Issuu

Friends of

Schmeeckle Reserve

Vol. 8, Issue 1

Winter/Spring 2021

‘Round the Reserve

2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481

www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com

715-346-4992

Photo courtesy of Ryan Michalesko

Learning to adapt By Jerry Lineberger Friends Board President Have you walked the trails in the Reserve lately? I’m guessing you have. I probably passed you, but you likely wouldn’t recognize me with my face mask, Packers stocking cap, sunglasses, and down jacket. We all seem to look the same right now, unrecognizable, until we speak. And that’s the point—we all are having a similar experience. Jerry We all need Lineberger to be in the woods, on the savanna, on the boardwalks, breathing, listening, smelling, and just feeling the outdoors. We are fortunate to have such a place here in our own backyard. And we have learned to be respectful of others’ space on the trail, knowing that if we are, we can see the possibility of “normal” on the horizon. Over the past long year, we have learned to adapt and See President, Page 3

In early January, the trails were bustling with people who came out to enjoy the incredible display of rime ice that decorated the trees in Schmeeckle.

Change is in the air By Jim Buchholz Schmeeckle Reserve Director As the frigid winter air transitions to the warming rays of spring (seemingly overnight this year!), it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many changes taking place at Schmeeckle. Some of these changes are natural. Birds, Jim Buchholz migrating north from their wintering grounds, will soon fill the trees and feeders. Wetlands and ponds, expanding with the influx of

melting snow, will soon serve as breeding grounds for a choir of frogs and toads. Other changes at Schmeeckle are being spurred on by people. The ongoing oak savanna restoration near the visitor center and Berard Oaks strives to improve the natural habitat over time by removing diseased trees and planting hardier native species. Prescribed burns set back invasive and woody species so that prairie grasses and wildflowers can thrive. Large stands of invasive buckthorn have been cut and sprayed to allow the establishment of native vegetation. See Director, Page 3

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 representatives

Will Scheder Natasha Trush 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

Protecting the Moses Creek headwaters By Ron Zimmerman Friends Board Vice President The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve was created 7 years ago, in part, as an organization that could take rapid action to acquire green space and protect sensitive ecosystems. This spring, the Friends group will be gifted its first ever land parcel. The 32.6-acre property will be given to the Friends by John and Patty Noel, who were the founding donors of the recently constructed Menzel Pavilion, part of the Green Circle Trailhead. The gift property is part of the headwaters of Moses Creek, a beautiful 200-acre wet meadow located about 1.5 miles north of Schmeeckle. The sedge meadow is home to sandhill cranes and northern harriers. Small islands of tamarack and pine harbor unique plants such as trailing-arbutus, wintergreen, and partridge berry. The creek flows

south through oak and pine forests and a series of sedge meadows before dipping under Interstate 39 and entering the restored wetlands of Schmeeckle. The Noel land donation is vital for the creek’s protection, since it is located where the large sedge meadow wetland narrows into Moses Creek. About half of the property is wooded, while the other half is diverse wetland. The Green Circle Trail, running alongside Yulga Park, will be rerouted through the property in 2021 to provide a more scenic pathway for users. A future walking trail and boardwalk project will provide access to an observation deck with incredible panoramic views of the vast wetland. The Friends board wishes to thank the Noel family for their generous donation that will protect and preserve this critical habitat in perpetuity. A grand opening and tour will be held this summer or fall.

Wojcik Memorial Dr.

Sedge Meadow: Headwaters of Moses Creek

Noel Land Donation

Private Property

(Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve) Viewing Deck

“Island” of Trees

Rick Wyman Kickapoo Valley Cheese Co., Retired

Yulga Park Proposed Walking Trail/Boardwalk (0.25 mile)

Wetland

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-4992 friendsofschmeeckle@gmail.com www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

reek es C

Mos

Proposed Reroute of Green Circle (0.4 mile)

City of Stevens Point 2

Pond

Green Circle X CurrentRoute (0.25 mile) X X X

X X X Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

A remarkable year of giving By Michael Gross Friends Advancement Committee Chair “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” —Winston S. Churchill We are grateful for the generous outpouring of support for the Friends over the past few months. We have welcomed 60 individual and joint Life Members since the creation of the program last May. Life Member gifts are deposited in the Friends of Schmeeckle Endowment Fund, held at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, which now totals $95,000. This fund will provide a perpetual source of income for the Friends and its support of Schmeeckle.

We are also grateful to the 270 regular members of the Friends. Your membership contributions support Schmeeckle in maintaining and enhancing this invaluable community natural area. Regular members annually provide about $25,000 of critically needed funds. We welcome any additional gifts to build the endowment fund and to provide immediate support. In that spirit, please consider this offer: I have potted amaryllis plants that I will give to anyone who makes a special donation to the Friends. The bulbs are presently dormant in a cold, dark space. I will bring them out of dormancy for blooming around Easter or

President, From Page 1

Director, From Page 1

be resilient. We have changed our patterns and habits. We have also learned to share “our” Schmeeckle trails with many more of our neighbors. This is a good thing, but a little challenging for those of us who have wandered the trails for 40 years. Spring is on the way. As more of us get vaccinated, the possibility of life getting back to normal becomes more real. Soon, we can again look forward to candlelight hikes, outdoor concerts, and performances in the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater. I look forward to seeing the bottom half of your face soon. Thank you for being a Friend!

Long-time users have appreciated the Reserve being a “hidden gem” with quiet trails and few other people. But, as you likely have noticed, things are changing. The pandemic has encouraged a significant number of new guests to explore Schmeeckle—trail use is up by over 35% from last year. The recent construction of the Green Circle Trailhead will bring in additional visitors from throughout the state. A planned accessible fishing pier on Lake Joanis (see page 4) will encourage different user groups to experience the Reserve for the first time. Does this change the experience at Schmeeckle? In some ways, yes. While you can always find a quiet place off the beaten path, Schmeeckle is no longer the

Winter/Spring 2021

Mother’s Day. You can bring your donation and pick up your plant on either Friday, April 2 or Friday, May 7 (your choice) at the Schmeeckle visitor center. This offer is limited to the first 30 donors. To reserve your plant, email me at mikebev71@gmail.com.

Amaryllis blooming in Mike’s sunroom.

“hidden gem” that it once was. It is well used and well loved. Yet, this new influx of visitors is also a positive change. Schmeeckle needs to be an integral part of the Stevens Point community. As budgets continue to decline at the state level, Schmeeckle depends more and more on the generous support of its community users. And as more people come to appreciate natural areas, they are more likely to support and protect green space, like Schmeeckle, in the future. Change can be difficult but it is also inevitable. I’m excited to see what these changes at Schmeeckle bring in the future. And I’m honored to have such a supportive group of Friends who are along on the journey. 3

Project to improve access around Lake Joanis The Friends board is excited to announce its next enhancement project! Lake Joanis has always been the most popular attraction in Schmeeckle. According to trail counters, over 90,000 people walk the Lake Loop every year. However, not everyone is able to enjoy this incredible resource. While the wood-chipped trails are quiet for walking, they are not accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility disabilities. Fundraising is currently underway for a Lake Accessibility Project that would surface the Lake Loop Trail with accessible crushed granite (like the Green Circle Trail) and construct an accessible fishing pier on the south shore of the lake. The fishing pier would be a T-shaped floating structure extending out into the lake about 40 feet. One side of the pier would allow for easy launching of canoes and kayaks. It would be

constructed by volunteers. The total estimated cost of the project is $79,000 ($39,000 for trail resurfacing and $40,000 for the pier construction). Donations of any level are encouraged. Donors at the $1,000 level or higher will be recognized on a permanent stone plaque that will be installed near the fishing pier. A logo or graphic will be added for donors at the $25,000 level or higher. We appreciate founding donations of $5,000 from the Portage County Wildlife Fund (Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin) and $1,000 from Kent and Sue Hall. Help us make the lake more accessible! To donate, send a check to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve (be sure to specify that this is for the Lake Accessibility Project) or use a credit card online at www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle, “Friends of Schmeeckle,” “Join/ Donate.”

fIshING PIeR AND LAKe tRAIL ACCessIbILIty PRoJeCt Founders $25,000 and above

Your Company

Your Name(s) Here

Logo Here Patrons $15,000 to $24,999

Your Name(s) Here

Partners

$5,000 to $14,999

Your Name(s) Here

Sponsors $1,000 to $4,999 Your Name(s) Here

Your Name(s) Here

A carved stone donor sign installed near the fishing pier will recognize donors who give at the $1,000 level or higher.

22'

8' 8'

40'

A floating T-shaped fishing pier will be accessible to wheelchair users and provide easy launching for canoes and kayaks at the south shore of the lake. 4

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Friends Arts Contest winners announced Winners in the seventh annual Friends of Schmeeckle Writing, Art, and Photography Contest were honored during a virtual reception in January. During a time when community is so important, artists from the Stevens Point area and beyond came together to share their passion for Schmeeckle through wonderful works of art. Winning entries were: • Art (Adult): First place, Elisabeth Melk; second place, Tim Swiecki; third place, Carolyn Vogt. • Art (Grades 6 and younger): First place, Tessa Bruckhart; second place, Alexandria Zimmerman. • Landscape Photography (Intermediate/Advanced): First place, Ian Vierck; second place, Cindee Bowen. • Landscape Photography (Beginner): First place, Ambrielle Mueller; second place, Jonathan Mohr; third place, Lucia Flores.

First place, Landscape Photo (Intermediate/ Advanced) by Ian Vierck, who captured the flight of fireflies on a starry evening in Schmeeckle’s cattail marsh.

• Wildlife Photography (Intermediate/Advanced): First place, Scott Adamski; second place, Melissa Burke; third place, Alexandra Wildenborg. • Wildlife Photography (Beginner): First place, Megan Strom; second place, Tessa Bruckhart; third place, Ying Chojnacki.

First place, Wildlife Photo (Intermediate/ Advanced) by Scott Adamski First place, Art (Grades 6 and younger) by Tessa Bruckhart

First place, Art (Adult) by Elisabeth Melk

Winter/Spring 2021

• Writing (Adult): First place, Lucia Flores and Marco Mascitti. • Rock Art (Adult): First place, Sophia Sperduto. To see all of the amazing contest entries, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle, click on “Friends of Schmeeckle,” then “Arts Contest.”

First place, Landscape Photo (Beginner) by Ambrielle Mueller

First place, Wildlife Photo (Beginner) by Megan Strom 5

Spring Family Nature Programs Schmeeckle Reserve’s in-person Family Nature Programs, sponsored by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve, are returning for spring 2021! The free programs are presented by UW-Stevens Point students studying environmental education and interpretation. To keep everyone safe, all programs will be held outside. Face coverings and social distancing are required. Registration is also required, with attendance limited to 25 people. To register, e-mail schmeeckle@uwsp.edu and include the titles of the programs you wish to attend, the number in your group, your e-mail address, and your phone number. Short Nature Notes videos and recorded programs can be viewed on the Schmeeckle website. Visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle, click on “Programs & Events,” and choose “Program Videos.”

UWSP student Regina Lobner presents a migrating bird program last fall.

Spring 2021 Family Nature Program Schedule All programs start at the campfire ring near the Schmeeckle visitor center, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited. To register for a program, please e-mail schmeeckle@uwsp.edu

The Maple Tree’s Treat Tuesday, April 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Schmeeckle’s Sounds of Spring Tuesday, April 13, 5-6 p.m. (Rain date: April 14, 5-6 p.m.)

Get the Dirt on Life Tuesday, April 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Imagine the sweet taste of maple syrup on fresh pancakes. As maple trees wake up from their winter slumber, their sap is beginning to flow. Discover the annual springtime tradition of how we collect and transform this sugary liquid into delicious syrup. Presented by Kendall Prehn

Shhhh... can you hear that? Turn up your listening ears as we explore nature’s song springing to life at Schmeeckle! From birds and bees to the frogs and trees, sounds of spring are here! Presented by Jess Dickson

Have you noticed Schmeeckle’s variety of wetlands, forests, and prairies? What’s underground is just as diverse. Dirt isn’t just dirt—it’s alive! Join us to discover the diverse life beneath your feet. Presented by Madeline Schopf

The Birds are Back in Town Thursday, April 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Keep Your Head in the Clouds Thursday, April 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 23, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

The snowbirds have returned and spring is here! Welcome our migrating feathered friends back to Schmeeckle after a long vacation in the south. Join the housewarming festivities and see what they’re up to now that they’re home. Presented by Cali Jones

From wispy clouds high in the sky to dark and rumbling thunderheads, clouds come in a variety of shapes and colors. Join us for some cloud watching and discover how they form and what they do for us. Presented by Isabella Kling

True Crime: Schmeeckle’s Predators Thursday, April 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.) Have you ever felt like something was lurking behind you? Then you have something in common with Schmeeckle critters that might become someone else’s lunch. Become a detective in our murder mystery and solve which wildlife committed the crime. Presented by Faith Neumann 6

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Hi Friends, it’s me, Walden, the Schmeeckle Kids Ambassador. Want to try something awesome this winter? Walk on the lake and visit the island! My friend, Bradley, and I took a trip with our dads in early January. We had a lot of fun sliding on the ice and playing keep away with an ice chunk. We talked to ice fishermen and found a nice spot on the island for a snack. Did you know that the lake was dug 45 years ago to build a hill around the Sentry Insurance building? According to my dad, the island wasn’t part of the original plan. Sentry had enough fill, but the lake needed to be deeper. So they dug a deeper area

Walden Buchholz (left) and Bradley Skawinski explore Lake Joanis in early January.

and piled the rock in the middle. And just like that, we now have an island to explore! The west side of the island has some awesome pine trees with low branches, great for climbing. The east side is more brushy, which is

good for hiding in. And based on the tracks and scat (poop), deer like exploring the island too! Head out to the island while the ice is still safe, and explore a secret place that not many people have stepped foot in.

Who’s Behind the Hoot?* Saturday, April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.)

The Lake’s View* Saturday, May 1, 1-2 p.m. (Sunday, May, 2, 1-2 p.m.)

Gather round for a night of owl exploration. Uncover the secrets of these mysterious raptors through storytelling. Take a walk to discover where they live and what they’re up to. Find out who’s behind the hoots in central Wisconsin. Presented by Abigail Friell

You might know Lake Joanis from its shoreline, but get ready for a whole new view from the water! Join us for a free canoe and kayak paddle around the lake. Explore the island, find out what types of critters live in the water, and hear stories of the lake’s past. Presented by Liz Rynders.

Oak Savannas: Rising from the Ashes Saturday, May 8, 4-5 p.m. (Rain date: May 9, 4-5 p.m.)

* Meet at the Menzel Pavilion near the visitor center parking lot.

* Meet at the canoe launch on the south side of Lake Joanis.

The Story of Stumps Thursday, April 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: April 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

A Dinner Date with Nature Tuesday, May 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date: May, 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Have you ever walked through Schmeeckle and been “stumped” about where a favorite tree went? Restoration projects enhance the woods for beauty and recreation. Visit some stumps and listen to their stories about what the future holds. Presented by Quinn Brownell

Feeling hungry? Look no further than your local forest supermarket to find some delicious food. Join us on a journey through Schmeeckle to seek out wild edibles such as mushrooms, ramps, and fiddleheads. Presented by Garrett Hopkins.

Winter/Spring 2021

You may have noticed several prescribed fires last year at Schmeeckle, but how are those flames connected to oak savannas? Take a trip through the past, present and future of oak savannas to discover how Schmeeckle is restoring this rapidly disappearing native habitat. Presented by Stephanie Somerville Spring Candlelight Hike The in-person spring Candlelight Hike Festival has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 precautions. However, our student naturalists are busy planning a virtual character program! Watch our Facebook page for announcements, facebook.com/ SchmeeckleReserve

Birding for all in Schmeeckle By Barbara Dixson Friends Newsletter Editor If you venture into Schmeeckle Reserve early in the morning, you may well run into a person peering into the trees through binoculars. The Reserve’s 280 acres of protected and varied habitat are home to many birds, and birders of all sorts, from novice to expert, from avocational to professional, roam its trails. Melinda Houtman, UWSP Student From her first semester on campus in the fall of 2017, Melinda became a regular visitor to Schmeeckle Reserve, forming the habit of walking there nearly every morning, alone or with friends. She found at once that Schmeeckle lowered her stress level, but mainly, she comes to the Reserve for “the birds and the woods,” “to remind myself why I’m studying,” and to see how to “apply what I’ve

learned to make the natural world better.” Melinda has fond memories of the many birds she’s met in the Reserve: a golden-winged warbler—a mixed flock of warblers—pied-billed grebes—a redhead duck. Once there was a green heron that sat on a branch tucked up into a ball, then darted its long neck out and grabbed a fish. Another time, an osprey circled, soared, dived feet first, and came up with a fish. Right now, Melinda is noticing the common winter inhabitants, such as chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and “a gorgeous red-tailed hawk.” Melinda is a fourth-year student with a double major in wildlife ecology and biology, plus a captive wildlife minor. Thus she’s frequented the Reserve in a number of her classes, and her research in the Wildlife Society has brought her there as well. Building on this experience, Melinda worked as an intern at the Raptor Education Group in Antigo last summer. She will present research she did there on insecticide intoxication in passerines and near passerines at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in February, and she is already looking forward to further graduate study. Maybe birds? Certainly more research. Chris Thompson

Melinda Houtman birding around Lake Joanis. 8

Chris Thompson serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve. As a UWSP alumnus and Stevens Point resident, he has been at home in the Reserve for many years. His

Chris Thompson and his sons birding in the Moses Creek wetland.

quiet work with bird boxes and feeders is essential to keeping them in good order. Here’s what Chris says: “Schmeeckle Reserve has proven itself to be a wonderful outdoor classroom (especially during COVID-19) for my entire family, especially my two young boys. Among the almost daily trips to Schmeeckle, bird watching and nest box monitoring have become part of our at-home science class. “During the spring and fall migration, walks in the Reserve have become a bird identification laboratory for my children. With ID books in hand, we try and see how many different species we can check off our birding list. As the weather warms, we start monitoring over 20 different nest boxes for various species of nesting birds. So far, we have Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

had wood ducks, tree swallows, bluebirds, and various other songbirds utilize our boxes. This year, we even had a prothonotary warbler visit one of our nest boxes! As the boys get older, the plan is to have them start recording data to help them become citizen scientists. “Schmeeckle Reserve is a real treasure for Stevens Point, and I am proud to be a Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve board member.“ Bob Rosenfield Bob Rosenfield, professor of biology, has known Schmeeckle Reserve from its earliest days in the 1970s, when he was an undergraduate here. “Schmeeckle has been a wonderful venue for decades for my research and for my teaching,” Bob says. “One feeds the other.” While Bob researches any interesting bird matter that comes along—Why are great grey owls suddenly invading northeast Minnesota?—What happens with edge predation in the national forests of northern Wisconsin?— his abiding passion has been the study of Cooper’s hawks. Schmeeckle shelters nesting pairs of Cooper’s hawks nearly every year. Bob nets them, climbs trees to reach the nestlings, evaluates their size and health, bands them, and, with a former student, has done isotope studies on their feathers to determine their range. The oldest Cooper’s hawk Bob has studied included Schmeeckle in his territory and made it to the venerable age of eleven, due, no doubt, to the fine management of the Reserve.

Winter/Spring 2021

Bob Rosenfield holding a great gray owl.

In his ornithology, ecological methods, and raptor ecology classes, Bob has led students in conducting field work in Schmeeckle, where they “collect data that actually contributes” to our understanding of the Cooper’s hawks, great horned owls, and barred owls that live there. Over the years, he’s brought over 2,200 students into the Reserve for research and field work. In addition, Bob has done research in places as far flung as British Columbia, New Mexico, Panama, and Greenland, and he has involved UWSP undergraduate students in many of these studies. To prepare the students who have worked with him and other scientists in Greenland, Bob brings them to the Reserve, where they practice capturing and working with raptors. From this or subsequent work, these students with the wide field experience Bob has given them have gone on to publish 40 or more technical papers in international, peer-reviewed journals, and from there to leadership and ongoing research

in their fields. Former students include Hannah Badgett, whose paper on climate change and migration patterns in Greenland appeared in Polar Research in 2020; Travis Booms, who went on for a Ph.D. and now studies gyrfalcons in Alaska; Sarah Sonsthagen, who has become an internationally renowned population geneticist; and so many others. Schmeeckle Reserve, Bob says, has given him “a place to connect students to my passion and to support their maturation”—and that, in turn, fosters his own growth.

Students in Bob Rosenfield’s raptor ecology class holding Cooper’s hawk chicks in Schmeeckle Reserve.

“Why I Love the Reserve” is a regular feature in the Friends newsletter. If you would like to be interviewed for this feature, please contact Barbara Dixson at barbaradixson@gmail.com

Thank you to our new and continuing Friends! New Life Members: Marcus and Amy Haemmerle Tara Humphreys Karin Hyler Joseph and Charlene Jarabek Erik and Debbie Lacey Mike and Linda Orella Joe Pfiffner Rick and Sharon Rothman Vern and Katie Schroth Anthony Smith Noah and Andrea Zimmerman New Members: Ryan and Erin Andrews Matt and Kim Angell Elizabeth Fulton and Mitchell Fisher Michael and Carolyne Hovel Wayne Johnson Patricia Klug Patrick and Megan Lawrence Mary Maller Jason and Julie Mascitti John and Lynn Meyer Robert Nemeth and Jody Lewis Kaitlyn Nichols Joy Ratchkramer Rick and Katie Rettler Ross and Jacki Rettler Greg Sowle Ian Vierck Karl and Jane Wolf

Amy and Ben Durfee Dave and Marla Habeck Timothy and Susan Halkowski Dave and Margaret Hillier Ron Jurgella Gene and Nancy Kemmeter Daniel and Janet Kortenkamp Matthew Kovalaske Dave Ladick Frederick Littmann Mary Maller Stephen and Lynn Marquardt Dianne Meyer Christine Neidlein Bridget O’Brien and Mark Nelson Lonna and Aaron O’Keefe Joan Ouellette Pauline Pray Cindy Rothfeder Melissa Ruether Noreen Schreiber Susan and Alvin Schuller Paul and Alex Skawinski Guy and Mary Stewart John and Jill Thom Steve and Anne Treankler

Oct. 21, 2020–Feb. 28, 2021 Claudia Trimarco Sharilyn Willer Natasha Wills-Hennes Deb and Dave Wilz Jim and Susan Zach Special Donations to Friends: Tom and Sue Baldischwiler Matt Davis Michael and Patricia Dombeck Mark and Karen Ilten Jerry Lineberger Evan Mascitti Mike and Linda Orella James Schuh Heath Stoltz and Jennifer KiefferStoltz Noah and Andrea Zimmerman Weekly Timber & Pulp (see photo below) Matching Donations: Delta Dental of Wisconsin Deluxe Corporation Foundation Sentry Insurance Foundation

Renewing Members: Marion Aiken Karen and Karl Aldinger Barbara Arrowood Mark Balhorn and Julie Schneider Bob and Paula Bell Lee and Siri Bendtsen William and Susan Boylan Bill and Roseann DeBot Sally and Don Dehlinger Craig and Gina DeLisle Nolan Doran

As part of the oak savanna restoration project, Friends volunteers cut red oak logs to 8-foot lengths and stacked them near the road last December. Andrew Komassa coordinated the purchase of the logs through his company, Weekly Timber & Pulp out of Wautoma. This resulted in about $2,370 being donated to the Friends of Schmeeckle. Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Thank you to our founding Life Members! Starting last May, the Friends of Schmeeckle offered a special Life Membership option for those wishing to make a long-term investment in the Reserve. The response has been incredible, and we are excited to acknowledge our 54 founding life members. The Life Membership gift is invested in the Friends Endowment Fund held at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. The fund earns

interest in perpetuity to benefit Schmeeckle Reserve. In addition to all of the regular membership benefits, a Life Membership requires no annual renewal. Life Member names will be listed on a recognition plaque in the visitor center. Life Members also receive a welcome gift basket with certificate, travel mug, keychain, notebook, magnet, and tote bag.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Life Members May 1, 2020–February 28, 2021

Jerry Lineberger, in memory of Susan Lineberger

Marjorie “Jan” Lutz

William and Julie Hlavac

Richard and Lois Wetzel

Sarah and Brad Hughes

John and Dori Jury

Susan Foote-Martin

Nisha Fernando

Jack and Cynny Porter

Chris Schmelling

Kendra Liddicoat and Brian Barringer

Margaret Bau

Kay Wohlbier

Ron and Donna Zimmerman

Tony Anday

Michael and Beverly Gross

Bob and Mary Mosier

Janet Langton

Dallas and Edith Pankowski

Rich and Carolyn Sommer

Jack Hurrish and Joan Karlen

Santha Bickford

Meg Erler

Betty Trainer

Nancy Ross

Marti and Greg Sowka

Rick and Sarah Wilke

Dan and Donna Marx

Jackie DeKay

Ralph and Marcia Locher

Steve and Sue Bergin

Connie R. Page

Michael and Patricia Dombeck

Jim and Susan Zach

James and Nancy LaMar

Mitzi and Bernie Hlavac

Jerry Kasdorf and Myung Sun Jung Timothy Taschwer Dave and Karen Henneghan

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

LIFE MEMBER Winter/Spring 2021

George and Sonja Kung Joseph and Charlene Jarabek Joe Pfiffner Rick and Sharon Rothman Tara Humphreys Erik and Debbie Lacey Vernon and Kathryn Schroth Anthony Smith Karin Hyler Noah and Andrea Zimmerman Marcus and Amy Haemmerle Mike and Linda Orella

To become a Life Member of the Friends of Schmeeckle, visit uwsp.edu/schmeeckle, click on “Friends,” and choose “Life Membership”

Parting View: Pileated Woodpecker at the Schmeeckle Feeders A female pileated woodpecker stopped by for a suet snack outside the Schmeeckle visitor center in early February. The crow-sized birds typically prefer eating carpenter ants in trees during winter, but will sometimes visit backyard bird feeders.