For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – Your family can explore the natural ways of animals and plants  this April through free programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve.

Family nature programs are led by UW-Stevens Point students.

Scheduled programs

“Home Hike”

Friday, April 7, 10-11 a.m. Bring the kids for a hike around the reserve to see how animals build their homes, then build an animal home.

 “Nature Journaling: Part One”

Saturday, April 8, 9-10 a.m., Learn the art of nature journaling through a guided indoor journey.

 “Nature Journaling: Part Two”

Saturday, April 8, 10:15-11 a.m., Put your nature journaling experience into practice during a relaxing one-mile walk in the reserve.

“Egg-citing Bird Home Hike”

Friday, April 14, 10-11 a.m., See some of the nests, cavities and boxes where birds raise their young, then play a game to test your knowledge. Binoculars available.

“Diving Deeper into Nature”

Saturday, April 15, 9-10 a.m., Learn how nature communicates in ways you’ve never seen before.

“What’s That Pecking?”

Saturday, April 15, 11 a.m.-noon, Woodpeckers are the excavators of the forest – take a look at where they work.

“Whodunnit?”

Sunday, April 16, 1-2 p.m., Put on your nature detective hat and walk in the reserve to solve a mystery.

“Mammal Bone-anza”

Friday, April 21, 10-11 a.m., Why do certain mammals have different bone structure? Learn about their adaptations.

“Seeing Schmeeckle”

Saturday, April 22, 9-10 a.m., Deepen your awareness of the world and practice nature journaling and observation on an interactive hike for all ages.

“Rise and Shine with Schmeeckle’s Reptiles and Amphibians”

Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.-noon, Play games to learn about reptiles and amphibians, including the difference between brumation and hibernation.

“Rocks in the Reserve”

Sunday, April 23, 1-2 p.m., Discover how rocks came to be at the reserve and their rich history during a guided walk.

“Forward in Time”

Friday, April 28, 10-11 a.m., Explore how Schmeeckle’s landscape has transformed over time, from logging to farming to a natural area.

“Poetry in the Outdoors”

Saturday, April 29, 9-10 a.m., Take some time to relax and write poetry in nature. Materials will be provided or bring your own.

“Habitat Hunt”

Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.-noon, Explore the reserve’s diverse habitats, what animals and plants live in each one and how habitat restoration works.

To register, email [email protected], call (715) 346-4992 or stop by the Schmeeckle Visitor Center.

Schmeeckle Reserve is a field station of UW-Stevens Point, operated by the College of Natural Resources to protect and restore ecosystems, serve as an outdoor classroom for learning and provide outdoor recreation opportunities.