SC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Schmeeckle Reserve is hosting a series of nature programs throughout March. These Family Nature Programs are free and open to the public, led by students from UW-Stevens Point who are studying environmental education and interpretation. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for outdoor activities and meet at the Visitor Center located at 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, unless specified otherwise.

The programs scheduled for March include:

- "Rocky Relationships with Wildlife" on Friday, March 7, from 6-7 p.m., exploring human-wildlife interactions at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "Nature Know-How" on Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m.-noon, focusing on survival strategies of creatures in Schmeeckle Reserve.

- "If You Care, Should You Leave It There?" on Saturday, March 8, from 1-2 p.m., discussing human intervention in nature.

- "Whiskers in the Dark" on Saturday, March 8, from 7-8 p.m., offering an exploration of nocturnal wildlife at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "It’s a Possum Party!" on Friday, March 14, from 10 - 11 a.m., featuring the storybook “Possum in the House” by Kiersten Jenson and crafts related to possums.

- "Leather: History of the Craft" on Friday, March 14, from 6-7 p.m., where participants can learn about leather crafting and make their own key tag.

- "Nature Journaling" on Saturday, March 15, from 1-2 p.m., aimed at creating personal nature journals at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "Super Squirrels" on Friday, March 28, from 10 - 11 a.m., includes reading “Squirrel’s Family Tree” by Beth Ferry followed by an outdoor walk.

- "Build-A-Bird" on Friday, March 28, from 6-7 p.m., focusing on native birds of prey traits.

- "Lingering Monsters of Wetland Past" on Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m.-noon involves hiking through Schmeeckle to explore historical myths at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "Fishy Senses" on Saturday, March 29, from 5-6 p.m., offers family-friendly activities about local fish adaptations.

No registration is required for these events. For more information or special accommodations with advance notice contact Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center at (715)346-4992 or email schmeeckle@uwsp.edu. The reserve serves as a field station operated by UW-Stevens Point's College of Natural Resources to protect ecosystems and provide educational opportunities. More details can be found at www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle.