurable, but the physical building has reached the limits of remodeling. A new and improved Education and Visitor Center will serve as a campus icon and the catalyst for a brand new era of successful growth for the Reserve. It will be a welcoming portal to the natural area and will better serve expanding numbers of visitors, classes, and community events. It will orient visitors and help them to use and enjoy the Reserve and Campus effectively and responsibly. As the center for outdoor activities, it will be harmonious with the landscape and serve as a model of sustainability and pride on our environmental campus. Features of the new facility would include: • Green design features that model sustainability on the UWSP campus • A welcoming orientation area and warm public face for guests to campus • Inviting views to wetlands and forests through large windows, bringing the outdoors inside • Interactive exhibits that promote a sense of place in central Wisconsin • Expanded classrooms and labs for UWSP faculty and students • A large multi-purpose meeting room that capitalizes on views of the natural area • Improved work space for the large student staff of the Reserve Conceptual sketch of a new Schmeeckle Education and Visitor Center 17 Schmeeckle Reserve 2010-11 Annual Report Fall colors on the Plank Trail boardwalk constructed by Schmeeckle student staff. September, 2010 “The thing that I value most about Schmeeckle Reserve is that not only does it serve the general public, but also university students. I like to get away from all the hustle and bustle of school life and connect with the land around me, whether it’s sitting on the rocks by Lake Joanis or spending time at the ‘wildlife viewing window.’ Schmeeckle Reserve takes you on a journey of discovery. It might be encountering one of those ‘Schmeeckle deer’ or an early morning hike looking for birds. Whether you’re a child, university student, or an adult, Schmeeckle holds a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy the true beauty of Stevens Point...” —Student Survey, November, 2006 Schmeeckle Reserve continues its long tradition of providing a special place for students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors to connect with the central Wisconsin landscape. 18