Schmeeckle Reserve - UWSP · PDF filenorth of campus called the Chilla Woodlot in 1958. He believed that this area would serve “as an island of green in the City of Stevens Point”

An Island of Green for 30 Years

June 2007 - July 2008 Annual Report

SchmeeckleReserve

A field station of the College of Natural Resources serving the University and local community.

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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Schmeeckle Reserve

A field station of the College of Natural Resources,serving the University and local community

July 2007 - June 2008 Annual Report

Prepared November 2008

Schmeeckle ReserveUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

2419 North Point DriveStevens Point, WI 54481

Phone: (715) 346-4992E-mail: [email protected]

Internet: http://www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle

Director: Ron ZimmermanAssistant Director: Jim Buchholz

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Schmeeckle Reserve 2007-08 Annual Report

An Island of Green...

This past year, Schmeeckle Reserve proudly celebrated thirty years of serving as an outdoor classroom and

recreational haven for UWSP and the central Wisconsin community.

Fred Schmeeckle, the professor who created the nation’s first Conservation Education major, helped to secure a diverse woodland north of campus called the Chilla Woodlot in 1958. He believed that this area would serve “as an island of green in the City of Stevens Point” for future generations. Schmeeckle Reserve was created in the late 1970s.

Thirty years later, Schmeeckle Reserve continues to serve UWSP and the central Wisconsin community, truly an “island of green” surrounded by urban development to the south, east, and west, and a golf course to the north. Through vision and leadership, the Reserve has expanded to 285 acres with an additional 5 acres to be added soon.

Schmeeckle Reserve is a place where all UWSP students, staff, and faculty join with central Wisconsin residents to enjoy educational and recreational opportunities in a natural environment.

Celebrating Thirty Years

Air photo of Schmeeckle Reserve showing the Sentry Golf Course to the north, the university to the south, and urban development to the east and west (toward the Wisconsin River). June, 2005

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Significant Activities and EventsUnder the Oaks Spring Festival: Celebrating 30 Years

A campfire, live music, and ample food provided by the College of Natural Resources warmed the audience as they witnessed a living history program performed by Practicum students. This dramatic stage show featured characters from the past and even included a Holstein calf that enlivened the atmosphere with carefully timed vocalizations. The show culminated with a quote from Fred Schmeeckle that was simultaneously punctuated with a tremendous burst of wind that shook the tent and sent leaves fluttering across the meadow.

Student organizations interpreted research that they conduct in the Reserve. Deer

researchers demonstrated trapping techniques, wildland firefighters invited visitors to wear their fire retardant clothing and equipment, while the LEAF staff from the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education challenged visitors to ride a stationary bicycle and produce energy to power light bulbs.

Fred Schmeeckle’s daughter, Wilma Waterstreet, shared insights with the audience about her father’s environmental values and his dreams for conservation education at UWSP. John Jury, of the Community Foundation and innovator of the Green Circle Trail, spoke of the synergy produced as a result of the Schmeeckle Reserve cooperating with other community entities. Chancellor Linda Bunnell shared the University perspective on the creation and growth of the Reserve.

Attendees included people present at the first Schmeeckle dedication ceremony in the 1970s, relatives of Fred Schmeeckle, and a large contingent of university students.

Several members of the Schmeeckle family joined the celebration. From left to right: Audrey and David Schmeeckle (Fred’s grandson), Ron Zimmerman, Wilma (Fred’s daughter) and Gene Waterstreet, Jim Buchholz

On April 26, 2008, a hearty crowd gathered on a crisp night under the spreading branches of the Berard Oaks to celebrate 30 years of the Schmeeckle Reserve. It was a gala event, in spite of strong winds and frigid temperatures. A large tent offered protection to the Schmeeckle supporters who ventured out on the mile long candlelight trail to join in the festivities.

For more photos, visit: www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle/gallery/programs

Ron Zimmerman was recognized for his efforts in leading Schmeeckle Reserve over the past 30 years. The student staff presented him with a hand-carved cedar sign.

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Serving UWSP students

The Core of Schmeeckle Reserve

Students keep Schmeeckle Reserve vibrant. The large student staff is essential in providing personal services and maintaining the natural area. All positions are made possible through SGA funding. Due to budget limitations, only students who qualify for Federal Work Study funding can be hired.

During the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year:• 29 students were hired in summer, 2006• 41 students were hired from August,

2006 to May, 2007• 20 students were hired in summer, 2007

Trail Ranger Internship Program

The Trail Ranger Internship program is a successful continuing partnership among Schmeeckle Reserve, the CNR Law Enforcement program (led by Dr. Bob Holsman), and Protective Services (directed by Bill Rowe). It provides real world experience for students interested in natural resources law enforcement.

Three UWSP students, Tony Austin, Steve Sanders, and Chris Smith, successfully completed the internship from April to October 2007. Three new interns, Christina Colrue Tim Orlowski, and Melissa Phinney, were hired in April 2008 and are currently finishing their programs.

The trail ranger program has been a positive tool in reducing rule violations, while maintaining a safe and friendly environment for visitors.

Trail ranger interns Steve Sanders and Tony Austin learn how to approach a visitor with a dog on Schmeeckle trails as part of their training. April, 2007

Schmeeckle student staff sell commemorative shirts and mugs at the 30th Anniversary Celebration. April, 2008

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Serving Academic Programs

Coursework and Research

Schmeeckle Reserve is an outdoor classroom and laboratory for UWSP. In 2007-2008, the Reserve continued to serve the ever expanding educational and research needs of faculty and staff.

Summary of class and research use in Schmeeckle: July 2007-June 2008

1,958 students attended a class or conducted research in Schmeeckle Reserve.

15,836 student class hours were spent in the Reserve.

The following list includes a sampling of the diverse UWSP classes that used the Reserve:

College of Natural ResourcesFOR 232-Dendrology & SilvicsFOR 322- Forest Mensuration FOR 327-Forest ProtectionFOR 426-Forest EntomologyFOR 432- Urban SilvicultureFOR 435- Nursery Operations & MgmtNRES 151-Ecological Basis for NRNRES 250-Fisheries, Forestry, and WildlifeNRES 251- Soil and Water ResourcesNRES 301/501-Foundations of Env. Ed.NRES 368/568- Oral Interpretation MethodsNRES 369/569-Interpretive MediaNRES 374-Env. Interpretation PracticumNRES 376-Env. Ed. PracticumNRES 392-Law Enforcement TheoryNRES 457- Ecological Monitoring NRES 605- Forestry MeasurementNRES 741- Field Forestry EducationWater 389-HydrologyWildlife 350/550-Wildlife Mgmt Techniques

College of Letters and ScienceBIO 101-General Biology BIO 160- Introduction to Animal BiologyBIO 306- Ecological MethodsBIO 319- Techniques in Molecular BiologyBIO 335- MycologyBIO 339/539- Bryology and LichenologyBIO 351- Plant PhysiologyBIO 353/553-Ethnobotany BIO 367-General EntomologyBIO 377- Ornithology ENG 150-Advanced Freshman EnglishGEOG 101-The Physical Environment

College of Professional StudiesAdventure Ed. 250-Camping/BackpackingWellness 199-Independent StudyWellness 221-Snowshoeing

UWSP Student GroupsThe Wildlife Society-Flying Squirrel ProjectThe Wildlife Society-Small MammalsThe Wildlife Society-Bat ProjectThe Wildlife Society-Deer ProjectStudent Athletic Advisory CommitteeSociety of Ecological RestorationEnv. Educators and Naturalists Association

Dana Johnson leads an interpretive hike in Schmeeckle Reserve as part of NRES 368: Oral Interpretation Methods. October, 2007

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Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation: Public Programs

People from Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, and Marshfield eagerly await the arrival of Schmeeckle Reserve public programs every fall and spring. Students in NRES 482 (Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation) and NRES 374 (Practicum in Interpretation) fine tune their interpretive skills under the guidance of Dr. Brenda Lackey.

Each student presents two natural or cultural history programs to the public, as well as contributing to the development of a major group project.

This year’s diverse topics included great horned owls, turkeys, woodcocks, carnivores, invasive species, geocaching, edible plants, witch hazel, white-tail deer, locally grown food, the Green Circle trail, constellations, and Lymes disease. Group presentations included character interpretation of the Reserve’s bat species and the historical characters that contributed to Schmeeckle Reserve.

Approximately 660 visitors attended the students’ individual public programs this fiscal year, including an additional 700 visitors who experienced the special group presentations.

Spring 2008 Practicum students, Shane Schuelke and Meghan Mahoney, dressed up as characters in the history of the Reserve. Here they interpret the Moseys, namesake of Moses Creek.

Fall 2008 Practicum students dressed in elaborate costumes to interpret the different species of bats in Schmeeckle Reserve.

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Serving the Central Wisconsin Community

“Going Batty” Candlelight Hike Festival

Enthusiastic crowds grow larger at every candlelight hike celebration! On October 26, 2007 over 600 people participated in a festival that celebrated bats.

Highlighting the evening was a dramatic campfire play which featured various species of bats as depicted by the Schmeeckle Practicum Students. Elaborate costumes and flamboyant bat characterizations drew hundreds of spectators to the campfire ring.

Jack-o-Lanterns carved by Schmeeckle employees and Practicum students line the entrance to the visitor center

Practicum students interpreted the new Schmeeckle bat monitoring station to interested visitors. The event created positive relations and resulted in a warm exchange between students and the Stevens Point Community.

An expanded mile long candlelight hike along the lakeshore lured hundreds to enjoy a mild night stroll down a trail lit by hundreds of tiki torches. Visitors warmed up after the walk with thematic snacks and warm apple cider. Kids ate bat cookies, created bat finger puppets, and decorated pumpkins.

For more photos, visit: www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle/gallery/programs

Hundreds of visitors sat by the campfire to hear Practicum students interpret bats.

Visitors crowd the discovery table to learn about the monitoring station, hear bat calls, and see a live big brown bat.

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Expanding the Green Circle Trail

The Green Circle Trail is a jewel in central Wisconsin. This past summer, Schmeeckle Reserve student staff helped to make it even better. A special crew was hired in May to build a boardwalk through a newly acquired wetland just north of Schmeeckle. This half mile long boardwalk winds through meadows of ferns and under ancient oaks, before the trail enters a cathedral of red pines and passes through the city-owned Yulga Park. The trail was built 8 feet wide to safely accommodate both bicycles and joggers. Its design protects wetlands by allowing the natural flow of water to move unobstructed under the elevated walkway.

The dedicated crew battled knee deep mud, swarms of mosquitoes, and pockets of ground nesting wasps to complete the majority of their work in just three months. Extra care and time was taken to protect the wetlands. A portable generator supplied the electricity for saws and drills while the crew hand carried wood and supplies the entire length of the boardwalk. Rather than cutting down large trees, the crew respectfully crafted curves and meanders around the trees to slow travelers and focus their attention on the native vegetation.

The Green Circle Trail is a nonprofit citizen’s organization that relies on the goodwill of people and their donations to keep it growing. Over $100,000 was needed to buy the wood and supplies to create this exciting new segment of the trail. University students receive the benefit of recreation, immersion in the environment, and a safe bike ride or jog when they use the free Green Circle Trail. Students can be proud that their support of Schmeeckle Reserve helps the Green Circle get a little better too!

The Schmeeckle Reserve student crew worked long hours moving materials and equipment by foot over the half-mile boardwalk.

Environmentally-friendly “green treated” lumber was secured by decking screws to the frame. A portable generator provided electricity.

The boardwalk was built to meander respectfully around trees and rocks as it winds mysteriously through the wet woods.

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Community Meeting Room

A public meeting room located in the visitor center is a popular gathering place for agencies, organizations, and classes. It is provided free of charge to conservation and non-profit organizations.

The room offers excellent exposure for Schmeeckle Reserve and the CNR to diverse groups of people from around the state. These are potential future supporters of the program.

Summary Meeting Room Use: July 2007-June 2008

• Approximately4,040people met in the community meeting room.

• Over235groups were represented, meeting for an estimated 1,127 hours.

• Agenciesandorganizationswerediverse.

A few representative groups include: DNR (Lakes Program, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, Boat Team, Watershed, Training Team, etc.), Wisconsin Historical Society, Audubon Society, Girl Scouts, Wisconsin River Academy, American Camping Association, Wisconsin Forestry Council, Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, Division of Public Health, NRCS, SGA, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Portage County Recycling, 4-H Agents of Wisconsin, International Programs, GEM Farmshed group, UW-Extension Basin Educators

Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame

Schmeeckle staff again helped to coordinate and facilitate this year’s Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) Induction Ceremony held on April 19, 2008. C.D. ‘Buzz’ Besadny, Mel Cohee, and Paul Husting were inducted.

Schmeeckle Reserve’s Graduate Assistant, Ginamaria Javurek, is evaluating the impacts of multi-sensory methods of information delivery for interpreting the stories and lives of WCHF inductees, as well as determining whether a person’s learning modality type plays a role in their preference for exhibits.

During the months of March to May, 311 community members and various UWSP classes filled out a questionnaire based on their opinions of the current WCHF, suggestions for future modifications and a determination of their learning modality type. The results of this questionnaire will be used to develop four exhibit prototypes about WCHF inductee, George Archibald that will then be used in personal interviews regarding peoples’ preferences of exhibits based on their learning modality type. The results of her thesis study will be used to provide guidance for an updated and future expanded facility.

Ginamaria Javurek will be developing a Visitor Experience plan for exhibits in the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame

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Preserving Natural Communities and Contributing to Research

Land Donations

In November 2007, approximately 6 acres of land was donated to Schmeeckle by the Sciarrone and Milano families. This land, adjacent to Lake Joanis, buffers the natural area from a new subdivision east of the lake. The owners of the subdivision volunteered to donate the buffer as well as a trail right-of-way and bridge over Moses Creek. An extensive boardwalk trail links this bridge crossing with the existing lake trail to the west and with the Green Circle Trail to the north. The boardwalk trail has been named “Milano and Sciarrone Crossing” in honor of the landowners.

Another 2 acre donation is currently being considered by the Ceplina family adjacent to the Sciarrone/Milano donation. The City of Stevens Point is also considering an agreement for an additional 3.5 acres of land

between Michigan Avenue and Maria Drive, adjacent to the Village Apartments property.

These land donations allow Schmeeckle to own nearly three-quarters of a mile of Moses Creek, from North Point Drive to Maria Avenue. This has facilitated a Moses Creek Wetland Restoration project (next page).

Dr. Milano and Dr. Sciarrone unveil a sign that serves as a gateway to the land they graciously donated to Schmeeckle. July, 2008

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Moses Creek Wetland Restoration

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Moses Creek was dredged into a drainage ditch in an attempt to dry up wetlands and create more farmland. The once productive wetlands withered away and Moses Creek was reduced to a dry and sterile streambed during summer droughts. During periods of rain and snow melt, the creek swells to flood the Brillowski Subdivision east of Schmeeckle Reserve. In the 1970s, floodwaters clogged storm sewers on campus, filling basements and spilling out over athletic fields.

This year, Schmeeckle Reserve has an opportunity to restore the wetland floodplain and to recreate the natural meanders of Moses Creek. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is funding a wetlands mitigation project which will permit us to redesign the stream corridor to a more natural and ecologically healthy state. During the winter and spring of 2008-2009, public input will be sought and plans will be formulated to best restore nearly a half mile of the creek from North Point Drive southwest to Michigan Avenue where it enters a storm sewer under campus.

The proposed plan will recreate habitats that resemble the wetland headwaters where Moses Creek begins, about one mile north of the Reserve. Tamarack forests, sedge meadows, and shrub thickets will be planted in the excavated floodplain. Eddies and riffles will be created and ponds will be designed to hold back small reservoirs of water during dry spells. Large specimen trees are being identified and will be included on islands in the floodplain. The resulting wetlands, ponds, and meandering streams will increase the diversity of wildlife and plants, while providing new recreational opportunities in Schmeeckle Reserve.

In the 1970s, clogged storm sewers caused by high water levels in Moses Creek flooded part of campus. The students jokingly named the waters “Lake Dreyfus” after the UWSP Chancellor of the time, Lee Sherman Dreyfus.

Moses Creek was dredged into a long linear drainage ditch in the 1930s, reducing diversity and productive wetlands. Current efforts will return meanders, eddies, and riffles to the stream.

Scenic sedge meadows, tamarack forests, and shrub thickets will be restored along Moses Creek in Schmeeckle, similar to the habitat found at its headwaters.

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Invasive Exotic Species

Schmeeckle Reserve continues to battle several aggressive exotic species that are out-competing native vegetation.

Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was discovered in Lake Joanis in 2004. This alien plant has been gaining notoriety across North America because of its invasive nature. It spreads from one lake to another by boaters and waterfowl. Once in a lake it spreads quickly by stolons and fragmentation. It spreads out over the water and shades native aquatic plants. It disrupts the ecology of a lake and can diminish its beauty and natural diversity.

Historically, control options have relied heavily on chemical treatment of lakes for a temporary solution. Experts have become worried that continuous chemical treatments will result in cumulative effects of toxins.

Strategic plans were formulated in 2007 and early in 2008 the first phase of an action plan was in operation. The Lake Joanis Biological Control Project is a partnership between the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Schmeeckle Reserve, and Portage County. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the CNR funded a $20,000 preliminary study in 2008. The DNR has funded two more years of study beginning in October 2008 at a cost of $97,000. Graduate student Amy Thorstenson has extensive professional experience working with the control of Eurasian water milfoil. Her faculty advisor is Dr. Ron Crunkilton of the Water Resources faculty. This important pilot study may offer hope for some of the 450 Wisconsin lakes infected with the exotic

Buckthorn continues to be a major concern in the Reserve. This aggressive shrub shades out the native forest ground cover reducing plant and animal diversity in the ecosystem. In 2008, Schmeeckle maintenance crews made important progress in enhancing techniques for treatment of buckthorn. A combination of cutting, chemical treatment, and follow up prescribed fires are the best to combat this exotic. An intensified schedule of treatment is planned for 2009. Additional staff are being hired and trained for this accelerated management program.

Garlic Mustard continues to be monitored and contained near the southern edge of the Reserve. Schmeeckle staff eradicate the plants as they emerge each spring.

Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii) were discovered by scuba divers in Lake Joanis in summer 2007. The jellyfish were even more numerous in 2008. They are native to China but were reported in the United States as early as 1884. Unlike the dreaded Eurasian water milfoil, jellyfish often disappear as fast as they appear and do not seem to change or harm the lake. They probably were transported to Lake Joanis as polyps or cysts on the bodies of waterfowl.

Freshwater Jellyfish were discovered by scuba divers in Lake Joanis in the summer of 2007.

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Interpretive Consulting Projects

Schmeeckle Reserve Interpreters is a dynamic team that provides master planning and design services to parks, nature centers, and historic sites throughout the country. Members include Ron Zimmerman, Jim Buchholz, Dr. Michael Gross (Professor Emeritus), and Dr. Brenda Lackey (Assistant Professor).

The projects form invaluable partnerships with outside agencies, providing opportunities to promote UWSP and the CNR, while bringing real world case studies into the classroom. All funds generated support Schmeeckle Reserve’s budget and the CNR environmental education/interpretation program.

In the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year:

Schmeeckle Reserve Interpreters generated $198,994, with a net revenue (after expenses) of $57,164. This funding supports operations and special events for the natural area. Projects included:

Denali State Park: Interpretive Master PlanAlaskaStatus: On-goingFunding: $85,000Description: Plan to guide development of visitor facility and trails on Curry Ridge.

Illinois Route 66: Master PlanSpringfield, IllinoisStatus: Completed in May, 2008Funding: $122,000Description: Plan to guide interpretive development of Route 66 in Illinois

Funding Schmeeckle Reserve: External Sources

Black Kettle National Grassland: TrailCheyenne, OklahomaStatus: Completed in February, 2008Funding: $41,000Description: Research and design of signage for a homesteading trail

Rib Mountain State Park: Master PlanWausau, WisconsinStatus: On-goingFunding: $33,000Description: Research and plan for new visitor center and exhibits

Central Wisconsin Environmental StationWisconsinStatus: Completed August, 2008Funding: $850Description: Research and design of final interpretive panel for visitors to CWES

Jim Buchholz and Ron Zimmerman conduct a site analysis for the South Denali State Park: Interpretive Master Plan in Alaska. September, 2007

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Cedar Sign Sales

Schmeeckle Reserve has been constructing hand-crafted cedar signs for over 20 years. Signs are sold to organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals. Student staff design, construct, rout, and paint signs in the visitor center basement workshop. All proceeds support Schmeeckle Reserve


Sales of cedar signs generated $26,810, with a net revenue (after expenses) of $18,114.

Clients included: Camp Dee (Wisconsin Rapids)•UWSP Sustainability Committee•Appleton Area School District•Northwoods Land Trust (Eagle River)•Central Wisconsin Photography•McKinley Center Elementary School•Woodson Art Museum (Wausau)•Aldo Leopold Nature Center (Black Earth)•Valley New School (Appleton)•Appleton North High School•Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley near St. •Paul)Central Wisconsin Environmental Station •(CWES)UWSP Student Chapter of the American •Water Resources AssociationVillage of Whiting•Town of Deerfield•Green Dragon Gallery and Prairie Seed •Company (Galesville)\Marathon County•Multiple gift signs for UWSP •students, faculty/staff, and community residents

Schmeeckle Reserve’s rustic cedar signs are now featured at the Minnesota Zoo’s new Russia exhibit, “Grizzly Coast.” Over a million people visit the zoo near St. Paul annually.

Student employees worked for several months on this complex map for McKinley Elementary School of the Erickson Natural Area on McDill Pond. The project included obtaining GPS data for the trails, analyzing air photos, and creating a topographic dimensional map out of wood.

Student staff created a series of detailed educational trail signs for the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Black Earth.

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Interpreter’s Handbook Series Sales

The Interpreter’s Handbook Series is a collection of training manuals for the interpretive profession authored by Dr. Michael Gross (Professor Emeritus), Ron Zimmerman (Director of Schmeeckle), and Jim Buchholz (Assistant Director of Schmeeckle).

The handbooks are used as interpretive training guides in parks, forests, nature centers, historic sites, and universities throughout the country and internationally. All books are sold and distributed through Schmeeckle Reserve, and all profits support the natural area.


Sales of the Interpreter’s Handbook Series generated $30,800, with a net revenue (after expenses) of $25,665.

Three books are currently available for sale through Schmeeckle Reserve:

Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits• . Third Edition, 2006Interpretive Centers. • First Edition, 2002The Interpreter’s Guidebook.• Third Edition, 1994

Browse Shop Sales

The Browse Shop, located in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, features unique natural and cultural merchandise that connects customers to central Wisconsin’s heritage. Many local artists and authors display their products in the store. The Browse Shop not only helps to support the budget of Schmeeckle Reserve, but it is also an important link to the community.


Sales from the Browse Shop generated $18,724, with a net revenue (after expenses) of $6,731.

This is the highest amount of net revenue generated since the gift shop opened in 1983. To increase marketing and sales, a student manager will be hired to operate the store in 2008-2009. Business is expected to increase as community events (like the Candlelight Hike Festivals), public programs, and meetings introduce new customers to the store.

Student staff stock and sell merchandise in the Browse Shop

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Planning for the Future

University Financial Support

Securing an Assistant Director Position

On March 12, 1979, a memo to the UWSP Administrative Council gave authorization to recruit positions for the newly created Schmeeckle Reserve:

• one full-time Director• one full-time landscaper• one full-time law enforcement officer• one half-time secretary

This was considered a minimal level of staffing to maintain the 127-acre natural area, which did not, at the time, include a visitor center. When Ron Zimmerman was hired as the Director in July 1979, the landscape and law enforcement positions had already been eliminated in response to a UWSP budget crisis. In 1986, the half-time secretary was given notice and the position was absorbed by the CNR to make up for budget shortfalls.

Since 1979, demands for safety and services have increased. Major improvements have expanded and enhanced Schmeeckle Reserve and its program:

• The Reserve has more than doubled in size (285 acres) to protect green space and provide enhanced field opportunities for CNR and Biology students.

• A much needed visitor center was renovated from a ranch-style house in the early 1980s. Today it welcomes and serves visitors 7 days a week.

• Schmeeckle houses and maintains the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame built in 1990, which includes a museum and community meeting room.

• Schmeeckle serves as the headquarters for the Green Circle Trail and student

staff construct signage and new boardwalks on the trail.

• Numerous public programs and special events connect with members of the central Wisconsin community every year.

Despite the major expansion of property (more than 2/3 of the entire campus), increased visitor services, and improvement of educational opportunities, only one University position is still assigned to the entire natural area.

In 2000, Schmeeckle Reserve hired an Assistant Director to help meet the needs of the expanding workload, enhanced level of services, and the large student staff. The Assistant Director position is program funded, requiring a tremendous amount of Schmeeckle’s professional staff time be devoted to external revenue generating projects. This includes long work days, numerous weekends, and many donated hours from a professor emeritus—a situation that is unsustainable. If this position was funded by UWSP, more time could be devoted to Schmeeckle Reserve activities, which would benefit the university as a whole.

The College of Natural Resources administration is continuing to help provide position assistance (fringe benefits) in the upcoming Fiscal Year, a critical step toward more reliable annual funding.

Fawn, July 2007

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staff. Unfortunately, a tremendous amount of staff time is also required to earn the revenue that support the salaries of 55 part-time employees and a full-time assistant director who is largely responsible for managing the Reserve.

The current director and assistant director provide national and international interpretive consulting ($200,000 in FY 2007-8) but at the expense of working many extra, unpaid hours. It is improbable that replacements can be recruited who have expertise or a reputation needed to perform consulting projects.

If the Schmeeckle Reserve is to remain economically sustainable, then the university must begin to budget money that provides for the basic maintenance, safety, and liability concerns of this 285 area of the campus.

Matching Student Support

In November of 2006, UWSP students showed their support for Schmeeckle Reserve by voting to double their financial contribution through the Student Activity Fee from $35,000 to $70,000. Students currently fund over 18%oftheReserve’soperatingbudget.

It is important that this strong student commitment to Schmeeckle Reserve be matched by annual university funding and support if the Reserve is to remain a proud focal point of the UWSP campus.

Secure position and budget support would lead to enhanced connections between Schmeeckle, UWSP, and the community.

Securing an Annual Base Operating Budget

For long term stainability, Schmeeckle Reserve must be assured a base operating budget. Currently, almost no operational funding is provided by the state of Wisconsin. A single position, the Director, is provided through the College of Natural Resources and some annual utility and maintenance assistance is received from other UWSP departments. Recently the College of Natural Resources has helped with fringe benefits for the assistant director position.

The Reserve is dependent on outside program revenue to fund essential services required by the university and the general public. Providing a safe and environmentally healthy natural area is the paramount responsibility for the Schmeeckle Reserve

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New Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor and Education Center

The existing Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center is popular and heavily used by university classes, students, conservation groups, and visitors. Unfortunately, the remodeled facility is inadequate for this increasing level of use. The multipurpose room, for example, is filled nearly 250 days of the year, but is too small for many public programs and conservation meetings. Office space, the cedar sign workshop, the exhibit hall, and the interpretive technology lab are all crowded and outdated.

A new and improved visitor and education center would serve greater numbers of people and facilitate events and activities that cannot be conducted in the present building. Expanded meeting areas and classrooms will be available for university faculty and staff using the natural area. A large multipurpose room will permit public

meetings and community events. The scale and architecture of the building will be harmonious with the landscape and serve as a model of sustainability on this environmental campus. Its primary purpose will be to serve as a gateway to the natural area and to guide visitors to use the area responsibly.

A new Schmeeckle Reserve facility is proposed in the next phase of the UWSP Campus Master Plan. To be successful, however, Schmeeckle must have sufficient financial support from the university to fund operating costs and staff salaries (see pages 18-19).

A significant amount of money will need to be raised outside of the university system. Schmeeckle Reserve is ready to begin a fund-raising campaign to support the new facility.

Conceptual idea for a new and improved Schmeeckle Reserve visitor education facility.

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—Student Survey, November, 2006

Schmeeckle Reserve continues its long tradition of providing a special place for students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors to connect with the central Wisconsin landscape.

“The thing that I value most about Schmeeckle Reserve is that not only does it serve the general public, but also university students. I like to get away from all the hustle and bustle of school life and connect with the land around me, whether it’s sitting on the rocks by Lake Joanis or spending time at the ‘wildlife viewing window.’ Schmeeckle Reserve takes you on a journey of discovery. It might be encountering one of those ‘Schmeeckle deer’ or an early morning hike looking for birds. Whether you’re a child, university student, or an adult, Schmeeckle holds a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy the true beauty of Stevens Point...”

April snowfall over the Schmeeckle prairie. 2007

Documents

Schmeeckle Reserve - UWSP · PDF filenorth of campus called the Chilla Woodlot in 1958. He believed that this area would serve “as an island of green in the City of Stevens Point”