Central Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Schmeeckle Reserve is hosting a series of nature programs this April. These programs are open to the public and are led by UW-Stevens Point students studying environmental education and interpretation. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center at 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, unless otherwise noted.

The April lineup includes:

- "Music in Nature," April 4 from 10 to 11 a.m., will involve reading "Can You Hear the Plants Speak?" and exploring the natural sounds of Schmeeckle.

- "Skull Sleuths," April 4 from 6 to 7 p.m., will focus on the secrets bones found in Central Wisconsin reveal about animals.

- "Fire Starter Academy," on April 5 from 1 to 2 p.m., will teach participants how to build and safely extinguish fires, with the meeting point at the Menzel Pavilion.

- On April 11 from 6 to 7 p.m., "Spiders and Snakes and Slugs, Oh My!" will explore these often misunderstood animals, and attendees will meet at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "Schmeeckle Symphony," April 12 from 11 a.m. to noon, will introduce participants to Wisconsin's twelve frog species. This will also meet at the Menzel Pavilion.

- "Fleeting Beauty," also on April 12 from 1 to 2 p.m., will focus on the unique adaptations and significance of spring ephemeral plants.

- "Schmeeckle Teatime," on April 18 from 6 to 7 p.m., offers tea made from locally foraged ingredients and ideas for using Central Wisconsin plants in daily life.

- "Sensing Schmeeckle," April 19 from 11 a.m. to noon, will guide participants on a sensory walk through Schmeeckle.

- "Adventurers Wanted for Side Quest!" will take place on April 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.; participants will help stop invasive species to protect Schmeeckle's natural balance.

- "Banding Together: The Science of Feathered Friends," on April 25 from 9 to 10 a.m., will showcase bird banding research.

- The playful program, "The Real-Life Pokémon of Schmeeckle," will happen on April 25 from 6 to 7 p.m.

- "Capturing Moments," on April 26 from 11 a.m. to noon, provides an opportunity to capture nature's details through photography.

- On April 26 from 1 to 2 p.m., "The Art Legacy of Fly Tying" offers a chance to create art through the ages-old practice of fly tying by drawing inspiration from nature.

No registration is required for these programs. Interested individuals can contact the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center by calling 715-346-4992 or emailing schmeeckle@uwsp.edu. The reserve offers reasonable accommodation for special needs with advance notice. Schmeeckle Reserve operates as a field station of UW-Stevens Point under the College of Natural Resources, focusing on ecosystem protection and restoration while serving as an outdoor classroom.

For more details, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle.