Friends of Schmeeckle Winter 2015 newsletter

News from the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Winter 2015

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

Friends plan a Trail of Reflections revamp

By Bill Berry Friends Board President

Artwork: First place, Kari Goldsworthy and Kristeen Carne; second place, Anne-Bridget Gary.

Writing: First place, Theresa Shulfer.

First- and second-place winners in each category were honored at the ceremony. All winners received a certificate of recognition. First-place winners also received a $25 gift certificate to the Schmeeckle Reserve Browse Shop.

One of the Reserve’s most popular attractions is in line for some sprucing up and improvements.

The Trail of Reflections, a 0.5-mile loop, starts and ends at the visitor center and is accessible to wheelchairs.

It features wooden signs with inspirational Bill Berry quotes from Wisconsin conservationists, a treehouse that takes visitors into the canopy of a white pine, and a swinging bench over the Reflection Pond.

Popular though it is, the

See Contest, Page 2

See Trail, Page 3

First-place Arts Contest winners were, from left, Bob Mosier (photography), Theresa Shulfer (writing), and Kari Goldsworthy and Kristeen Carne (art).

Winners of first Arts Contest named Winners of the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Writing, Art, and Photo Contest were honored at the February Friends board meeting.

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve hosted the inaugural contest to raise awareness of the Reserve and the friends group, which supports the natural area.

Winning entries were submitted by: Photography: First place, Bob Mosier; second place, Joshua Bruckbauer.

Contest, From Page 1

Contest submissions and winning entries are posted on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website. Visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve” and “Arts Contest.”

The Friends will host the arts contest again in 2015. Entries are due November 1.

Untitled Above: Sunrise at Lake Joanis by Bob Mosier was awarded first place in the photo category.

Explaining his inspiration, Mosier wrote, “Sunrises at Lake Joanis are a wonderful adventure in October. The colors in the sky change from moment to moment... it is an unfolding of natural beauty that is not duplicated. Sunrises are a great gift in Schmeeckle, available for everyone to enjoy.”

Right: This dress made of burlap and oak leaves, which received first place in the art category, was submitted by Kari Goldsworthy and Kristeen Carne. “We pay homage to the oak savannas in the dress skirting and use burlap as a softer representation of the Moses Creek boardwalk,” the women wrote.

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By Theresa Shulfer

First place, writing category Down by the pond Where the cattails grow There sat two boys Waiting for snow They were looking at something Down in the pond We didn’t know what But they were very fond We saw them look Even harder this time At the critter moving Under the slime With their butts in the air “It’s a frog!”

They said, “Down in the bog!”

Now they sat back Sitting on the swing Talking of adventures Hoping the bee wouldn’t sting Down by the pond Where the cattails grow There sat two boys Waiting for snow ’Round the Reserve

Trail, From Page 1

Friends of Schmeeckle Lands Committee members toured the Trail of Reflections with Schmeeckle staff in November.

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve How to Join Online: www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle Click on “Friends of Schmeeckle” and then “Join the Friends” 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

trail and its features need some upgrades. Some of the signs, boardwalks, and other attractions are showing signs of wear and tear.

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve board of directors recently agreed to adopt the Trail of Reflections for a renovation project. This also provides an opportunity to add new attractions that will enhance the experience for visitors.

The Friends Lands Committee will take the lead, working with Schmeeckle staff and students. We also hope to work with other organizations interested in cosponsoring portions of the project.

Work will begin this year, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Friends members to pitch in.

For more information about the project, contact Schmeeckle Outreach Coordinator Megan Espe at megan.espe@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992.

Join the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Member Names: ____________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email:_____________________________ Newsletter delivery preference: E-mail Annual Membership Level Student — $10 (Any grade level) Seeker — $25 (Individual)

This is a gift membership.

Trekker — $50 (Family/Household)

Gift donor’s name, phone, and email:

Adventurer — $100

___________________________

Walk-in: Sign up at the visitor center

Trailblazer — $250

Call: Schmeeckle Reserve, 715346-4992

Other amount: $_______

Winter 2015

Mail

Explorer — $500

Contributions to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve Inc. are tax-exempt.

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Makes a great gift!

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Candlelight Hike to go underground Celebrate spring at the Schmeeckle Reserve Candlelight Hike Festival on Friday, May 1, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.

Walk a half-mile or one-mile trail lit by torches through the spring woods and along the lake.

The theme of this spring’s event is “Schmeeckle Underground.”

Discover the underground antics of Schmeeckle’s earth dwellers.

A special program called “What’s Under Schmeeckle?” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the campfire ring.

Meet Schmeeckle’s ground squirrels, snakes, moles, salamanders, ant lions, and voles as the warming signs of spring bring them back above the surface. It’s a fun program for the entire family. Arrive early for a good seat.

The program is presented by students in the environmental education and interpretation practicum course.

Other events all evening will include “Unearthed” Discovery Stations featuring hands-on activities, craft and snack stations, and free door prizes.

The event is free; donations of $2 per person or $5 per family are appreciated. All donations go to the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve to support future programs and events.

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The campfire character program is one of the highlights of the Candlelight Hike Festival at Schmeeckle Reserve. This spring’s Candlelight Hike will be Friday, May 1, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Schmeeckle Seeks Donations for Candlelight Hike Schmeeckle Reserve is seeking donations to help continue the success of the Candlelight Hike Festival. We invite individuals, organizations, and companies to donate or sponsor the following components: • 50 to 100 tiki torches for lighting the trails • Craft supplies for children’s craft stations related to the “Schmeeckle Underground” theme • Materials for a hands-on, interactive Discovery Station

related to the event theme • Healthy snacks related to the theme that are available free to event attendees • Refreshments and food for the 50 student staff and volunteers who help run the event All donors will be recognized in event publicity and on a banner displayed at the Hike.

To offer donations or sponsorships, contact Carly Swatek, Schmeeckle graduate assistant, at cswatek@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4992.

’Round the Reserve

Upcoming Natural and Cultural Programs at Schmeeckle Reserve Skiing Through Time Sunday, March 8, 2-3 p.m.

Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter activities among Wisconsinites. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, there is much to explore about this silent sport that has captured the interests of many. Join us as at Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center for a talk, with an optional ski tour at Standing Rocks County Park to follow. Dress for the weather. Bring your own equipment.

Presented by Joseph Kujala Hibernating Herps Thursday, March 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Many reptiles and amphibians call Schmeeckle Reserve home, but have you ever stopped to wonder where they disappear to in the winter?

Unearth the truth about our vanishing herps and the mystery they leave behind. Join us for an illustrated talk where we will discover how herps survive these harsh winters.

Experience first-hand some of our live animals! Presented by McCale Carter Hidden Berries of Wisconsin Sunday, March 29, 12-1 p.m.

Discover the multitude of delicious local berries that can be found right in your own backyard! Discover how the wild berries of central Wisconsin got there place in our ecosystem through this tasty illustrated talk.

Find where to look for your favorite berries, when they are in season, how you can pick your own, or where to buy berries locally. Presented by Samantha Herrick Winter 2015

What’s the Point? Why Our City Became and Remains Great Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Discover the unique and rich history of Stevens Point by exploring its connection to landscape, business, and people. Leave with a new appreciation of the city and your place in its past, present, and future. Presented by Jordan King Tracking the Timberdoodle Monday, April 6, 7-8 p.m.

There are many elusive birds that inhabit Schmeeckle Reserve, but none are more distinctive than the Woodcock. With many interesting adaptations, this guided walk will provide you with a glimpse into the secretive life of the “timberdoodle.”

Discover how this ground-dwelling aviator cruises the forest in style, dazzling onlookers with evening sky dances. Presented by Joseph Kujala Spring into Action Thursday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Spring is upon us! Celebrate a time of rebirth and renewal by investigating the coming of spring on the trails of Schmeeckle Reserve. Discover the science of phenology (the study of natural events tied to temperature).

Observe the signs of spring, such as arriving critters and plants that unveil eye-opening mysteries and expose telling native legends. Presented by McCale Carter

About The Programs...

Each semester, UW-Stevens Point students enrolled in an environmental interpretation capstone course present programs at the Reserve 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!

Fred Schmeeckle and discover how their relationship with the natural world shaped their influential lives. At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own nature journal so that you can record the ways in which nature inspires you.

Presented by Samantha Herrick

Record the Ribbit! Earth Day Frog Walk* Wednesday, April 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Springtime traditions would be remiss without the bellowing sounds of frog calls. Get a “jump” start on our warm weather season by joining us on a stroll through the Moses Creek wetland. Identify our early The Power of Nature spring calls and “record the ribbit” by Saturday, April 18, 1-2 p.m. contributing to a special Earth Day Take a stroll along Schmeeckle citizen science event. Dress for the Reserve’s Trail of Reflections and be weather. Park and meet at Wood Lane inspired by the naturalists who came before us. Meet Ralph Waldo Emerson, entrance on the eastern edge of the Reserve. Presented by Carly Swatek Enos Mills, Aldo Leopold, and 5

Why I Love the Reserve: Accessible nature

By Megan Espe Schmeeckle Reserve Outreach Coordinator On any given summer day, Alan Engebretson is most likely sitting in his favorite place in Schmeeckle Reserve, just west of the Berard Oaks. He usually tips his head back and daydreams and lets the hours slip by.

“I really enjoy just going over there and sitting in that spot. I have other places, one by the lake, and by the swing bench in Moses Creek,” Engebretson said.

When the weather is nice, Engebretson visits Schmeeckle Reserve five or six times a week, sometimes twice a day. If he feels ambitious, he will cruise the trails.

If he feels tired, he stays in one place and relaxes.

Engebretson, a lifelong resident of this area, remembers visiting the Reserve’s natural lands even before the campus natural area was established in 1977.

He has many fond memories of hunting and fishing trips with his father, often spending time at Mead Wildlife Area. During his career as an electrician, he used Schmeeckle as his getaway place, going for after-work runs and bike rides.

“I grew up outdoors. I just have always loved it,” he said.

Engebretson has a storied past as an athlete, competing in many sports and running and biking races. A mountain biking

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race in 2002 in southeastern Wisconsin changed his life.

Only about a quarter-mile into the race, he flew over his bike’s handlebars Alan and hit his Engebretson head, suffering paralysis. Since then, he has used an electric wheelchair.

Engebretson lives near Schmeeckle Reserve and visits frequently from spring through fall.

“I’ll sit there and just daydream, especially during the summer when people aren’t around too much, just the solitude.

I can visualize myself being out in the woods hunting again, or just sitting and watching the wildlife,” he said.

His wheelchair takes a beating, and occasionally he gets stuck in the mud on the trails and has to wait for someone to come along and push him out.

“When I ordered this chair I said I wanted something rugged.

It’s amazing what they can take.

But it’s my lifeline to be out in nature and around town,” he said.

His visits over the years, both before and after his accident, have led to many wildlife encounters.

“One time I was biking through there, and I was just west of the Berard Oaks—that was even before Berard Oaks was there—

“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 first-person account, please contact Megan Espe at mespe@uwsp.edu or 715346-4992.

there was a buck standing in the trail and I stopped and he was only a few feet away,” he said. “All of a sudden I looked out of the corner of my eye and there were five bucks in the area, and I thought, ‘Wow, is that neat.’ ” On another visit he encountered at least 25 turkeys in the Berard Oaks. Owls have zipped by him in the evenings.

He also enjoys frogs singing in the marshes in springtime.

“I try to keep track, and very few times that I go through there do I not see a deer. Usually then I start paying attention,” he said.

Engebretson also serves on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve board of directors.

This time of year, he looks forward to spring and getting back on the trails.

“Schmeeckle gives me the opportunity to spend time outdoors in a real outdoor setting while you’re still in town,” he said.

“It’s important to me to be able to go over there.”

’Round the Reserve

Research Update: Studying birds at feeders

By Pete Zani Assistant Professor of Biology In the UW-Stevens Point Biology Department, a course called Ecology and Evolution (Biology 270) is meant to teach students communication skills related to the biological sciences.

One way we attempt to provide those skills is to initiate project-based learning in which students develop ideas, design a test of their ideas, and then collect data to perform that test. Students communicate results back to the class as a scientific paper and an oral presentation.

For the past few semesters, Biology 270 students have used the seed-eating birds of Schmeeckle as test subjects for one such project.

You may have noticed funny looking, inexpensive platform feeders we developed to perform our tests.

One test we perform as a class is to determine whether different species show preferences for seed types by providing black-oil sunflower, hearts of sunflower, or safflower seeds. Students then sit quietly and observe the birds (mostly black-capped chickadees and red- and white-breasted nuthatches) as they arrive and pick from among the seed types.

Depending on the group and the time of year we may or may not detect a preference, but regardless numerous students have enjoyed the experience (and frustration) of trying to watch and Winter 2015

Dr. Pete Zani, right, filled birdfeeding stations in Schmeeckle Reserve in late February.

Students in his Biology 270 class observed birdfeeding activity and formed hypotheses to study.

quantify the feeding activities of these birds.

Follow-up group projects include testing whether birds prefer closed-canopy forest over tree-fall clearings or dense buckthorn thickets (they don’t show any preference), whether birds prefer hearts of sunflower over black-oil sunflower seed (they do, even if one dyes seeds identical colors or mixes two seeds together), and whether the feeding activities change over the course of the day (they do, with birds spending more time at feeders in the evening).

The birds of Schmeeckle are ideal test subjects since they are year-round residents that come to feeders in just a few days of training.

Although squirrels and deer pose challenges in that they sometimes disturb feeders, students seem to appreciate the opportunity this project provides.

That is, students enjoy being outside (fall projects usually take place near peak color change) and performing actual research without the constraints of already knowing what the outcome should be. In that way, students learn how to perform science (even if they don’t support their initial expectations), they get an opportunity to observe wild animals, and they learn to turn observations into usable data.

Dr. Peter Zani is Assistant Professor of Biology and Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians for the Museum of Natural History at UWStevens Point.

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Speaker series explores Reserve’s research projects A new Research Sampler Series sponsored by the Friends offered a chance for members and the public to hear about research being conducted in the Reserve.

The series was held in January and February.

The series explored three diverse projects conducted by faculty, staff, and students in the natural area.

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.

Student Molly O’Grady, left, and her adviser, Dr. Shelli Dubay of the Wildlife Department, described their study on southern flying squirrels’ use of nest boxes.

Andrew Voigt, left, and Eric Canania, members of the UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Society Deer Project, explained the radio-collaring work they have conducted and past results from their student group’s long-running study in the Reserve.

Dr. Brian Barringer and Tanya Copas of the Biology Department, along with several students, conducted the first ever survey of annual and perennial wildflowers in Schmeeckle Reserve last year. Dr. Barringer also is working with a student to launch a phenological study of hundreds of trees throughout the Reserve.

Students in one of his classes will monitor the trees for seasonal changes such as formation of buds and flowers.

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’Round the Reserve

Schmeeckle Reserve by the Numbers...

280: Number of acres that

25: Maximum depth in feet of Lake

Schmeeckle Reserve encompasses.

Joanis.

5: Miles of trails and boardwalks.

150: The minimum age in years of

115: Number of individuals and

the oldest oaks in the Berard Oaks oak savanna.

families who have joined the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve since it launched in late April 2014.

17: Size in acres of the Moses

15: The number of Friends

50-60: Number of UW-Stevens

members serving on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve board of directors. Board members elections are held during the annual member meeting on the last Tuesday of September. Consider serving on the board!

Point student employees working at Schmeeckle Reserve at any given time.

Students maintain the trails, remove invasive species, craft cedar signs in the sign shop, work in trail ranger and recreation internships, and staff the front desk.

24: Size in acres of the man-made

3: The number of full-time staff

Lake Joanis.

at Schmeeckle: Director Ron Zimmerman, Assistant Director Jim

Creek Wetland Restoration Area.

Buchholz, and Outreach Coordinator Megan Espe. A half-time graduate assistant (currently Carly Swatek) also helps manage the Reserve, and Michael Gross, professor emeritus of interpretation, works part-time on interpretive consulting projects that help fund the Reserve.

1: The number of directors Schmeeckle Reserve has had in its 38-year history. Ron Zimmerman was hired as the first director in 1979 and continues to serve in that role.

Too many to count: The number of couples who have gotten engaged in Schmeeckle Reserve. The Reflection Pond and Moses Creek Wetland Viewing Deck are popular places to pop the big question.

Welcome Your New Friends!

Thank you to the following members who have joined the Friends since Oct. 1, 2014.

The Friends is now made up of more than 115 member-households. Thank you for your support!

Ginny and Stephen Carlton Erin Cherkauer Matt Clucas Michael and Patricia Doherty Ken and Meg Erler Barbara Friedrich

Winter 2015

Lora Hagen Timothy and Susan Halkowski N.C. Heywood Cristin, Casey, and Ryan Hopp Jack Hurrish and Joan Karlen Scott and Jan Hygnstrom Bob Jack Robert Juracka Jean Klein Megan Lineberger Thomas M. Miller Wendell Nelson Evonne and Ryan Nord

Susan Ollech and Keith, Isko, Allan Mark & Sam Kimatha Phillips Ralph and Sharon Reniewicki Jacqueline Revord Rick and Sharon Rothman Susan and Alvin Schuller William R. Seybold Heath Stoltz and Jennifer Kieffer-Stoltz Brian Taft Kathleen Taft Stephanie Whitman

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Schmeeckle kids ambassador Walden Buchholz recently checked out the tracks and scat that wildlife left behind in Schmeeckle Reserve.

Have you noticed the birdfeeders outside the windows in the store? I like to watch the mourning doves pick up seeds under the feeders because they are so close to the glass. I also like to watch chickadees and woodpeckers. A good place to see them is around the feeders outside of the windows in the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.

Sometimes we sit on the couch

and watch the birds.

I was very curious about all the people’s faces on the wall in the Hall of Fame. Mommy said they were conservation superheroes.

Wow! I asked if any of the faces were the bad guys. Mommy said no, they were all good guys who did things to protect nature and that is why they got their picture on the wall. Maybe one day I can have my face on the wall too.

A. Red Fox

B. Gray Squirrel (hind foot)

C. White-tailed Deer

Hi, Friends! It’s me, Walden, your Schmeeckle kids’ ambassador. Have you been visiting the Reserve this winter?

It is a great time of year to hunt for animal tracks. You can find lots of tracks near the compost demonstration area (just south of the visitor center). On my last visit, I found squirrel, rabbit, and deer tracks. I also saw some little oval brown pellets near the tracks.

Mommy told me it was deer poop, which I learned is also called “scat.”

After track hunting, we went into the visitor center to see the critters. There are fish, a tiger salamander, a frog, a toad, and two turtles across from the information desk. We were there in the morning when they were being fed so I got to watch the turtles eat. Of course I crawled into the muskrat house since we were there anyway.

D. Wild Turkey

E. Raccoon (hind foot)

Animal Track Answers 10

’Round the Reserve

Kids: Try to identify which animals left these tracks. Check your answers on the bottom of page 10.

Then color the tracks however you like!

B.

A.

C.

E.

D.

Winter 2015 10

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Parting View: Frozen Lake Joanis Winter is a peaceful time to visit Schmeeckle Reserve.

Many visitors trek across the frozen Lake Joanis to visit the island. Be sure that ice conditions are safe before walking across.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are both allowed in Schmeeckle, though trails are not groomed.

Photo by Carly Swatek

ADDRESS LABEL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481

Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve