Friends of Schmeeckle Fall 2022 Newsletter

Friends of

Schmeeckle Reserve

‘Round the Reserve

The power of a simple idea

By Jerry Lineberger Friends Board President

I want to reflect with you on the power of a simple idea.

Consider if you will that Schmeeckle Reserve exists because of a simple idea.

And…

The creation of Lake Joanis…

The “conservancy idea…

Jerry Lineberger

Celebrating access for all

The multiple trails and boardwalks created through a 280 acre area which was earlier pretty bad farming land…

The idea of having a one-mile trail around the lake…

The idea of putting down crushed granite around the lake for improved access for wheelchairs and strollers, as well as cost savings for the Reserve compared to shredded bark…

The idea of developing the Moses Creek area as part of a DOT project requiring reclamation of wetland areas…

The creation of an overlook

By Jim Buchholz Schmeeckle Reserve Director

Fall is my favorite season in Schmeeckle. The brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves are breathtaking. The witchhazel shrubs are decorated with their unique yellow flowers. And migrating songbirds are once again crowding the feeders.

Jim Buchholz

Walking through Schmeeckle on a crisp fall day is something

many of us take for granted. But not everyone can enjoy this magical resource in the same way.

One of my goals since taking on the director role six years ago has been to enhance access for all to the resources and facilities of Schmeeckle. The Friends organization has been vital to these efforts. One of the group’s first projects was to fund the installation of an automatic opener on the front door of the visitor center in 2016.

This past year, we completed an ambitious project to improve access to Schmeeckle’s most popular resource, Lake Joanis.

Director,

Outreach coordinator, Melissa Ruether, takes a selfie on the newly completed accessible fishing pier on the south shore of Lake Joanis. The dedication of the Lake Loop Trail and fishing pier was celebrated on September 29.

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 liz schmutzer

Dr. Michael Gross, UWSP, Retired

Bernard Hlavac Sentry Insurance, Retired Mark Ilten Anderson O’Brien Law Firm, Retired

Sue McKenzie Portage County Parks

Jackie Meyers Stevens Point Area YMCA

Mike Orella UWSP, Retired Ross Rettler Rettler Corporation

Nancy Ross Indiana University, Retired Gary Speckmann Portage County Parks, Retired

Timothy Taschwer TKE Educational Foundation, Retired Chris Thompson Ascension, St. Michael’s Hospital

Lionel Weaver Attorney

Rick Wyman Kickapoo Valley Cheese Co., Retired

contact Us

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-346-4992 info@friendsofschmeeckle.org friendsofschmeeckle.org

Friends gathered on September 29 to dedicate the accessible trail and fishing pier on Lake Joanis. In the photo above, Marilyn Worth, surrounded by other donors and volunteers, cuts the ribbon to officially open the accessible fishing pier.

Director, From Page 1

According to our infrared trail counters, nearly 90,000 people enjoy the Lake Loop Trail every year. However, prior to 2021, the trail was surfaced with soft bark mulch, and people in wheelchairs, those with other mobility disabilities, and families with strollers were often not able to enjoy the lake in the same way.

In 2021, the Friends embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to resurface the Lake Loop Trail with crushed granite and to construct an accessible fishing pier on the south shore of the lake. Thanks to generous donations from organizations and community members, $108,000 was raised in just a few short months.

In September, we were thrilled to join Friends members, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the dedication of the accessible Lake Loop Trail and fishing pier project. About 60 people attended the gathering on a beautiful, sunny, fall afternoon.

Guest speakers included Friends president Jerry Lineberger, Prime Water Anglers president Jeff Rautio, donor and Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin representative Jim Koziol, Friends of Schmeeckle volunteer member Ron Zimmerman, and UWSP College of Natural Resources associate dean Brenda Lackey.

This project could never have become a reality without the hard work and dedication of volunteers. A special thank you to the Prime Water Anglers volunteers who constructed and installed the metal frame last winter, as well as the Friends of Schmeeckle volunteer crew who handcrafted the wooden deck, railings, and ramp.

Visitors of all ages and abilities are now using the fishing pier and trail on a daily basis. I am humbled and honored to be part of such a generous community of people who share a vision of supporting universal access to outdoor spaces.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Photo courtesy of University Communications and Marketing

and swing in the Moses Creek restored wetland…

The donation of land to the Friends of Schmeeckle for the creation of Moses Creek Meadows in the Town of Hull…

The creation of a trail in the donated land connecting to the headwaters of Moses Creek…

The creation of an amphitheater to serve the community in an area that was formerly a compost demonstration site…

The creation of a trailhead for Schmeeckle and the Green Circle

Trail (another amazing idea of its own!)…

The creation of a an open-air pavilion to serve as a gathering place for the community…

The creation of an accessible pier and dock on Lake Joanis...

And… the creation of a Friends group to support Schmeeckle Reserve.

Each of these “simple” ideas came from people in our community. Each of these ideas was championed by and supported by community members. And each of these ideas

helps make our community an amazing place to live and work.

As a Friend of Schmeeckle Reserve, YOU are part of the energy that supports the creation and continuation of these ideas. Without your continued support, these simple ideas could never have grown to become the community treastures they are today.

I just wanted to stop and say……thank you for being a Friend.

Boardwalk building begins at Moses Creek Meadows

Our intrepid volunteer crew is at it again! Thanks to the generous support of nearly 40 donors, the construction of the boardwalk at Moses Creek Meadows has begun. This 33-acre conservancy area, located adjacent to Yulga Park, was donated to the Friends of Schmeeckle by John and Patty Noel in 2021. The Green Circle Trail was rerouted through the property in spring 2022.

The Friends started fundraising in 2021 to construct an additional trail, boardwalk, and viewing deck that would provide scenic views of the headwaters of Moses Creek, a pristine 160-acre sedge meadow wetland.

In October, Friends volunteers led by Ron Zimmerman began constructing an 8-foot wide, 250foot long boardwalk that will span a scenic wetland to a forested upland “island.” The boardwalk

should be completed in November. A crushed granite trail will be surfaced over the island.

Next summer, the crew will construct a shorter boardwalk and a raised platform off of the island, which will offer panoramic views

of the sedge meadow wetland.

Be sure to stop by the Moses Creek Meadows property to see the boardwalk progress and to experience the beauty of fall in this quiet natural gem.

Volunteers Rick Rothman, Michael Gross, Gary Speckmann, Erik Lacey, and Karl Wolf construct a new boardwalk in Moses Creek Meadows.

Fall Family Nature Programs

Schmeeckle Reserve’s Family Nature Programs are back for fall 2022! These free, hands-on programs are presented by UW-Stevens Point students studying environmental education and interpretation. All ages are invited.

Registration is required to attend the programs. To register, email schmeeckle@uwsp.edu with the program title(s) you wish to attend, the number in your group, email address, and phone number. You can also call the Schmeeckle office at 715-3464992. Registrations will be confirmed by email. All programs are held outdoors. In case of heavy rain or storms, registrants will be contacted with a rain date.

Fall 2022 Family Nature Program Schedule

All programs start at the Menzel Pavilion near the Schmeeckle visitor center, unless otherwise noted. To register for a program, please e-mail schmeeckle@uwsp.edu

A Look into Wisconsin Symbols Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6-7 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what represents the dairy state? Discover the animals, minerals, plants and even foods that symbolize Wisconsin in this fireside chat.

The Versatile Vulture Thursday, October 13, 6-7 pm

Discover how vultures’ “gross” dining habits keep humans safe and healthy in this fireside chat. Find out how you can help nature’s clean-up crew!

Backyard Birding Basics

Saturday, October 15, 10-11 am

A timeless hobby is taking flight at Schmeeckle! Practice using binoculars and new-school birding apps and discuss how you can contribute to science.

Nature: The Masterpiece

Sunday, October 16, 3-4 pm

FALL in love with nature in a new way! Discover the secret beauty hidden within Schmeeckle and create your own masterpiece.

Diagnose the Invaders of Schmeeckle!

Wednesday, October 19, 5-6 pm

Just as humans can be invaded by germs that make them sick, the Reserve has been invaded by exotic plants. Join us for a guided walk to examine different invasive species and discuss actions you can take to prevent their spread.

Schmeeckle Insect Superheroes

Friday, October 21, 6-7 pm

Join Ant Man and shrink down to discover the insect superheroes of Schmeeckle. Discuss adaptations that make them so super and explore their habitats.

Positive Pollinators

Saturday, October 22, 12-1 pm

Pop into a pollinator’s world. Explore their habitats, and find out how you can make the world safer for pollinators.

Searching in the Oak Savanna Saturday, October 22, 3-4 pm

Join us for a guided hike to explore Schmeeckle’s oak savannas, some of the rarest habitats in the Midwest.

Find out what animals depend on this unique community and what makes it so special.

Trees of Wisconsin Sunday, October 23, 3-4 pm

Get to know the trees of Schmeeckle and their connections to Wisconsin’s heritage. Join us for a short hike to learn how trees provide for wildlife and us!

Beneficial Bats Sunday, October 30, 3-4 pm

Are bats bloodsucking monsters or nature’s helpful heroes? Learn how these creatures of the night benefit us and our ecosystem!

Schmeeckle: An Evolving History Tuesday, November 8, 6-7 pm

The history of Schmeeckle reflects the settlement of the state. Join us for a hike to see the traces of Schmeeckle’s past and discuss its future.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

UWSP student Connor Bontjes presented a “Tiny Creatures, Big Impact” program at Lake Joanis last October.

A Tale of Pigeons Past

Wednesday, November 9, 6-7 pm

Long ago, a certain bird took to the skies in groups large enough to block out the sun. Today not even one remains. Join us for a fireside chat to discover how the passenger pigeon went from being one of the most common birds to being extinct.

What is a Fossil?

Saturday, November 12, 2-3 pm

What is a fossil? How do they form? Where and how can you find them? Join us for this fireside chat to get hands-on experience with real fossils. Discover what they can tell us about ancient Wisconsin.

Explore the Outdoors Sunday, November 13, 12-1 pm

Experience outdoor activities you can use to enhance your enjoyment of nature. Don’t fret, there will be activities for different abilities and interests—there is plenty of nature to be explored!

Nature’s Recycling Factory

Sunday, November 13, 3-4 pm

What happens to leaves after they fall? Why don’t logs pile up to the sky? Come break it down with nature’s decomposers!

Oh Deer!

Saturday, November 19, 2-3 pm

Investigate what white-tailed deer have been doing after the peak of the breeding season. We will explore deer behavior and look for deer signs.

The Story of Lake Joanis Sunday, November 20, 12-1 pm

Join us for a hike to the lake! Hear the lake’s origin story and create your own lake story with interactive activities and a craft. Hike departs from Menzel Pavilion; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Gazers Guide to the Galaxy Wednesday, November 23, 6-7 pm

Join us for a program about the night sky. Discover different constellations and learn how to navigate using only the stars.

The Scoop on Poop

Sunday, December 4, 3-4 pm

Learn what the “leavings” of animals can tell us about the wildlife that call Schmeeckle home! Join us for a fireside chat and guided exploration of nearby nature.

A Prowl for Owls

Thursday, December 8, 7-8 pm

“Hoo’s” that making noise out there? Join us for a nighttime hike to learn the secrets of Schmeeckle’s elusive owls and call for our feathered friends!

Winter Critters

Saturday, December 10, 1-2 pm

Winter got you down? Come on a winter hike with us to discover which creatures are out and about during the cold winter months.

Wisconsin Winter Birding Sunday, December 11, 11am-12pm

Do you want to get better at bird identification? Join us to learn about hardy winter birds and how to identify them with the assistance of a field guide.

Candlelight Hike Festival: “Lights of the Night”

Friday, October 28, 6-9 p.m.

Join us for the return of the inperson Fall Candlelight Hike Festival! Walk trails lit by torches and hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns through the autumn woods and around Lake Joanis. Discover the creatures and objects that light up the night in Schmeeckle.

The event is free, but a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family helps us to continue offering programs like this.

“Lights of the Night” character programs presented by UWSP students at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Live raptors on display

Passport stations with hands-on activities and games

Craft stations

S’mores and snacks for sale

Campfire

the Candlelight Hike a success! If you’re interested in volunteering,

info@friendsofschmeeckle.org or 715-346-4992.

Arts Contest winners love the Reserve

By Barbara Dixson Friends Newsletter Editor

Tessa Bruckhart roamed the Reserve in a stroller, in a bike trailer, and on a tagalong bike. During Candlelight Hikes, she graduated from hanging out with her parents to running down the torchlit trails with her brother and with friends a little older. Once, she recalls, she visited with a summer school class and, if the teacher had listened, Tessa would have kept the class from getting lost. Nowadays, in eighth grade, Tessa runs these trails with her cross country team.

“Tessa,” says her mom, Lynn Markham, “grew up in Schmeeckle.” And Tessa’s art grew in parallel. An artist from early childhood, Tessa began entering the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Photo, Art, and Writing contest from its earliest days, and she has submitted pictures nearly every year since. What’s more, every year, her entries have won in their category.

Having had good teachers, Tessa takes all sorts of opportunities to study art. Several years ago, in a Friends of Schmeeckle summer workshop led by local artist Jean Watkins and with logistical support provided by me, I had the chance to see Tessa at work, sketching tree trunks, large stones, downed wood, and more, with ease and skill. By a happy coincidence, her cross country coach is also her art teacher at P.J. Jacobs, so Tessa is beginning the year by initiating her sketch book. Tessa takes a

special interest in drawing wild animals, as you can see in her 2021 pencil drawing of a fat-cheeked chipmunk—and perhaps in 2022’s as well?

Ying Chajnocki’s first-place photo entry in the nature/ beginning category last year perfectly illustrates both her approach to photography and her feeling about Schmeeckle Reserve. One of the deer in the picture nibbles bark, while the other one aims a quizzical look towards the photographer, against a snowy background of tall, bare trees. Ying and her husband, Andy, often talk with the deer as they walk in the Reserve, even tempting the young ones to follow along on the trails. The deer look comfortable and at ease, she observes, and “they treat us like deer, too.” When she takes photographs, Ying hopes to “show feeling,” to reveal “something meaningful,” and to portray “how beautiful and peaceful” the Reserve is. This photograph

accomplishes all those things.

Ying first came to UWSP to study English as a second language, planning no more than a short stay, until Andy changed her mind. After they married and Ying moved to Stevens Point, she became a member of the Friends of Schmeeckle right away, in 2019. She and Andy are strong supporters of the Reserve. Andy often tells people at work they should visit Schmeeckle and bring their families. Ying volunteered at the members-only Candlelight Hike last fall and makes a point of shopping in the gift shop. The two of them have explored every trail and appreciate every feature, like the Moses Creek overlook and the accessible fishing pier. Musing about their walks, they speak together of butterflies, snakes, turtles, chipmunks, and wild geese. As Ying says, they’re “here for every change.”

Ying and Andy Chajnocki

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Tessa Bruckhart

Contest seeks Schmeeckle-inspired art, photos, writing

Calling all artists! You are invited to share your photos, art, or writings inspired by Schmeeckle in the 9th Annual Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Writing, Art, and Photo Contest.

This contest helps raise awareness of the Reserve and the Friends group, which supports the natural area. Entries are due December 9, 2022, with a reception planned for January 20, 2023 to celebrate and recognize winners and participants. All entries will be displayed on the Friends website.

Submissions must be accompanied by a 75–100 word statement

describing how the entry was inspired by time spent in Schmeeckle. All ages are welcome to participate, with many levels of entries to choose from. For the full entry guidelines and submission form, visit FriendsofSchmeeckle.org/arts-contest.

Reconstructing the Moses Creek Overlook

By Jerry Lineberger Friends Board President

You may have noticed that the overlook in the Moses Creek wetland has been out of commission recently. The overlook was created in 2011 in memory of Susan Lineberger. Before her passing from pancreatic cancer, she wanted to “do something for Schmeeckle Reserve.” Designed by Jim Buchholz and Ron Zimmerman, the overlook was constructed by student staff in the summer of 2011.

I have had many ask me about the overlook and the beautiful carved swing created by student artists at Schmeeckle. As the site has aged over the past 11 years, the structure was starting to deteriorate and it was time for a facelift.

Through the efforts of the Friends of Schmeeckle volunteer crew, the overlook is being completely reconstructed this summer and fall. The new design uses more stable construction techniques and more resilient

materials. The rebuild should be completed by late October.

If the overlook is one of your favorite places in the Reserve, please consider a donation to assure its maintenance for future generations.

Volunteers Tom Mihm, Mike Orella, and Bill Fisher are heading up the project to reconstruct the Moses Creek wetland overlook.

2021 contest submissions: Lake painting by Anna Bartz, grasshopper photo by Scott Adamski, and ice fishing carving by Tim Swiecki

Friends celebrate 9 years at Annual Celebration

A special thank you to everyone who attended the Friends Annual Member Celebration on August 28. About 80 members gathered at the Menzel Pavilion and Pankowski Friends Amphitheater for a delicious meal catered by UWSP On Point Catering and a short business meeting.

During the meeting, Mark Ilten, Sue McKenzie, Gary Speckmann, and Lionel Weaver were elected as new board members for 3-year terms (see pages 10–11 to learn more about them!) Barbara Dixson, Bernard Hlavac, and Timothy Taschwer were reelected for 3-year terms. Liz Schmutzer and Will Scheder were elected as student board members for 1-year terms.

President Jerry Lineberger shared accomplishments and announcements from the year. This included:

• The Friends group celebrating its 9-year anniversary

• The first in-person Candlelight Hike Festival since the pandemic being held in May and attended by 1,800 people

• Over 350 people attending a total of 17 family nature programs presented by UWSP students at Schmeeckle

• Friends volunteers finishing construction of the accessible fishing pier on Lake Joanis

• The Friends Trailblazer

Award being presented to Tom Mihm and Mike Orella, dedicated volunteers who coordinated many of the recent enhancement projects

The Friends celebrated their Annual Member Meeting on August 28.

Board Treasurer Rick Rothman provided a financial report on the organization’s standing:

• Current spendable balance was $195,752, with $113,752 designated to specific projects such as the Green Circle Trailhead, the accessible lake trail and pier, and the Moses Creek Meadows boardwalk.

• The Friends Endowment, held at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, totaled $172,686. Funds were generated primarily through Life Memberships.

Jerry also shared the annual membership report:

• Total 2021-22 memberships was 426. This included 80 new members.

• Total number of Life Members was 127.

After the business meeting, guest speaker Ron Zimmerman, former director of the Reserve and

Friends vice president, presented an inspiring talk on the significant role that Schmeeckle has played and is playing in restoring native ecosystems. He encouraged the audience to visit the new oak savanna restoration areas over the next few years to watch how they evolve and enrich the natural community.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Ron Zimmerman presented on restoration efforts in Schmeeckle.

Welcome to Schmeeckle’s new Graduate Assistant

Hi folks! I’m Griffin Bray, the new Schmeeckle Reserve graduate assistant. Like past grad assistants, I will be hanging around Schmeeckle for the next couple years, helping with events like the Candlelight Hike Festivals, managing textbook sales, coordinating research and education, and providing leadership for the student employees and practicum students.

I’m originally from “across the pond” (Lake Michigan), where I worked professionally as a naturalist around Michigan

from 2018 until I moved, starting while I earned my bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from the University of MichiganDearborn—the Point of the U of M system. However, I have been playing in and learning about nature since the ripe old age of 4 and am looking forward to having a whole new habitat to play in. I’m thrilled to be part of the Schmeeckle crew and am looking forward to the next two years of working with the Schmeeckle staff, students, “Tuesday morning crew,” and the rest of you amazing folks!

Griffin Bray started as Schmeeckle’s new graduate assistant in August.

The Tempest delights Shakespeare fans in Schmeeckle

Shakespeare plays were made for outdoor settings! Sponsored in part by the Friends of Schmeeckle, the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT) presented its second annual “Schmeeckle Shakes” production from August 19-21. The Tempest, held in the Friends Pankowski Amphitheater at Schmeeckle, attracted over 300 audience members during four shows. The play featured original music, colorful costumes, and an incredible cast and crew that brought this tale of betrayal, revenge, and family to life. A special thank you to our Friends volunteers who provided snacks and drinks during the intermissions. We look forward to hosting this unique event series again next summer.

The Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater hosted its production of The Tempest in the Pankowski Friends Amphitheater from August 19-21. The event attracted hundreds of audience members to the unique outdoor space.

Welcome to our new Friends Board Members

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve board of directors is made up dedicated volunteers who are passionate about enhancing Schmeeckle for the community. Board members provide direction and guidance for the organization. We are excited to welcome five new board members who were elected

at the Friends Annual Member Meeting.

If you’re interested in serving on the board or on one of our many committees, please contact us at info@friendsofschmeeckle.org. Regular board members serve three-year terms, while student board members serve one-year terms.

After retiring as Portage County Parks director in 2018, Gary Speckmann followed John Jury’s advice to say “no!” to everything for six months. But not long after that deadline, Jim Buchholz invited Gary to join the Friends of Schmeeckle Tuesday crew, which has been instrumental in making the tables and benches for the Menzel Pavilion, building the accessible fishing pier, rebuilding the Moses Creek Overlook, and more. On the Tuesday crew, Gary laughs, it’s nice to be considered one of the youngest guys.

A 1979 UWSP grad with a wildlife management major and biology minor, Gary worked around the Midwest, returning to Stevens Point in 1992. He has served on the board of the Green Circle Trail from that time till now, and so it was a natural step to join us on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve executive board. Beginning with the Advancement Committee and the Lands Committee, Gary says he’s “still sitting back, figuring out what all’s going on.”

Mark Ilten came to Stevens Point in 1975 just out of law school, and he has spent the years since then with triple commitments to family, profession, and the community. Widowed with kids ages 8, 12, and 14, Mark immersed himself in parenting. Now, he has adult children (all with Ph.D.s, all teachers) and grandchildren scattered around the country. During those years, he also worked as an attorney, first in an established firm and then in his own, Haferman and Ilten.

The Stevens Point community has certainly benefited from Mark’s energy and devotion through these years! As congregation president at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mark was involved in two multimillion dollar building projects. A trumpet player all his life, Mark has been part of city band since 1992 and serves as treasurer, leading the band to set up a foundation account. Board of directors for the Community Foundation—Intrastate Recycling—Planning Commission—bell choir conductor—there’s no end to Mark’s service. With all that, he has kept his love of the outdoors alive. He and his second wife, Karen, regularly walk in the Reserve, so it’s a good fit for Mark to join the board, choosing the Finance Committee and the Community Outreach Committee.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Gary Speckmann

Mark Ilten

Sue McKenzie came to UWSP in 2015 and right away joined Reserve staff. Sue says, “from day one of working at Schmeeckle, my life changed forever.” Surrounded by other nature lovers where she could be herself, Sue felt that she’d found her “Wisco family.” She worked the front desk, became the Green Circle trail recreation intern, and managed the interpretive handbooks, helping to make Candlelight Hikes happen as staff and as volunteer.

From Schmeeckle, Sue moved to the county parks as an assistant manager, then manager of Lake Emily, and more. As volunteer coordinator for Wisconsin Woodlands Owners Association (WWOA) through AmeriCorps, Sue found a way for the volunteer program to pivot and thrive during the pandemic. Back to county parks in 2021 as an administrative associate, Sue feels as if she’s settled into her “second Wisco family.”

Sue has a “passion” for the outdoors, one that she loves to share. About the Reserve, she says, “The way I feel about Schmeeckle makes my heart explode with love and gratitude.” We return the feeling!

Liz Schmutzer, our newest student member of the board, has found Schmeeckle Reserve to be a “home away from home.” She not only works in the Visitor Center but also spends time “destressing, fishing, seeing the wildlife, hammocking, and walking the trails.” Liz learned her love of the outdoors early, traveling to national parks with family, and she spent “countless hours” on her grandparents’ land, exploring. Her recent study abroad trip to Costa Rica only deepened her joy in the outdoors. Liz says, “ I want to share my love of nature with everyone.”

As an Environmental Education and Interpretation Major with a Conservation Biology minor aiming for an Environmental Ethics certificate, Liz has stayed very involved on campus. Currently, she is president of the Environmental Educators and Naturalists Association (EENA). With her leadership, EENA has taken on the responsibility for planning and leading the education stations at this fall’s Candlelight Hike. Exciting!

Lionel Weaver came to Stevens Point in 2016 to take a position as an attorney with a large corporation, but then realized during the pandemic that it was time to take the plunge and start his own legal practice. Weaver Legal, LLC, focuses on business and corporate law. Lionel, his wife, and his second grade son love it here in Stevens Point, so much so that Lionel has been becoming more and more committed to community service. He is currently elected to the board of the Portage County Supervisors, a demanding post.

As a new member of the Friends of Schmeeckle board, Lionel has joined the Land and Facilities Committee. He appreciates how well the board works together. Because, for Lionel and his family, Schmeeckle is a special place, he says, “I’m glad to be a part.”

Lionel Weaver

Sue McKenzie

Liz Schmutzer

An amazing year of giving

By Michael Gross Advancement Committee Chair

July 1 marked the start of the 2022/23 membership year. Welcome to our 41 new members and 15 former members who rejoined us after an absence. A special thank you to those who renewed their memberships and those who became Life Members. Our current active membership stands at 366, which includes 129 Life Members. Schmeeckle Reserve is a wonderful community asset, and you, as

Thank you to our Friends and Donors!

Friends members, have been the driving force behind major enhancements and achievements over the past few years. Your continued support will help us plan and complete more exciting projects in the future.

If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, please visit friendsofschmeeckle.org/join/. Thank you all for your generosity!

July 28-October 18, 2022

The following individuals have joined the Friends group or donated since the last newsletter was published in July. Welcome to our new members, and welcome back to those who have renewed!

New Members:

Daniel Allen and Amanda Durocher Griffin Bray Karen Busse Cooper Cousins Dean Curtis John and Ann Goodwin Mary Jane Grabowski Erik Holterman Arlene Meyerhofer Mairin Murphy Linda Rollins Jason and Erica Taylor Ken and Bette Vogel Joan Voigt Greg and Suzanne Weider

Renewing Members:

Scott Adamski

Barb Alm

Tom and Sue Baldischwiler Sue and Paul Bergh Samantha & David Birkenkamp

Patricia Bowen

Jean Brazzale Missy Brey Kathryn Buatti Kathy Celer & Dennis Robling

Joseph R. Clark Bill and Roseann DeBot Sally and Don Dehlinger

Catherine Dugan David and Lynn Eckholm Alan Engebretson Becca, Edith & Aloysius Franzen & Troy Rickert Jami Gebert Colleen and Al Glodowski Duane and Terri Greuel Brian and Mary Guzman Dave and Marla Habeck Orwoll and Lois Hagen Gerald Haiar David and Laurie Hansen Tom and Julie Herzog Janet Howard Gerry and Maureen Janz Ted and Joan Johanson John Kasukonis Kathryn Kibbee Jamie and Tracy Kiener Jerry Kummer and Sharon Courtney

Bob, Karen and Hannah Medo Therese Meidl and Paul Westegaard

William Menzel John and Lynn Meyer Robert Miller Paul Mirman

Mark Patrick Eileen Payne Kimatha Phillips

Sally Powell and John Hardy Tom Razner Barbara and Bill Reed Ralph and Sharon Reniewicki Jan Roberts Maura Robinson Mike and Becky Schmidt Lynn Seifert Barbara Sellhausen Dorothy Semple Greg Sowle Samantha and Jacob Szynskie Jill Trochlell Ziehr and Bill Ziehr Darrell and Laura Trzebiatowski

Jo Anne and Robert Uhl Edgar and Mary Verkest Chris and Lynn Walker Natasha Wills-Hennes Bill Zimdars

Special Donations:

General Friends donations

RaeAnn Fahey

GFWC Stevens Point Woman’s Club Mark and Karen Ilten Deb and Toby Knippel, in memory of George Kung Therese Meidl and Paul Westegaard

Living Well Yoga students

Scott and Sharon Metskas, in memory of Ella J. Hall John and Lynn Meyer Rick and Sharon Rothman

Gift memberships

Stirling and Brian Cousins Jerry Lineberger Brenda Ryther

Friends Endowment donations Leigh and Beth Smith

Adam Schoenbeck Memorial Dennis and Patricia Jameson Sharon Marschall

Per Olav Myklebust and Alice Reilly-Myklebust Glenn and Betsy Schoenbeck Seneca Foods Corporation

Moses Creek Meadows boardwalk and viewing deck Alan Engebretson

Moses Creek Wetland viewing deck Megan Lineberger

Jerry Lineberger

Tribute tree program

Hartman Creek Gang, in memory of Terry Feltz

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

A special welcome to our new Life Members who joined the Friends since late July. Life memberships grow the Friends endowment fund housed at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. These gifts provide perpetual funding for the work of the Friends and Schmeeckle.

Suzanne Fee Luci Liebe aLoha DanieLS

GorDon L. MiLLer

Steve Faber anD Jackie MeyerS

DaviD haLL k athryn GottwaLD

Friends of LIFE MEMBER

To see a full listing of Life Members and to join as a Life Member, visit friendsofschmeeckle.org/life-members/ Schmeeckle Reserve

Support the Friends through IRA year-end giving

By Tim Taschwer Friends Advancement Committee

There are many creative ways to support the work of the Friends. People with traditional IRAs, for example, have an excellent asset for financial security during retirement. Traditional IRAs are funded by pretax dollars and grow tax free. Income taxes come due only when funds are withdrawn, which normally occurs at an older age when most investors are in a lower tax bracket.

Those aged 70 ½ or older, who are subject to the 2022 Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) IRA withdrawal, may avoid the income taxes due by making a direct donation of all or a portion of those funds to a qualified charitable organization, such as the Friends of Schmeeckle

Reserve. Many IRA holders may not yet need those funds to meet daily living expenses due to having other sources of income, such as pension funding or other employment.

The donation of RMD funds can be accomplished by executing a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) rollover direct from the IRA to the Friends. Any IRA administrator can easily guide the donor through the process. QCD charitable contributions are tax deductible gifts that reduce a taxpayer’s net adjusted income, and the amount given counts towards meeting the RMD obligation. For 2022, QCDs can provide tax free rollover contributions up to $100,000 from IRAs direct to the Friends and are not subject to any deduction limits on charitable giving.

The above is of an informational nature only. The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve does not provide professional tax or accounting advice. Prospective donors should consult their financial or tax advisor when considering any charitable giving.

New England aster blooming this fall in Schmeeckle Reserve

Schmeeckle is a natural lab for Forestry techniques

By Barbara Dixson Friends Newsletter Editor

On a perfect September morning—sunny, mild, wild geese calling overhead—Dr. Paul Doruska gathered his 27 Forest Mensuration students on the Plank Trail in Schmeeckle Reserve. They listened intently as he explained the uses of a whole series of instruments for measuring trees, their height, their diameter, and their distance from where a person is standing. Then in preassigned groups, students set off across the forest floor to hone their skills.

I had the good fortune to hang out with a group of three exceptionally capable and also welcoming students, Greyson Fout, Catrina Johnson, and Logan Krueger. In hard hats and boots, they led the way to a clearing, opened their bags, and took turns trying out the instruments: a clinometer, a Relaskop, a bark gauge, a Vertex, a Criterion, a caliper, and a Biltmore stick. On tricky bits, like a scale which required delicate positioning, they consulted each other to figure it out. For one particularly complicated instrument, Dr. Doruska came around group to group for coaching.

Forest Mensuration forms part of the Forestry major, so it builds on the foundational skills which students learned during

the College of Natural Resources six-week summer field experience. Both Logan and Greyson look forward to working in forestry. Logan comes from the fourth generation of a logging family and will likely take a role in the family business once he graduates. Because he also has an EMT license from a temporary detour into a nursing major, he will be an especially welcome rural citizen. Greyson looks forward to forest management, open to possibilities but drawn to the lure of a place like Yellowstone. Catrina, in contrast, is a Wildlife major with a Forestry minor, which gives her the expertise to understand the habitats of the wild creatures she is learning about.

Paul Doruska has been taking students into Schmeeckle Reserve since he came to UWSP in 2006. The Reserve is the default lab

location for this class, as it’s so convenient, and as it offers all kinds of stands to study, from saplings through sawtimber trees. Forest Mensuration teaches complex technical skills, relying on math and statistics as well as field work, and prepares students for professional undertakings such as timber stand inventories or inventories of down woody debris, and Schmeeckle offers scope to practice both of these inventories.

As I talked over the class with Paul and read through the syllabus, the words “stewardship,” “sustainability,” “integrity,” and “inclusivity” stood out. A focus on ethics shines through every class expectation. If a landowner asks a forester to do something that is not sustainable, Paul tells his students, they should “walk away.” I expect Fred Schmeeckle would agree.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Dr. Paul Doruska (left) leads a Forest Mensuration class at Schmeeckle with UWSP students Catrina Johnson, Logan Krueger, and Greyson Fout.

Paul Doruska

Hi Friends, it’s me, Walden, the Schmeeckle Kids Ambassador. The Candlelight Hike this year is going to be about “Lights of the Night,” and I think that fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are the coolest animals that make their own light!

seen fireflies in your backyard or around your house, and you may have also seen them light up. But why do they glow and how?

Well, fireflies have certain chemicals inside them, one of which is called luciferin. When air meets the luciferin in a firefly’s abdomen, it glows. If you have ever seen a firefly light up, it’s pretty amazing how one little insect can produce light. Each species of firefly has its own unique pattern of flashing, color, and the time they come out at night.

Common eastern firefly

Another reason fireflies blink is to attract a mate. Usually, the males fly around blinking and the females watch for them while sitting on the grass. Sometimes, fireflies also glow to attract prey to eat. But don’t worry... they won’t eat you! They eat other weird things like slugs and snails!

Walden Buchholz

Let’s start out with the fact that fireflies are not all the same; there are over 2,000 species of fireflies in the world and around 25 species in Wisconsin! You may have

You now know how they light up, but why? Well, the first reason is that it scares away predators that want to eat them. But it turns out that fireflies don’t taste that good. However, frogs eat them and they don’t care how bad they taste. Here’s the crazy part... if a frog eats too many fireflies, it starts to glow as well!

In Wisconsin, you’ll mostly see fireflies blinking in summer. But if you come to the Candlelight Hike on October 28, you can meet a real, live firefly... who talks! And you can learn all about the other creatures and things that make their own light at night.

DCFollow that Firefly!

Different firefly species have different patterns of flashing. Can you follow each firefly’s pattern to the correct leaf?

Photo by Terry Priest,

ANSWER:

Parting View: Fall colors around Lake Joanis

The Friends of Schmeeckle coordinates a tribute bench program. Carved benches, like this one on the southeast shore of Lake Joanis, are constructed by student employees in honor or memory of a loved one. See the website for more info.