Friends of Schmeeckle Fall 2014 newsletter

News from the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Fall 2014

’Round the Reserve 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • 715-346-4992 • www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

Friends elect three board members

Friends board member Jerry Lineberger shared the history of the Friends with the 40 members who attended the first Annual Member Meeting on Sept. 30.

Three new board members were elected at the Annual Member Meeting on Sept. 30.

Friends hold first annual meeting

By Bill Berry Friends Board President It was gratifying to be among almost 40 people at our first annual meeting last month.

The board and members conducted lots of business, including the addition of three new board members. Bernie Hlavac, Jim Rogers, and Rick Rothman each bring valuable Bill Berry skills to the board.

They’re profiled in this edition of the newsletter.

Board member Jerry Lineberger reported on our accomplishments in these few short months. We have about 85 members, and our goal

is to top 100 by year’s end. Our financial resources have grown accordingly.

Board member Nisha Fernando reported on our new Friends Writing, Art and Photography Contest.

Details are in this newsletter, and the deadline is Nov. 1.

My personal highlight was remarks by founding board member Al Engebretson. Injured in a bicycle race years ago, Al is often seen scooting around town in his motorized wheelchair. During the gorgeous September warm spell, Al was out on the Schmeeckle trails one day. He told of encountering scores of folks, and smiled as he recalled that everyone he met remarked about the beauty of our “island of green” on a picture-perfect autumn day. It made his week, Al said, and he made our day by sharing it.

Bernie Hlavac:“Our family moved to Stevens Point in 1973 when I assumed a financial role at Sentry Insurance’s home office.

Now, being empty-nesters, we have downsized and have built a home bordering the Reserve.

While in the past we visited the Reserve, walked the trails, and admired the wildlife, Bernie Hlavac we now feel a greater part of it and recognize that we all have a role in the stewardship of this Reserve.

“In the past four weeks I have met the Reserve staff and many board members and others of the Friends

See Board, Page 2

gardener, and all-around art and nature lover. He frequently can be found appreciating the changes in plant and animal life that each season brings to the Reserve.

Board, From Page 1 group. I’ve been impressed by their commitment and dedication and am looking forward to being a part of the efforts to promote and preserve Schmeeckle.”

Jim Rogers: A Stevens Point native and Marquette University graduate, Jim Rogers returned to his hometown this summer after many years in Milwaukee, where he most recently worked as media and traffic coordinator at Laughlin Constable, a Jim Rogers large advertising and public relations agency. Jim has savored spending time with family and friends at Schmeeckle Reserve since its inception and is an avid biker, hiker, birder,

Rick Rothman: “I retired from UWStevens Point, where I worked in the Budget Office. Biking, kayaking, Rick Rothman cross-country skiing, camping, and volunteering are activities I enjoy doing in retirement. While still working, I would often walk the trails of the Reserve during my lunch hour. I still take the opportunity to take walks and bike rides through the Reserve. In addition, my wife and I also enjoy the variety of informative programs put on by students throughout the year. Stevens Point is blessed to have such a natural jewel right in the center of town.”

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

2014 Charter Membership Information

Be a Charter Member!

Member Names: ____________________________________________________

Join by Dec. 31, 2014, to be listed as a charter member of the Friends!

How to Join • Online: www.uwsp.edu/ schmeeckle Click on “Get Involved” • Mail this form and a check made payable to Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve to: Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point WI 54481 • Walk In: Sign up at the visitor center • Call: Schmeeckle Reserve, 715-346-4992 2

Address: ___________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email:_____________________________ Newsletter delivery preference: E-mail Annual Membership Level Student — $10 (Any grade level) Seeker — $25 (Individual)

Mail

This is a gift membership.

Trekker — $50 (Family/Household)

Gift donor’s name, phone, and email:

Adventurer — $100

___________________________

Trailblazer — $250 Explorer — $500 Other Amount: $_______ Contributions to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Inc. are tax-exempt.

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Makes a great holiday gift!

’Round the Reserve

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve

Annual Report 2014 About the Friends

Land Management

The mission of the Friends is to support the work of and advocate for Schmeeckle Reserve through engaging our local and wider communities.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Volunteer Day, June 2014

The Friends supports the Reserve through programs and outreach; land management and acquisition; and funding and resources.

Accomplishments: Organizational 4Total number of individual and family memberships: 85 4Board of directors formed in November 2013

445 volunteers x 3-hour projects = 135 service hours 4Woodchips spread on 600 feet of trail 4Buckthorn and honeysuckle removed from visitor center area 4Invasive earthworm samples sent to Great Lakes Worm Watch at the University of Minnesota-Duluth Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Volunteer Day, September 2014

4Bylaws adopted

450 volunteers x 3-hour projects = 150 service hours

4State articles of incorporation filed

4Crushed granite and woodchips spread on trails

4IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization application in progress

4Shelter Building walls stained and wooden signs removed for refurbishing

4Business checking account established at UW Credit Union 4Membership brochure printed and distributed 4Website created

Outreach 4Sponsored the Candlelight Hike Festival in spring 2014, attended by 800+ people; sponsoring fall 2014 Candlelight Hike Festival 4Launched the inaugural Friends Writing, Art, and Photography Contest (Nov. 1 entry deadline) 4Planned: Speaking about the Friends at community civic organization meetings 4Planned: Staffing a table in the Dreyfus University Center on Oct. 13 to promote the Friends to faculty, staff, and students

Funding and Resources Memberships: $5,235

Total membership revenue YTD

4Oak wilt logs de-barked

Total donations Y

4Buckthorn removed along Green Circle Trail 4Spotted knapweed removed from Green Circle Trailhead 4Monarch butterflies tagged for MonarchWatch at the University of Kansas

Donations: $4,785

4Total revenue: $10,025 4Expenses year-to-date: $770 4Balance: $9,255

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Writing, Art, and Photo Contest entries due Nov. 1

The campfire program is one of the highlights of the Candlelight Hike Festival at Schmeeckle Reserve. This fall’s event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Candlelight Hike to highlight raptors of Schmeeckle Reserve Schmeeckle Reserve’s biggest event of the year is coming up.

Join us at the fall Candlelight Hike Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.

Walk a half-mile or one-mile trail lit by torches and jack-o’lanterns through the woods and along the lake. The theme of this fall’s event is raptors. Discover the high-flying adventures of Schmeeckle’s birds of prey.

A special program called “Raptors of Schmeeckle Reserve” will be presented at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the campfire ring. Meet Schmeeckle’s winged predators and discover their impressive hunting and survival strategies that allow them to seek and capture their next 4

meal. Eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls come to life in fun campfire program for the entire family! The program is presented by students in the environmental education and interpretation practicum course.

Arrive early for a good seat.

As a special feature this year, the Raptor Education Group, Inc., of Antigo will showcase several live birds of prey.

Other events all evening will include raptor Discovery Stations featuring interactive activities, craft and snack stations, and free door prizes.

The event is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. All donations benefit the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.

Have your visits to Schmeeckle Reserve inspired you to take photographs, create art, or write about the natural area? You are invited to submit your work for a new Writing, Art, and Photo Contest.

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve is hosting this contest to raise awareness of the Reserve and the friends group, which supports the natural area. Entries are due Nov. 1.

Contest submissions will be posted on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website, and the winning entries will be displayed in the visitor center. First- and second-place winners in each category will be honored in a ceremony at a friends board meeting.

First-place winners also will receive a $25 gift certificate to the Browse Shop, a gift shop in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center that features natural and cultural gifts.

Submissions must be accompanied by a 75-100 word statement describing how the entry was inspired by time spent in Schmeeckle Reserve. All ages are welcome to participate. For the entry guidelines and submission form, call Megan Espe at Schmeeckle Reserve at 715-346-4992 or visit http://goo.gl/UHYmi2. ’Round the Reserve

Upcoming Natural and Cultural Programs at Schmeeckle Reserve Earthworms:The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Sunday, Oct. 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Favorites of gardeners and farmers, earthworms are prized for creating healthy soils. But when found outside their native range, these wriggling creatures turn from friend to foe.

Find out how these exotic invaders are wreaking havoc in Upper Midwest forests and what you can do to help.

Mystery Flyers Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5-6 p.m.

Taking flight in the cover of night, bats are cloaked in mystery and rooted in myths. Seek out these flying mammals of Schmeeckle Reserve and discover how bats and people can help each other. Stay for an optional bat-house building demonstration.

Tour de Schmeeckle Saturday, Oct. 18, 1-2 p.m.

Enjoy a seasonal leisurely bike tour that is sure to get your wheels turning. Explore Schmeeckle Reserve’s unique habitats through an interactive nature search by bike. Dress for the weather and bring your bike, helmet, and smiling faces!

Sculpture Park Secrets* Wednesday, Oct. 29, 5-6 p.m.

With its unique natural sculptures, the Stevens Point Sculpture Park combines art with the community’s love for the outdoors. Discover the secret treasures of this hidden gem. Park on the road near Zenoff Park and meet at the Sculpture Park entrance at 900 2nd St. N. Fall Harvest Traditions Thursday, Oct. 30, 5-6 p.m.

Farmers harvesting their crops aren’t Fall 2014

the only ones preparing for winter.

Gather around the Schmeeckle campfire ring to explore the preparations we make as winter approaches. Optional pumpkin carving to follow — bring your own pumpkin!

Fly with Monarchs Thursday, Nov. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Journey alongside the monarch butterfly to experience its extreme fall migration to Mexico. Explore the monarch’s life cycle and the struggles these insects face.

My Underwater Home Saturday, Nov. 15, 2-3 p.m.

The Largemouth Bass is one of the most popular and prolific sporting fish in Wisconsin, yet its home is very fragile. Take a trip through this fish’s neighborhood to see how we can help protect it.

Who Goes There?

Sunday, Nov. 16, 3-4 p.m.

As we drift off to sleep at night, some of Wisconsin’s wildlife are just waking up to begin their busy day. Use your senses to experience what it takes to be a creature of the night!

What’s the Buzz on Bees?

Monday, Nov. 17, 7-8 p.m.

Do you know where your food comes from? The honeybee is a critical link in growing fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Hear the buzz on what it takes to be a honeybee and why they are so important to our communities.

Wisconsin’s Green Gold Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7-8 p.m.

Wild rice harvesting is a tradition passed on from early native tribes to Voyageurs. It perseveres in our

About The Programs...

Each semester, UW-Stevens Point students enrolled in an environmental interpretation capstone course at the Reserve present programs about the natural and cultural history of central Wisconsin. Programs are intended for all ages. Programs are free, and registration is not required. * Unless noted with an asterisk, programs meet at the Visitor Center. = Dress for the weather!

Wisconsin culture today. Discover more about this unique grain and the harvesting techniques still used by contemporary gatherers.

Lake Joanis Jellies Saturday, Dec. 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Here today and gone tomorrow, freshwater jellyfish are mysterious creatures found around the globe and in our local lakes. Discover these captivating creatures that live beneath the surface of Lake Joanis.

Warriors of Winter Sunday, December 7, 2-3 p.m.

Winter presents many challenges for the animals of Schmeeckle. Join us for a hike to discover how these animals prepare to battle winter.

Forest Tricksters Thursday, Dec. 11, 7-8 p.m.

Ever wonder what critters are sneaking about while you’re in Schmeeckle? Find out how elusive red and gray foxes keep such a low profile while going about their everyday lives.

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Why I Love the Reserve: ‘Looking and seeing’

By Megan Espe Schmeeckle Reserve Outreach Coordinator Photographer Bob Mosier sometimes loses the forest for the trees.

“There’s so much to see, so many smaller images of a birch tree or a fallen birch with leaves or a backlit plant or a small tree against the green background with yellow leaves,” Mosier said, describing his daily walks to photograph Schmeeckle Reserve. “It doesn’t have to Bob Mosier be the big views.

There are so many just really pretty smaller views.”

Mosier, of Plover, is known throughout the community for his stunning nature photographs.

From April through October, Mosier walks Schmeeckle Reserve’s trails every weekday with his camera in hand, capturing both the sweeping views and the tiny details.

“It doesn’t really matter whether I take pictures or not, it’s just looking and seeing. That’s the really relaxing and energizing part for me, is looking and seeing what’s around me,” he said.

Mosier, who retired in 2007 from his position as director of Residential Living at UWStevens Point, has always loved photography. After many years of not practicing his craft, he got 6

Photographer Bob Mosier captured a photo of this fawn in Schmeeckle Reserve.

started again about 15 years ago.

“Schmeeckle was a big part of that, actually, and being able to look for images,” he said. “There are a lot of beautiful environments that change fairly rapidly as you walk through, so I began to look and figure out what kind of lighting, what kind of images I could enjoy.”

Growing up, Mosier moved around until his family settled in New Jersey. He earned a doctorate in counseling psychology at The Ohio State University.

In 1971, having never visited Wisconsin before, he moved to Stevens Point for a counseling position on campus. During his first weekend in town, he met his wife, Mary.

In 1978, Mosier changed course and began working for

“Why I Love the Reserve” will appear regularly in the Friends newsletter. If you would like to be interviewed for this feature, or if you want to write a first-person account, please contact Megan Espe at mespe@uwsp.edu or 715-3464992.

Residential Living, serving as assistant and associate director and then as director. His duties included working with hall directors and staff on residential education, managing the budget, and overseeing facilities upkeep, construction, and renovation.

“It was a lot of fun. The best part of it was the people I worked with,” Mosier said. “I love the ’Round the Reserve

Bob Mosier often visits Schmeeckle Reserve at sunrise to capture the varied views of Lake Joanis, which change depending on light, clouds, fog, and mist. Photo by Bob Mosier

community and the university. It’s a great place to live, a great place to work.”

Mosier recalls first visiting Schmeeckle Reserve in the late 1970s. He started walking around the natural area during his lunch hour.

“It’s like entering another world. You’re on the campus and there’s a lot of people and activity and you come up here and it’s quiet and peaceful and calm,” he said. “I always felt so much better and so much more energized and at peace after I had been up here. It

Fall 2014

gave me a chance to reflect, to just be quiet, and to enjoy the moments when I was up here.”

Those walks reignited his love of photography. He began coming at different times of the day. Earlymorning sun backlit the natural features. Dew covered the grass, and mist rose off the lake.

He has many favorite places in the Reserve, though the Reflection Pond is near the top of his list, especially when it is surrounded by fall colors.

Mosier also enjoys nature photography in Pfiffner Park and

capturing river scenes along West River Drive. But Schmeeckle is his go-to place, the only spot he visits daily. Those regular visits have given Mosier a familiarity with the Reserve that helps him predict when and where he can capture the best shots.

“You can go other places, but as long as I’ve been here, I have a pretty good knowledge of where the deer might be grazing, where the mothers and fawns might be, and obviously the frogs around the pond, the butterflies outside the visitor center,” he said.

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Research Update: Milfoil weevils in Lake Joanis

By Dan Miller

Several years ago, thousands of milfoil-eating weevils were stocked in Lake Joanis. Two months later, they were gone. Where did they go?

Our research project attempts to answer that question using the cages that have been placed in the lake the past couple of summers.

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aggressive invasive plant. Since its introduction into Lake Joanis, it has spread throughout the lake and has become the dominant vegetation in all but the deepest areas.

The milfoil weevil (Eurychiopsis lecontei) is a native insect that evolved to eat native milfoils but prefers Eurasian milfoil where it can find it. It lays its eggs on the tips of the plant and its larvae burrow through the center of the stem, killing the top of the plant and preventing it from flowering.

Since a lot of the problems associated with milfoil come from its tendency to form thick, tangled mats at the surface, weevils can control the impact milfoil has on a lake.

The lake is also full of small

Above: UW-Stevens Point graduate student Dan Miller is studying the effects of fish predation on weevils, which were introduced into Lake Joanis to eat the aquatic invasive plant Eurasian watermilfoil. Miller installed exclusion cages in Lake Joanis in 2013 and 2014.

Right: Miller captured this close-up photo of a milfoil weevil in Lake Joanis.

bluegills. Our research is based on the idea that they may have caused the dramatic weevil declines after stocking. The cages create a bluegill-free weevil sanctuary.

We stocked weevils into the cages in early summer and collected the milfoil at the end to see if the weevils had reproduced successfully. It appears from the results that this is the case.

Cages without bluegills had far greater numbers of weevils.

This information will help guide future weevil-stocking practices in Wisconsin.

We would like to thank the staff at Schmeeckle Reserve for their help and patience.

Dan Miller is a graduate research assistant in the Waters Department at UW-Stevens Point.

Welcome Your New Friends!

Thank you to the following charter members who have joined since Aug. 1.

Madey Anderson Jennifer Anderson Richmond, Dennis Richmond & Diana Anderson Hunter Bailey Emma Bartelt Bob and Paula Bell and Katie & Marshall 8

Bruce Bertelsen Bill and Kim Fisher Becca Franzen and Edith & Aloysius Spring and Vern Gardner Bonnie Grubba Jim and Madeleine Haine Karin Hyler Saoirse Keely-Zinkel Bob and Mary Mosier

Mike and Linda Orella Brenda Ryther Bonnie Samuelson Fritz and Jeff Fritz & Sam, Sarah, Noah, and Caroline Jane Maya Shippy Katie and Vern Schroth Riley Smith Alex Thomas Benjamin Vogel ’Round the Reserve

Speaker series to highlight research projects

Above: Schmeeckle Reserve Outreach Coordinator Megan Espe asked for a show of hands by those who had participated in a previous Volunteer Day at the Reserve.

Right: Quinn Hofacker, a UW-Stevens Point student, tagged a monarch butterfly at the Volunteer Day.

Volunteer Day spruces up Reserve More than 50 students and community members pitched in at the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Volunteer Day on Sept. 13.

Volunteers removed invasive buckthorn and spotted knapweed, spread crushed granite and wood chips on trails, tagged monarch

Fall 2014

butterflies, and removed plaques from the shelter building on Maria Drive and stained the walls.

Friends board members helped with registration and check-in.

Thank you to all who helped out! Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities in 2015.

As a special benefit to members, the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve will host a Research Sampler Speaker Series in January and February.

The natural area is heavily used for research and classes.

During the 2013-14 school year, more than 5,000 students spent over 11,000 hours engaged in classes or research in the Reserve.

This speaker series offers a chance for Friends members to hear about several in-depth studies. Projects to be featured include: Wildflower Census: Brian Barringer and Tanya Copas of the Biology Department conducted the first ever survey of annual and perennial wildflowers in Schmeeckle Reserve in summer 2014. They will share their findings.

Flying Squirrels: Student Molly O’Grady and her adviser, Dr. Shelli Dubay of the Wildlife Department, will describe their study on southern flying squirrels’ use of nest boxes.

Deer Study: Students in the UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Society Deer Project will explain their long-running deer study in the Reserve, and describe their upcoming spring 2015 project.

Dates for the speaker series will be sent to members soon.

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Hi, friends. My name is Walden. I am 2 ½ years old. My daddy works at Schmeeckle as the assistant director, so I get to visit the Reserve a lot. I want to tell you about some of the activities families can enjoy at Schmeeckle.

One of my favorite things to do is hike on the Trail of Reflections.

This trail is only a half-mile long so I can hike the whole thing myself. We always climb up to the treehouse and look for squirrels and deer in the woods. I feel closer to the birds when I’m up in the treetops. I also like to visit the frog pond and sit on the swinging bench. Sometimes I take a net and collecting box to catch insects and watch them move. Mom and Dad help me let them go before we get back into the car.

Of course, we bring a snack and eat it at picnic tables behind the visitor center. That is a great place to watch for birds at the feeders. I never go home without a visit to the museum inside the visitor center. I like to look at the wolf and drive the warden’s truck. Did you see what was in the warden’s lunch box?

P.S.: Here are some insiders’ tips for the upcoming Candlelight Hike Festival. Arrive at least

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Schmeeckle kids ambassador Walden Buchholz enjoys looking for aquatic critters in the Reflection Pond along the Trail of Reflections.

15 minutes before the campfire program offered at 7 and 8 p.m. so you can get a good seat. That will help you see better and keep warm. Stay at the fire after the program if you want to roast marshmallows. On the torch-lit trail, look for the pumpkin with

my name (WALDEN) on it. I’ll leave something for you behind it.

P.P.S.: Bug boxes, butterfly nets, identification books, and kids Schmeeckle t-shirts and onesies can be purchased in the gift shop.

They make great birthday and holiday gifts!

Raptors of Schmeeckle Word Search talon soar eagle prey feather owl hunt hawk

’Round the Reserve

Fall 2014 10

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Parting View: The Tortoise and the Hare For a scenic place to rest and reflect on the eastern shore of Lake Joanis, look for the new bench adorned with handcarved turtles and rabbits. The bench was built this year by UW-Stevens Point students working in Schmeeckle Reserve’s cedar sign shop. The bench was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Dan Marx, a Friends board member, and his wife, Donna.

<<FIRST NAME>> <<LAST NAME>> <<STREET>> <<CITY>> <<State>> <<Zip>> 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve