Schmeeckle Reserve July 2010 - June 2011 Annual Report

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Schmeeckle
Reserve
Visitors enjoy the new boardwalk through the Moses
Creek Restored Wetland, October 2011
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
•
•
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•
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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.
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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%
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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
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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.
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