For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Discover how Schmeeckle Reserve wakes up from the long winter, learn about Stevens Point and enjoy nature this spring with free, public programs offered at the reserve in April.

The programs are taught by UW-Stevens Point students at the reserve’s Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Dr., Stevens Point, unless otherwise noted. Some activities are outdoors, so dress for the weather. For more information, call 715-346-4992 or go to www.uwsp.edu/cnr/schmeeckle.

April programs include:

·   Hungry Hibernators, Saturday, April 6, 1-2 p.m. How do Wisconsin’s hibernators survive the winter and wake up to spring?

·   Stopping the Spread, Sunday, April 7, 1-2 p.m. Learn ways to keep invasive plants from spreading while enjoying your favorite recreational activities.

·   Building Stevens Point, Tuesday, April 9, 6-7 p.m. Follow timber pioneer George Stevens through the beginnings of Stevens Point and find out how the work of “river rats” influenced our city.

·   Words from the Woods, Thursday, April 11, 6-7 p.m. Uncover the mystery of animal languages.

·   Playing in Nature, Sunday, April 14, 1-2 p.m. Nature is a playground for both kids and adults. Bring the family and discover some great outdoor activities.

·   Fire: Friend or Foe, Tuesday, April 16, 6-7 p.m. Walk through Zimmerman Prairie, dress up like a wildland firefighter and explore how fire affects natural areas.

·   R4: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Tuesday, April 23, 6-7 p.m. Take a deeper look at Portage County’s waste management process and find ways to reduce our impact and save money.

·   Curious Corvids, Saturday, April 27, 1-2 p.m. Learn how birds such as blue jays and crows are just like people.

·   Writing on our Walls, Sunday, April 28, 1-2 p.m. What do Stevens Point and ancient Egypt have in common? Explore the murals of downtown and design your own. Meet at the entrance of the library at 1001 Main St., Stevens Point.