Friends of Schmeeckle Summer 2020 Newsletter

Friends of

Schmeeckle Reserve

Vol. 7, Issue 2

Summer 2020

‘Round the Reserve

2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481

www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com

715-346-4992

Thank you to our new, renewing, and Life Members

By Jerry Lineberger Friends Board President In the nearly seven years since the Friends formed, our community of members continues to grow. Welcome to those of you receiving this newsletter for the first time. We appreciate that you have joined.

Our returning members are an amazing group of supporters.

Thank you.

This summer we also launched a special Life Membership level. These folks fuel Jerry the Friends Lineberger Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. This fund helps guarantee that the Reserve will continue to serve as a community asset. Life Members are the stewards of the future.

Thank you to them as well.

You may be a regular user of Schmeeckle’s trails, or perhaps you have revisited after an absence. Maybe you have See President, Page 5

Schmeeckle’s trails have seen a 30 percent increase in visitors during COVID-19.

Visitors, projects, and classes keep Schmeeckle busy during pandemic

By Jim Buchholz Schmeeckle Reserve Director The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone to the core, and that’s also true for Schmeeckle Reserve.

On March 18, the visitor center closed to the public for the first time in the history of the natural area.

Our dedicated student crew was cut from 25 Jim Buchholz employees down to 4, as all non-essential staff were told to stay home. The popular

spring and fall Candlelight Hike Festivals have been canceled for 2020, along with several special events that the Friends had planned for the new amphitheater this summer.

Yet, despite the immense challenges, Schmeeckle continues to serve the campus and community. People are realizing the value of natural spaces like Schmeeckle to escape, rejuvenate, and exercise. The trails are seeing more use than ever—a 30 percent increase over the past two years.

Many users are families and individuals who are visiting for See Director, Page 2

Friends of Schmeeckle Board of Directors president

Jerry Lineberger UWSP, Retired vice-president

Ron Zimmerman Schmeeckle Reserve, Retired treasurer

Rick Rothman UWSP, Retired secretary

Barbara Dixson UWSP, Retired student representative

Natasha Trush UWSP student representative

Will Scheder UWSP Kim Fisher Walczak Center for Dentistry and Orthodontics, Retired Michael Gross UWSP, Retired Bernard Hlavac Sentry Insurance, Retired Jackie Meyers Stevens Point Area YMCA Mike Orella UWSP, Retired Nancy Ross Indiana University, Retired Melissa Ruether Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education Timothy Taschwer TKE Educational Foundation, Retired Chris Thompson Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital Contact Us Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-4992 friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

2

Land donations help protect Moses Creek Schmeeckle Reserve was created from a patchwork of land purchases and donations over time. Thanks to some generous donors, Schmeeckle has grown again!

Last November, the Ceplina family, represented by John Ceplina and Holly Schmidt, donated a 1.25-acre corridor that runs north of Moses Creek just east of Lake Joanis. In December, Schmeeckle neighbors and Friends members Steve Faber and Jackie Meyers donated an additional 0.2-acre parcel that includes a portion of the creek.

With this addition of land, Moses Creek is now fully protected from North Point Drive to Maria Drive inside the Reserve. A special thank you to both families!

Steve Faber and Jackie Meyers donated a 0.2-acre parcel to Schmeeckle in December 2019.

Director, From Page 1 the first time. Nature has the power to bring people together.

While in-person family and preschool nature programs were canceled this spring, our amazing student naturalists created engaging videos that explore diverse topics (see page 9).

Starting in May, we were able to bring back a limited student crew and our intrepid Tuesday volunteer crew, who continue to work on major restoration projects throughout the Reserve. Be sure to check out the park-like savanna restoration near the visitor center, and watch for the removal of invasive buckthorn around the east and north sides of Lake Joanis (see page 4).

With construction companies deemed essential during the pandemic, the Green Circle/Schmeeckle Reserve Trailhead project is right on schedule! The construction site is abuzz with activity.

Watch as the new restroom building,

shelter, and plaza take form near the visitor center (see next page).

And keep your eyes open for groups of UW-Stevens Point students participating in the College of Natural Resources Summer Field Experience for the next several weeks. The program provides hands-on education in wildlife, forestry, waters, and soils. Typically held at Treehaven, our sister field station near Tomahawk, the pandemic changed the program to an on-campus experience this summer, and the students spend much of their time in Schmeeckle (see page 4).

We hope that Schmeeckle continues to be a place of refuge and comfort to you during these unprecedented times. More than ever, we depend on the support of our Friends to keep the trails open and safe, to manage native landscapes, and to enhance the Reserve for everyone. We truly appreciate your continued support of this community gem.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Green Circle/Schmeeckle Trailhead makes progress A stone fireplace and chimney are rising up out of the prairie near the Schmeeckle visitor center.

Nearly five years in the making, the Green Circle/Schmeeckle Reserve Trailhead project is finally becoming a reality. The trailhead will serve as a unique community hub for outdoor recreation in Stevens Point.

The project consists of: the Roy & Margaret Menzel Pavilion, an open-air picnic shelter with a massive stone fireplace and stone columns; the Sentry

Plaza, a gathering circle with an informational kiosk, bike repair station, and seating; and an allseason flush restroom building.

In March and April, a 60-vehicle overflow gravel lot was built east of the existing parking lot and is being used as a staging area for construction.

The foundations for the Menzel Pavilion and restroom building were poured in mid-June. Concrete block walls were erected in June and July. Native sandstone is currently being installed on the

shelter and should be finished by August. Massive roof beams and cedar shingles will be installed in September. The Sentry Plaza area also will be poured in September.

The entire project should be completed by early October.

The trailhead is a partnership between Portage County and UW-Stevens Point. It is being funded entirely through generous donations and a DNR KnowlesNelson Stewardship Grant. The Schmeeckle Friends group is a major supporter.

Concept design for the Roy & Margaret Menzel Pavilion.

Menzel Pavilion fireplace under construction on July 17.

Concept design for all-season restroom.

All-season restroom building under construction on July 8.

Summer 2020

3

Schmeeckle Happenings

Summer Field Experience using natural area Schmeeckle Reserve is a field site for the 2020 College of Natural Resources Summer Field Experience. This six-week program teaches hands-on techniques for managing wildlife, forestry, soils, and water.

A class called Field Experience in Wildlife Management Techniques is stationed out of the Schmeeckle Visitor Center.

Students have been tracking radiocollared deer and setting out livetraps for small mammals. They have been catching deer mice, house mice, chipmunks, and even flying squirrels.

The Summer Field Experience

Students enrolled in the College of Natural Resources Summer Field Experience recently practiced forestry field techniques in the Chilla Woodlot of Schmeeckle.

is providing a case study for the university before in-person classes resume in the fall. Students and instructors are required to wear masks inside of buildings and outside when they are unable to

stay 6 feet apart.

Summer Field Experience started July 6 and runs through August 14. If you encounter groups on the trails, please maintain social distancing for safety.

Land restoration projects underway With the assistance of several grants, donations, and generous volunteers, major restoration projects are underway this summer at Schmeeckle.

The student staff and Tuesday volunteer crew have been clearing trees and brush near the visitor center to restore about 3 acres of oak savanna. Funded by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, the project will result in an expanse of prairie beneath scattered oak trees.

The student restoration crew has been controlling invasive buckthorn around the northwest side of Lake Joanis and along the 4

From left, Ron Zimmerman, Tom Mihm, and Gary Speckmann of the Tuesday volunteer crew recently hauled logs out of the savanna restoration.

Green Circle Trail. Buckthorn creates a thick wall of shrubbery that crowds out native plant life.

Students also will be working with neighbors adjacent to the Moses Creek wetland to control

invasive species.

A grant from the UWSP student Green Fund and a generous anonymous donation are supporting the student workers this summer.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Schmeeckle Happenings

Outdoor Rentals operating again In mid-June, Schmeeckle resumed its outdoor gear rental operation. Canoes and kayaks are ready for paddling on Lake Joanis.

Friends members are eligible for special discounts.

The Friends group generously purchased kid-sized life jackets so the entire family can participate.

You also can load boats and paddleboards onto your vehicle for adventures far and wide. Tents, backpacks, and sleeping pads are also available for rent.

Several procedures are in place to ensure your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: • Equipment must be reserved at least 2 days in advance.

• Payment will only be accepted by credit card over the phone.

Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the lake for just $10 per day for Friends members. They also can be taken elsewhere for $20-$25 per day.

• Equipment is available for “curb-side” pickup and dropoff outside of the visitor center at prearranged times.

• Equipment will be sanitized and quarantined for at least 3 days before being rented again.

To reserve the outdoor equipment, visit www.uwsp.edu/ schmeeckle, click on “Shop & Rentals,” and choose “Outdoor Gear Rentals.”

President, From Page 1 introduced a friend to Schmeeckle for their very first visit. You likely already know or will soon learn that the trails at the Reserve become like an old friend.

We are fortunate to have such a quiet natural area in our community. It is well documented that just being outdoors helps you feel less stressed. We all could benefit from that.

Be appreciative of the student crews and Friends volunteers working to keep the trails maintained. The Reserve is working with a much smaller

Summer 2020

student crew than normal this summer to perform maintenance.

Our Tuesday volunteer trail crew is made up of Friends volunteers who are certified to safely operate chainsaws on university land. Wood from the crew’s clearing of dead and dangerous trees is available in the northeast corner of the visitor center parking lot. There is a newly installed donation box by the firewood. The wood is available by donation—pay what you feel it’s worth. All donations directly

support the Friends of Schmeeckle.

The simple act of walking the trails, pausing, and enjoying the air, the water, and the plant life is indeed restorative. Time spent alone or with family or friends on the trails will give you a moment to reflect on what matters most.

Enjoy this gift to you. Thank you for being a Friend.

If you have comments or questions, feel free to contact me at friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com.

If don’t know the answer, I will find out!

5

Thank you to our new and continuing Friends!

New Members: David and Patricia Anderson Eric and Amy Anderson William Boston Patricia Bowen Jim and Kathy Buchholz Roger and Pat Bullis Judy Butcher Don Ceplina Henry Chao Ying Chojnacki Bonnie Clarke Robert and Joan Collins Dean and Gail Colrud Eden Clymire-Stern Sue Derby Jessica Dickson Ted and Rose Francsis Ken Franz Duane and Terri Greuel Ned and Mary Grossnickle

Brian and Mary Guzman Paul Hagen Sabine Hale Jeremy and Amy Higgins Maureen Houlihan Cody Kehlnhofer Lenore Kirby Nadine and David Klesmith Jim Koehl William Konieczki Bev Laska Lee Lukaszewicz Dan Martinson N. Matowitz Bob and Sandy Mayer Linda Lee Mezich Robert and Jean Morris Denny and Linda Nash Ryan Nelson Richard and Chris Neumann Dan O’Connell

Life Membership The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve now offers a special Life Membership option.

Feb. 20-July 21, 2020 Lori and Daniel O’Neal Eileen Payne Glen Pelo Elizabeth Pierson Plover Kiwanis Club Sally Powell Fran and Bobbie Roman Dave and Nancy Ross Lynn Seifert Gary and Kathleen Speckmann Tim Thompson Jo Anne Uhl Carol A. Wake Sherrilee Wallerman David Way Charley M. White Chris Williams Wesley and Maxine Worth Hayley Zanoni Pete and Deb Zaske Dan Zastava

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

LIFE MEMBER

A Life Membership has an impact that extends far beyond a single lifetime. Your donation is invested in the Friends Endowment Fund, which earns interest in perpetuity to benefit the Friends and the Reserve.

In addition to all regular membership benefits, a Life Membership is always current with no annual renewal. Your name will also be listed on a recognition plaque in the visitor center.

To become a Life Member, see this year’s membership letter or visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Friends.”

Painting by Aleisha Muras, 2019 Friends Arts Contest

6

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Thank you to our new and continuing Friends!

Renewing Members: Bob, Paula, Katie and Marshall Bell Rick and Roberta Bie Nancy Bozek Steve and Jean Brazzale Jim, Sunshine, & Walden Buchholz John and Mari Buzza Matt Clucas Daniel Czaikowski Barbara Dixson and Alan Smith Richard and Janice Doxtator Richard Dubiel Sally Ellingboe Megan and Troy Espe Steve and Denise Etrheim Esther Evans Steve Faber and Jackie Meyers Mary Fehrenbach Bill and Kim Fisher Jami Gebert Carol Grelck John and Sally Haessig James Haferman James and Madeleine Haine David L. Hall Alan Haney Angie and Rich Hauer David and Susan Henry Jan and Kathy Hermann Michael and Diane Houlihan Mark and Karen Ilten Paul and Inger Jacobson Rose Jirous Gene and June Johnson

Robert and Louise Juracka Lynne Kagelmann Phil and Penny Kallas Ron and Linda Kappell Linda and Jim Kasukonis Martin and JoAnne Katzmarek Isabel Kedrowski John and Patricia Kedrowski Robert Knowlton George and Sonja Kung Ann T. Lucas Bonnie Lund Leslie McClain Bob, Karen and Hannah Medo Therese Meidl and Paul Westegaard Jim and Sharon Menzel Sue Meyer Tom and Barb Mihm Gary Nickel and Deborah Padgett Ronald and Sharon Omernick Mike and Linda Orella Chrismary Pacyna Tom and Jane Parker Don and Tina Peters Kimatha Phillips Jacqueline Revord James Rogers Victoria Rogers Rick and Sharon Rothman James Schuh Kay Schultz John Shippy Larry and Mary Sipiorski

Thank you to our founding Life Members!

Tony Anday Steve and Sue Bergin Jackie DeKay Michael and Patricia Dombeck Meg Erler Nisha Fernando Michael and Beverly Gross Dave and Karen Henneghan Jack Hurrish and Joan Karlen Summer 2020

John and Dori Jury Jerry Kasdorf and Myung Sun Jung James and Nancy LaMar Kendra Liddicoat and Brian Barringer Jerry Lineberger Marjorie “Jan” Lutz Bob and Mary Mosier Dallas and Edith Pankowski

Feb. 20-July 21, 2020 Nick and Dianne Somers Kevin and Adelle Spaay Dick and Diane Steffensen Kookie Stieber Heath Stoltz and Jennifer Kieffer-Stoltz Judy and Dennis Surna Dean and Janet Swiston The Pineries Bank Chris and Kaila Thompson Patricia Trebatoski Jill Trochlell Ziehr Jim and Mary Verkest Chris and Lynn Walker John and Kathy Weisbrod Bob and Marilyn Worth Rick and Lynn Wyman Katie Youngberg Special Donors: Jim and Sunshine Buchholz, Friends gift membership Vicki Deckelman, Friends donation Gene and June Johnson & John and Dori Jury, Friends gift membership Jerry Lineberger, Friends gift memberships Don and Tina Peters, in honor of John and Dori Jury’s 50th wedding anniversary Karl Spaay, in honor of Adelle Spaay Ward and Ramona Wolff, in support of the Trailhead project through July 21, 2020 Nancy Ross Chris Schmelling Dan and Tina Sivek Timothy Taschwer Richard and Lois Wetzel Rick and Sarah Wilke Kay Wohlbier Ron and Donna Zimmerman 7

Fenced area supports teaching and research

By Barbara Dixson Friends Newsletter Editor This summer, Schmeeckle is a field site for the College of Natural Resources Summer Field Experience. No surprise there: since its founding, one of the three essential purposes of the Reserve’s mission has been education. One site you likely have noticed illustrates this principle.

The mysterious fenced area in the northwest corner of Schmeeckle Reserve began its life as the Microenvironmental Study Plot. Dr. Dave Hillier, professor emeritus of biology at UW-Stevens Point, needed a place to teach his plant ecology students about the effects a specific environment has on a plant’s success or failure. Students learned how light, wind, temperature, and moisture shape plant life.

In 1978, Hillier applied for funding and received enough money to put up a sturdy fence to keep out deer and vandals, and two towers for wind measurements. An ideal plot of land was located in the northwest corner of Schmeeckle.

Disappointingly, the funds for the enclosure did not cover electronic instruments. So Hillier and his Dr. Dave students, with tenacity and ingenuity, Hillier kept old mechanical instruments going and invented whatever else was needed. They recorded temperatures with a wind-up-clock-driven machine, which required that the inkwell be filled with exactly the right ink/water proportion for the weather or it would clog or drip ink. It printed the graph of temperatures on a roll of paper, though if something went wrong, the bottom line might not quite be legible.

To measure rainwater retained by trees, they created tree skirts of aluminum foil. Even the windspeed anemometers required students to climb up into the canopy to collect data.

And so things continued over the next 23 years.

Hillier’s son, lured with allowance money, helped him keep the open area cleared. Students responsible for recording morning readings checked out the key the night before (or, in case of forgetfulness, climbed the fence).

8

Dr. Dave Hillier, a biology professor at UW-Stevens Point, took notes at the base of a tower in the Microenvironmental Study Plot at the northwest corner of Schmeeckle in 1988.

Research Update Plant ecology students learned how light, wind, temperature, and moisture shaped plant life, and how actual outcomes could be skewed by a factor their theories might have utterly overlooked.

In his last year of full-time teaching, Hillier received the long-desired funding to buy electronic instruments. The final records of conditions in the environmental study plot were made electronically, then transferred to a PalmPilot and onto a computer.

In 2010, one of the towers was moved to a wooded site near the visitor center, where it is still collecting data. To explore the data, visit www.uwsp.edu/ schmeeckle, click on “Education & Research” and then “Environmental Monitoring Station.”

While the monitoring equipment has all been removed, the fenced area is still used occasionally by UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff who need a secure research plot.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Giving to the Friends: Charitable Tax Benefits for 2020

By Tim Taschwer Advancement Committee Chair Charitable IRA Rollover: A unique way to support the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Nature videos were created by UW-Stevens Point students, including one about warblers by Hannah Badgett of Janesville, a May graduate in wildlife education.

Students adapt spring nature programs to video format Learning about caring for injured wildlife, beneficial plants, and navigating the outdoors is now as easy as watching an online video, thanks to environmental education and interpretation students at Schmeeckle.

As part of their education each semester, students in the practicum class at Schmeeckle develop public nature programs. When nearly all of these were canceled this spring because of COVID-19, the students adapted by creating videos of their presentations, either at home or in Schmeeckle. The result is 23 family nature videos and five preschool videos, all available for free online.

The students learned how to use video editing software and redesigned their programs for an online audience, Espe said. The classes met on Zoom to practice and get feedback before recording the videos.

The students shared information on a variety of wildlife topics, outdoor navigation, foraging, birding, lawn and gardening tips, and nature-based

Summer 2020

To view the videos, visit www. uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Programs and Events.” activities. The preschool series is interactive, with songs and activities.

“I was really impressed with the students’ creativity, enthusiasm, and support of each other,” said Megan Espe, Schmeeckle outreach coordinator and practicum instructor.

Adding a video aspect to the course increases their skill set, she said.

Hannah Badgett of Janesville, a May graduate in wildlife education, said she enjoyed having the creative freedom to present information in new ways and looks forward to using the technology in her career.

“These days, knowing how to create engaging virtual material is incredibly important,” she said.

“I developed lots of new skills and patience for teaching online, which will help me reach a wider audience.”

If you have a traditional IRA and are age 70½, you can make a direct rollover to the Friends with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), which can be excluded from your taxable income.

The advantage is that as the IRA owner, you do not have to recognize the gift amount as ordinary gross income.

The entire donation must be received directly by the Friends from the IRA, resulting in no tax implications for the donor. The gift cannot then also be claimed for a charitable tax deduction. A QCD gift can be made whether or not the donor itemizes deductions on their tax return.

This could be the perfect way for you to fund your Friends Life Membership contribution.

Contact your IRA administrator or financial advisor for details.

Charitable Donation Benefit for 2020: Taxpayers can claim up to $300 in charitable donations The federal CARES Act of 2020 allows those who do not itemize deductions on tax returns to take a charitable deduction for any donations up to $300 made to qualified organizations, including the Friends. Contact your financial advisor or tax advisor for details.

9

Student connects with natural area in many ways

By Barbara Dixson Friends Newsletter Editor

When Ian Vierck was accepted to UW-Stevens Point, he drove in from Waupaca and discovered Schmeeckle Reserve. Wandering through, he knew he had made the right college decision.

His first-year experience confirmed that insight, as he walked the Reserve alone or with new friends.

With a group one day early in his first semester, someone delightedly grabbed a snake.

Vierck took his turn holding it, then, looking to the young woman beside him, realized the snake scared her. Nonetheless, she let Vierck pass it to her. When she held it in wonder, Vierck realized that this person who loved nature and faced her fears could be important to him. So it turned out!

Vierck, who just graduated from UWSP with degrees in urban forestry and biology with a botany emphasis, is heading off to graduate school at the School of Architecture and the Environment at the University of Oregon in Eugene in the fall. And, on her own parallel adventure, his girlfriend will go too.

Vierck continued to wander Schmeeckle throughout his undergraduate career, finding it the best way to mull over his classes and his life and to clear his head.

On the day we spoke, he and his girlfriend had been walking in the Reserve and came across a softshell turtle. “I geek out,” he laughed, and “she is okay with that.”

So much time spent in Schmeeckle fed Vierck’s love 10

Ian Vierck, a recent UW-Stevens Point graduate, rarely visits Schmeeckle without a camera in hand.

“Why I Love the Reserve” appears regularly in the newsletter. If you would like to write your own account or be interviewed for this feature, contact Barbara Dixson at barbaradixson@gmail.com of photography. He carries a serious camera everywhere he goes, jumping at opportunities to photograph nature, and trees in particular.

Because he loves photography and trees and connecting people to nature and seeing their excitement, Vierck long nursed an idea about a social media presence almost like an ongoing field guide.

On a Christmas road trip with his best friend, when Vierck thought out loud about his idea, his friend said, “You’ve got to do this!”

And so, on winter break, using his photographs of Schmeeckle trees and the Instagram platform, Vierck launched Trees of

Wisconsin. Over the next years, his 3,000 followers got to share in his delight in trees.

Looking back, Vierck realized he had classes in Schmeeckle nearly every semester— dendrology, entomology, silviculture, biometry, and forest ecosystems management. He surveyed soil and water, counted trees, and measured all sorts of things.

Vierck’s classes, his photo excursions in the Reserve, and his experience volunteering for the Candlelight Hike Festival led him to get hired there. As a Schmeeckle front-desk employee, Vierck enjoyed meeting visitors and recalls many of them, such as an alum who lingered to tell him about the history of Schmeeckle, the changes it has undergone, and how exciting it was to be back. This was one of the first times Vierck understood how deeply connected many people feel to the natural area.

As a student employee, Vierck most loved that he found himself part of a dedicated and supportive community. “Everyone felt like friends here,” he said. Employees felt free to take risks, and they also found help with classes if needed.

The culminating moment came when Vierck’s class spent a semester developing an oak wilt management plan for the Reserve.

Only one student group was chosen to present their plan as the recommended one: Vierck’s group.

In the future, Vierck wants to work on “reclamation and bringing the natural environment into urban areas.” He tells me, “I learned that in Schmeeckle.”

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Hi Friends—it’s me Walden, the Schmeeckle Kids Ambassador.

If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of being stuck at home and are looking for safe places to explore. Schmeeckle is a great place to visit! Even though the Visitor Center is closed, there are still lots of things to do. Here are some of my favorites: Visitor Center Area • Check out the big diggers and construction equipment working on the new Green Circle Trailhead shelter. You can get a good view from the grassy hill by the amphitheater.

• Run, climb, and hop up and down the large stone-block seating in the amphitheater.

• Perform a play or sing a song on the amphitheater stage.

• Have a picnic in the shade on the deck behind the visitor center. There’s a great view of the birding area from there.

How many different kinds of birds can you see?

Trail of Reflections This half-mile loop trail starts at the visitor center and is strollerfriendly.

• Explore the giant carved chairs and figure out which one is for which season. You can also hop from one giant rock to the next behind the chairs. Can you do it without touching the ground?

Summer 2020

Kids Ambassador Walden Buchholz tests out a rental kayak on Lake Joanis.

Schmeeckle is now renting outdoor gear such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

• Climb into the treetops at the Tree House. This is a great place for a snack and rest. You can spy on lots of animals from way up there!

• Swing on the bench at the Reflection Pond. Peek over the deck and search for frogs, turtles, and water beetles.

Moses Creek The creek is about a half-mile one-way from the Visitor Center.

• Be sure to stop by the Wetland Overlook and swing on the carved bench. Don’t forget to look for birds using the viewing scope.

• There are so many great boardwalks to explore. You can often find scat (animal poop) from critters that use the boardwalks too. Can you figure out which animals left their scat behind?

Lake Loop Lake Joanis is about 0.3 mile from the Visitor Center. There’s a 1-mile trail around the lake.

• Be on the lookout for Canada geese around Lake Joanis in

the summer. If you get too close, they will open their big black beaks and hiss at you.

Just step away – they’re only trying to protect their babies.

• There are several nice sitting benches and boulders for climbing around the lake.

Every stop has a different view.

• There are sandy areas on the north and south side of the lake where you can walk right up to the water. Don’t go in the water, though, since swimming isn’t allowed. Search for animal tracks in the sand and, if your grown-up lets you, see how far you can throw a rock.

• For variety, grab a canoe or kayak and paddle the lake to see it from the water! If you don’t have your own, Schmeeckle now offers rentals at the south shore.

When you visit Schmeeckle, remember to stay with your grown-ups. There are lots of people using the trails. Give other people plenty of room so that we can all be healthy and get back to normal!

11

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481

Save a stamp! Switch to our e-newsletter format by contacting us at friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com

Parting View: Clouds reflected on Lake Joanis on a recent still summer day.