For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Schmeeckle Reserve visitors inspired to take photographs, create art or write about the natural area may submit their work for the fourth annual Writing, Art and Photo Contest.

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve group hosts this contest to raise awareness of the reserve and the Friends group, which supports it. Entries are due Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Contest submissions will be posted on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website and will be displayed during December at the Portage County Public Library. All entries will be recognized in a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 7, at the library. 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 to 100-word statement describing how the entry was inspired by time spent in Schmeeckle Reserve. All ages are welcome to participate. For the full entry guidelines and submission form, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Friends of Schmeeckle” and then “Arts Contest.”.

The Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve was formed to provide community support for the reserve through educational programs, outreach, land management and acquisition, and fundraising.

Memberships are available for students, individuals, families and corporations. For more information about the Friends, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle and click on “Friends of Schmeeckle.”

Part of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Schmeeckle Reserve is located at 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point.