News from the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Summer 2017
’Round the Reserve
Photo courtesy Nisha Fernando
2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • 715-346-4992 • www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle
Friends group to build new amphitheater By Jerry Lineberger Friends Board President The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve are pleased to announce that we are planning our first major improvement to the Reserve. With a very generous longterm vision and $40,000 challenge gift from Dallas and Edith Pankowski, the creation of a rustic Jerry amphitheater Lineberger for Schmeeckle Reserve can finally be realized. The Pankowski family has shown a commitment to the long-term improvement and
A new amphitheater to be built in 2018 at Schmeeckle Reserve will be designed in a similar style to this one at Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo.
excellence of Schmeeckle Reserve as a cornerstone of our community connection to nature. We planned this project
based on feedback from many community members. The new See Amphitheater, Page 2
June windstorm changes the Schmeeckle landscape By Jim Buchholz
Schmeeckle Reserve Director This summer started with a literal bang at Schmeeckle Reserve. On the evening of June 12, a massive storm with destructive straight-line winds hammered Stevens Point, including the natural area. According to our
environmental monitoring station, over 2 inches of rain fell in just a 10-minute period, with winds topping 30 mph. Hundreds of trees Jim Buchholz in Schmeeckle were snapped and
toppled by the wind. Walls of trees blocked the trails, and numerous others hung precariously over the pathways. For safety, the Reserve’s trails were closed the next morning so that the daunting cleanup effort
See Storm, Page 3
Amphitheater, From Page 1
venue, which will replace the deck-style stage currently in place, will be just south and east of the visitor center. We plan on a sloped stone seating area for 220 people, allowing a much better view of the stage and a more comfortable experience at events. The new amphitheater also will allow for enhanced lighting and improved sound amplification. This will be a much-needed improvement for the increasingly popular Candlelight Hike Festival, where hundreds of people gather for the campfire programs. We also look forward to an increased number of student and community theatrical and musical performances at the Reserve. The general structure of the amphitheater will be based on a similar facility at Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo. We are pleased to be working with nationally recognized landscape architect firm Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point to complete the design, project actual construction costs, and to adapt the concept to our vision and location. We plan on beginning construction in summer 2018. The Friends will be seeking both in-kind and financial contributions for this project. We will also be applying for other available grants for the project. If you would like to help make this exciting project a reality, please contact me at jerrylineberger@gmail.com or 715341-7802. 2
The design of a new amphitheater at Schmeeckle Reserve will be based on one at Mirror Lake State Park. The park hosts musical and theatrical performances and also rents out the facility for private events.
Updated information on the project will be in the local media, Facebook, the Schmeeckle Reserve website, and via email for Friends members. This is an exciting time for Schmeeckle Reserve. With plans for the amphitheater, we are looking to the future to make Schmeeckle Reserve a gateway to the local natural community. The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve was created to help the Reserve continue to provide a connection between the land and the community. We are excited to take a major step forward on that path. Jerry Lineberger of Plover is president of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Board of Directors. He can be contacted at jerrylineberger@gmail. com.
Donate to the Friends Amphitheater Project To donate to the Friends Amphitheater project, send your donation payable to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve to: Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Please specify that your donation is for the amphitheater. To donate online using PayPal, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Friends of Schmeeckle” and then Join/ Donate. ’Round the Reserve
Storm, From Page 1 could begin. With the outstanding performance of our Schmeeckle staff members and dedicated student crew, along with assistance from volunteers and a DNR Strike Team, the trails were cleared and made safe in just under four days. Cleanup of off-trail areas will continue through the fall and into next year. Walking through the Reserve today reveals a completely altered landscape. Areas once shaded by leaf canopies are now bathed in sunlight. Tree trunks and tangles of limbs and branches litter the forest floor. Root balls pulled out of the soil have left behind water-filled pits. While we’re sad to see the “destruction” left by the storm, it’s important to remember that this is a natural process. In fact, wind has likely been the primary agent of change in Schmeeckle since long before European settlement,
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff assisted with hazard tree removal in Schmeeckle Reserve following a windstorm on June 12th.
similar to the role of fire in other parts of the state. The high water table and granite bedrock close to the soil’s surface result in shallow root systems, which are unable to hold up trees in strong wind. The fallen trees create sunny openings and wet depressions that allow new species to colonize the area. Student
Schmeeckle Reserve summer student staff spread gravel and granite to fill erosion on a trail along Lake Joanis.
Summer 2017
wildlife studies in the Reserve have actually shown that blowdown areas support a greater diversity of small mammals and songbirds when compared to intact forest habitat. Schmeeckle Reserve is a dynamic place. Our first priority is to preserve the natural communities of central Wisconsin, and this includes natural forms of disturbance, such as our latest storm. Hazardous trees and branches will continue to be removed near the trails, but most of the debris will be left where it fell, serving as food and shelter for Schmeeckle’s wild residents. The storm cleanup is a big job, and we need your help! If you have chain saw experience and can help cut and haul wood along the trails, please contact us. Thank you for your continued support of the natural area. Jim Buchholz can be contacted at jbuchhol@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992. 3
Welcome Your New and Renewing Friends! New Members: A special welcome to the following members who have joined the Friends: Carl Barkow Santha Bickford Dennis and Linda Brown Jim Canales Darrin and Monica Davisson Bill and Roseann DeBot Catherine Dugan Conrad Favor Anthony Gindt Orwoll Hagen David Hall Geoffrey E. Harris Joseph and Charlene Jarabek Bob and Nancy Korth Sue Kwarciany Carol McCarrier Nina and Pat McVeigh Thomas and Elise Olk Josef Pfiffner Barbara Rambo-Hartley Victoria Rogers Kathleen Schmitz Kay Schultz Kim Schweiger Barbara Sellhausen Bill and Gail Skelton Albin Sowka Lisa Strizel Ronald Trzebiatowski Edgar and Mary Verkest Melissa Vogler Paul and Donna Watson Rick Wilke William and Ann Yudchitz Terrance Zdzieblowski Renewing Members: Thank you to the following members who have renewed their Friends membership for 2017-18: Bob, Paula, Katie and Marshall Bell Bill Berry 4
Samantha and David Birkenkamp Brian Boettcher and Dawn Hietpas Nancy Bozek Jim and Sunshine Buchholz John and Mari Buzza Joseph R. Clark Matt Clucas Daniel Czaikowski Barbara Dixson and Smith Michael and Patricia Doherty Richard and Janice Doxtator Sally Ellingboe Alan and Marge Engebretson Megan and Troy Espe Steve Faber and Jackie Meyers Annie Fabina Nisha Fernando Bill and Kim Fisher Becca, Edith and Aloysius Franzen Barbara Friedrich Joshua and Amber Garbe Nicole Garrity Michael and Beverly Gross Lora Hagen Jim and Madeleine Haine Chris, Gretchen and Henryk Hamp Alan Haney Jan and Kathy Hermann Bernard and Mitzi Hlavac Cristin, Casey, Ryan and Cayla Hopp Jack Hurrish and Joan Karlen Karin Hyler Gene and June Johnson Robert Juracka John and Dori Jury Phil and Penny Kallas Ron and Linda Kappell John and Patricia Kedrowski Kendra Liddicoat and Brian Barringer Rick Lindner Jerry Lineberger Dan and Donna Marx Dieter Marx Eric Marx
Ken and Meg Erler Bob and Mary Mosier Wendell Nelson Dan and Ann Newhouse Ron and Sharon Omernick Mike and Linda Orella Jack and Cynny Porter Judy and Jean Ratkowski Ralph and Sharon Reniewicki James Rogers Rick and Sharon Rothman Chris Schmelling Tom and Lynda Schrader Vern and Katie Schroth Susan and Alvin Schuller William Seybold Jane Maya Shippy Dan Stephens Sybil Strupp Timothy Taschwer Chris and Kaila Thompson Rick and Cindy Tielens Don and Tina Peters Maria and Casey Trader Jill Trochlell Ziehr Richard and Lois Wetzel Vern and Mary Winkler Allison Wisinski Neal Wisinski Kay Wohlbier James and Susan Zach Additional Donations: Thank you to the following people or organizations who have made additional donations: A Capella UWSP Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Steve Bjella James Fico Living Well Yoga Bruce and Daloris Pfister, in memory of Miranda Yeskie Phi Omega-UWSP Satsang Society ’Round the Reserve
Upcoming Events Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Annual Member Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 26, 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a dish to pass for potluck hors d’oeuvres. Hear a recap of the past year and vote on new board member candidates. Schmeeckle Reserve Family Nature Programs October-December This fall will feature 21 free public family nature programs presented by UWStevens Point students enrolled in the capstone environmental interpretation course at Schmeeckle Reserve. Stay tuned for the program brochure, which will be published in late September. Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30-8 p.m. All Friends members are welcome to attend the quarterly board meetings. The board meets the first Wednesday of January, April, July, and October, at the visitor center meeting room. Candlelight Hike Festival Friday, Oct. 27, 6-9 p.m. Schmeeckle’s biggest event of the year! Walk trails lit by torches and jack-o’lanterns. A character campfire program will be at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Other event includes hands-on Discovery Stations, crafts, and snacks. A suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family will help fund future programs and events. Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Writing, Art, and Photography Contest Deadline Wednesday, Nov. 1 Begin planning your artwork, photos, and writing for the contest now, with all entries due Nov. 1. Contest guidelines are available at www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/ schmeeckle/Pages/friends/contest.aspx
Summer 2017
Be a Friend to the Friends! Q: Hey, Friends of Schmeeckle, how can I help out this great organization and keep things running smoothly? A: We are so glad you asked! The Friends of Schmeeckle is a growing organization with many ways for you to share your skills and talents. Here are just a few ways to get involved: Serve on the Board: The Friends board of directors needs members to help lead the organization. The board meets quarterly. Serve on a Committee: All Friends members are welcome to join a committee. Committees include Fundraising & Membership, which focuses on increasing memberships and fundraising for special projects. The Programs & Events committee plans the annual Arts Contest, arts workshops, speakers series, and other events. The Candlelight Hike Festival committee plans crafts, snacks, and other aspects of this twiceyearly event. Volunteer Coordination: Help plan volunteer events and coordinate volunteers. Newsletter: Write articles or design the Friends newsletter, published every July, October, and March. Graphic Design: Design materials such as brochures, posters, fundraising materials, T-shirts, banners and other promotional items. Membership/Database Management: Assist in managing the Friends membership database on the SalesForce platform. Draft and send membership renewal notices and membership acknowledgement letters. Grantwriting: Search for relevant grants and write grant proposals. To volunteer with these opportunities or to offer other skills, please contact Friends President Jerry Lineberger at jerrylineberger@gmail.com or 715-3417802.
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Native plants in bloom after invasive grass removal By Paul Skawinski Citizen Lakes Monitoring Network Educator, UW-Extension Lakes For over 30 years, the ponds adjacent to the Student Memorial Area along Maria Drive in Schmeeckle Reserve have been plagued by Phragmites, a very aggressive, non-native grass that can grow over 15 feet tall. Native wetland species were few and far between. But in 2014, the stars began to align to mark the end of Phragmites in these ponds. A project by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (funded by the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative) focused on eliminating small Phragmites stands in the western half of the state. In discussion with the DNR, we decided that Schmeeckle Reserve was close enough to that dividing line to be treated under this Paul project, and a contractor was lined Skawinski up to treat it with an herbicide called Imazapyr in 2014 and 2015. The treatments showed great success in eliminating most of the Phragmites in the ponds. The remainder looked like it could be managed by simple hand-pulling. Then came an important question: “What’s going to grow here instead of the Phragmites?” Narrowleaf cattail, reed canary grass, and glossy buckthorn were well established nearby, and they might easily try to move in. The best outcome would be to have a diverse mix of native species re-colonize the former Phragmites areas, but would that happen on its own? Jacob Cerminar, a UWSP student enrolled in Biology 347 (Aquatic Vascular Plants) collected soil samples from within the dead Phragmites stands to determine what kind of seedbank existed there. Jacob divided samples into eight trays in the College of Natural Resources greenhouse, and identified plant species as they grew out of the soil. A total of 20 species grew, including mostly undesirable, weedy species. The ponds were going to need some help if a 6
Allie Skawinski stands among the invasive Phragmites grass at the edge of the east pond in 2009.
Research Update diverse, native plant community were to return. Thanks to funding from the Wisconsin DNR, Schmeeckle Reserve, and generous discounts from Prairie Moon Nursery (Winona, Minn.) and J&J Aquatic Transplant (Wild Rose, Wis.), 8,000 plugs of 33 native species were ordered, along with over 2 pounds of native seeds. In summer 2016, the plugs were installed with the help of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve, Schmeeckle staff, UW-Extension Lakes, and students from the Biology 347 class. Purchased seeds were broadcast into the area in late fall 2016 to naturally stratify under the snow and germinate in spring 2017. An additional 11.3 ounces of native seeds from our home prairie and several hundred plants grown by the UW-Extension Lakes team were donated as well. To evaluate the results of seeds vs. plugs, the ponds were divided into different “treatments.” The westernmost pond, which held standing water all summer long, received plugs only along the perimeter, and a few dozen tubers of broad-leaf arrowhead in the deeper areas. The middle pond, adjacent to the Maria Drive sidewalk, received plugs and seeds. The third pond received seeds throughout, and ’Round the Reserve
plugs in only a portion of it. These various treatments resulted in some areas receiving nothing, some with seeds only, and some with both seeds and plugs. Plants installed as plugs popped up quickly this year, and many are currently in flower. Seedlings have been slow to pop up this year, likely due to high water levels in the ponds, but the number has been greatly increasing in the last few weeks. As of July 2017, the ponds are looking great. Some scattered Phragmites or narrow-leaf cattail plants are sprouting here and there, but these are being managed by simple manual removal. The large stand of narrow-leaf cattail near the climbing tower is being managed by the Schmeeckle Reserve invasive species crew. A few small areas of reed canary grass have been spotted adjacent to the ponds, but these are being addressed with manual removal, mowing, and herbicide. It has been exciting to watch the planted species thrive in their new habitat. In addition, a lot of additional native species have found their way in. Sweet flag, water purslane, swamp buttercup, hardstem bulrush, swamp candles (Lysimachia terrestris), and common milkweed have all been
Cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) bloom in September 2016 in the east pond.
growing happily this year. Additional work will be done this summer and fall to encourage the transition from dense Phragmites to a beautiful meadow of native plants. The reed canary grass patches along the ponds will be removed. Scattered Phragmites and narrow-leaf cattail plants will continue to be pulled as they pop up. Additional native plants will be installed. And best of all, the existing native plants will flower and set seed, planting next year’s crop that will help us finally give Phragmites the boot. Paul Skawinski, a member of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve, works as the Citizen Lakes Monitoring Network Educator for UW-Extension Lakes in Stevens Point. He can be contacted at Paul.Skawinski@uwsp. edu or 715-346-4853.
UWSP Biology 347 student Kaira Kamke helps install native plants around the east pond in the Student Memorial Area.
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Why I Love the Reserve: Take time to slow down By Melissa Alexander Schmeeckle Reserve Graduate Assistant Everyone has “Nature Loves,” those places you go to unwind, soak up the fresh air, and forget your worries and cares. Some might enjoy smelling the salty air at the beach, or feeling the cool, clear air of the mountains. I have many “Nature Loves.” Watching the flowing water at the Dells of the Eau Claire on a fall day puts me in a Melissa state of serenity. I Alexander feel alive walking barefoot along the sandstone-lined trails of Giant City State Park in southern Illinois in the spring. Schmeeckle Reserve, like many of you reading this newsletter, also falls on my list of “Nature Loves.” Some people may think that for a place to be exciting it needs to have some physical characteristic that visitors would travel to see (winding rivers, canyons, etc.). Schmeeckle may not fit most folks’ idea of a “unique” location, but it has amazing things that set it apart from other natural areas. I would be preaching to the choir to list those here. Instead, I want to share my experiences and feelings of Schmeeckle Reserve. Schmeeckle has not only served as a location for me to grow professionally, but also has been a 8
Photo by Melissa Alexander
A skipper stopped by the Reserve for a snack on a warm June afternoon.
“Why I Love the Reserve” is a regular feature in the Friends newsletter. If you would like to be interviewed for this feature, or if you want to write a firstperson account, please contact Megan Espe at mespe@ uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992.
place for developing friendships and escaping the hectic pace of life. Starting graduate school in 2015, I felt a hard time connecting with fellow students. After settling into my position, I began going for walks with a coworker. We would walk for hours at a time, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Reserve. It was at
the Reflection Pond we had our first heart-to-heart. We decided to sit at the bench for a break and found ourselves going from conversations of oriole songs to family and on to future plans. Schmeeckle has been a great place to meet interesting, passionate people I may not have otherwise —not just coworkers, but Friends members and visitors as well. Schmeeckle also gave me a place to run off and enjoy the little things, sometimes literally. We all lose ourselves in work, school, and the other busy people around us. Schmeeckle’s trails gave me a place to forget about my to-do list and planner, even if only for a minute. I would sometimes take a ’Round the Reserve
break from work to simply take pictures around the Reserve. Doing this, I found myself able to relax. I could enjoy the calls of chickadees and explore the different types of fungus found at Schmeeckle. It has been a good reminder to enjoy those little things we forget about and pass by in day-to-day life. So, why do I love the Reserve? This land is not only home to the flora and fauna of central Wisconsin. It is not just an outdoor classroom or used for research. Things such as hiking and fishing are not the only things one can do here. The Reserve is a place to meet new people. It provides an area for people to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is also somewhere to enjoy all natural things, big and small. Next time you are on the trails, I challenge you to look for the things in nature you may generally overlook. Let them serve as a reminder to slow down from time to time and just enjoy existing. Melissa Alexander graduated from UW-Stevens Point in May 2017 with a Master’s of Science in Natural Resources, with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation. She was the Schmeeckle Reserve graduate assistant from 2015-17. Her master’s thesis was titled, “Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Intergenerational Nature-Based Programs at Schmeeckle Reserve.” It can be viewed at http://epapers.uwsp. edu/thesis/2017/alexander.pdf
Summer 2017
Photos by Melissa Alexander
Schmeeckle Reserve has many small natural features that are often overlooked, including fungi (above) and the color of fall leaves against a boardwalk backdrop (below).
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’Round the Reserve
What a mess! That’s what I told my dad when we walked through Schmeeckle after the storm. “It’s so messy! There are trees laying all over the place.” The trails were clear but everywhere I looked I could see trunks and branches smashed on top of plants and other trees. “When are you going to clean it up?” I asked. When I go to the park to play there are no trees laying around and the grass is mowed. Dad explained that Schmeeckle is not a park, it is a reserve. A reserve is a natural area where trees and plants are left to grow just like they would if no people were around. Dangerous trees are taken away from trails to keep people safe but the rest of the space is left alone. There is one plant that is not left alone. It is called buckthorn and it will take over all of Schmeeckle if it is not removed. Buckthorn was not part of the forest here long ago. People brought it to Wisconsin from Europe because they thought it made nice bushes. It got out of control and now is like a really really bad weed in your garden. When a big storm comes and knocks down trees, like the one we had in Stevens Point in June, the buckthorn gets extra space to grow. It must be stopped or no other plants will grow in the forest. “But what will happen to all the trees that fell down in Schmeeckle?” I asked Dad. “Can’t someone use the wood for something?” I wondered. Dad explained that fallen trees make great habitat for animals. Habitat is what plants and animals need to live. Raccoons and chipmunks will make homes in the tree trunks and roots. Deer will eat the leaves and hide behind them. Insects chew the bark and wood, and mushrooms will grow on the downed trees. Eventually the trees will break down and become soil for new plants to grow in. It is all part of the normal Summer 2017
Schmeeckle kids ambassador Walden Buchholz, left, and his dad, Schmeeckle Reserve Director Jim Buchholz, discovered during a recent hike in the natural area that the newly fallen trees are fun to explore.
cycle of the forest. If we take the wood away it would affect many living creatures. I see the forest in Schmeeckle differently now. When I go for a walk I look for animals using the fallen trees. Now that there are spaces where the trees used to stand I wonder if buckthorn will start to grow there. I got a great idea from what I learned. When Mom asks me to clean up the toys on my bedroom floor I’m going to tell her we can leave them because it is part of the natural cycle in my room.
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Parting View: Free lunch A doe has been a daily visitor this summer around the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, nibbling plants outside offices and sneaking seed from bird feeders. In mid-July she was spotted with her fawn, apparently demonstrating how to find an easy meal. Some of the deer in Schmeeckle Reserve have radio collars and ear tags for use in student research projects. This doe’s ear tag is #58.
ADDRESS LABEL 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481
Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve