Schmeeckle Reserve An Island of Green A field station of the College of Natural Resources serving the University and local community. June, 2006 - July, 2007 Annual Report
Schmeeckle Reserve University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point A field station of the College of Natural Resources, serving the University and local community July, 2006 - June, 2007 Annual Report Submitted October, 2007 Schmeeckle Reserve University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2419 North Point Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 Phone: (715) 346-4992 E-mail: schmeeckle@uwsp.edu Internet: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/schmeeckle Director: Ron Zimmerman Assistant Director: Jim Buchholz 1
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report An Island of Green... thirty years in the making Schmeeckle Reserve is UW-Stevens Point s natural area established to preserve and study central Wisconsin ecological communities. This land is integral to the identity of the university and Stevens Point community. Fred Schmeeckle, the professor who created the nation s first Conservation Education major, helped to secure a diverse woodland north of campus called the Chilla Woodlot in 1958. He believed that this area would serve as an island of green in the City of Stevens Point for future generations. In 1976, the UWSP North Campus Planning and Utilization Committee proposed to expand this island of green through the development of an Environmental Laboratory on the undeveloped lands. Thirty years later, the Schmeeckle Reserve continues to serve UWSP and the central Wisconsin community, truly an island of green surrounded by urban development to the south, east, and west, and a golf course to the north. Through vision and leadership, the Reserve has expanded to 275 acres with an additional 10 acres to be added this fall. The Reserve serves as a field station of the College of Natural Resources, but it s reach is far greater. This is a place where all UWSP students, staff, and faculty join with central Wisconsin residents to enjoy educational and recreational opportunities in a natural environment. Lake Joanis, September 30, 2006...the greatest value to the University of... the north campus land, is its aesthetic contribution to our rapidly urbanizing campus environment, and its fundamental support of our natural resource and biology curriculum. North Campus Planning and Utilization Committee Minutes December 20, 1976 It s peaceful and tranquil, and helps relieve the stress of daily life. I have brought friends from different schools there to run through when visiting, and they all wished they would have something like Schmeeckle at their campus. Student Survey, November, 2006 2
Significant Activities and Events Serving UWSP students UWSP Student Survey In November, 2006, Schmeeckle Reserve sent a survey to all undergraduate and graduate students attending UWSP. Nearly 940 students responded with their thoughts and opinions of the campus natural area. This data provided important insights, including: 95% of all UWSP students have visited Schmeeckle Reserve. Nearly 1/3 of students visit the Reserve more than 7 times per month. Nearly 1 in 5 students reported that Schmeeckle Reserve was a reason they chose to attend UWSP. 80% of students responded that Schmeeckle helps them escape the stress of college life. 83% of students would like to see Schmeeckle continue to acquire more green space. Almost 80% of students say that Schmeeckle is a valuable part of their UWSP experience. 98% of all students (including those that have never visited before) believe that supporting Schmeeckle is a good use of their student fees. 80% of all students favor increasing the amount of their student fees that support Schmeeckle Reserve. Increased Student Financial Support Schmeeckle Reserve does not have a GPR funded operating budget. For several years, the budget has been partially funded by the Student Government Association (SGA) through student activity fees. In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year, each student on campus paid $164 in activity fees. Approximately $4 of the fee helped to fund Schmeeckle ($35,000 total). Faced with increasing operational costs and supported by the positive results of the student survey, Ron Zimmerman, Jim Buchholz, and John Jury (President of the Foundation of Portage County) approached SGA for an increase in financial support. The Finance Committee recommended doubling student support to $70,000 (about $8 per student), and it passed unanimously. Schmeeckle Reserve is likely one of the most enthusiastically student supported campus natural areas in the country. The full results of the survey are posted online at www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle/survey. Labor of Love, September 5, 2005 Its presence. The Reserve is invaluable. It s a unique asset to UWSP that which great care should be taken to ensure its longevity Student Survey, November, 2006 3
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report One of the Best Places to Work... Students keep Schmeeckle Reserve vibrant. The large student staff is essential in providing personal services and maintaining the natural area. All positions are made possible through SGA funding. Due to budget limitations, only students who qualify for Federal Work Study funding can be hired. During the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: 29 students were hired in summer, 2006 41 students were hired from August, 2006 to May, 2007 20 students were hired in summer, 2007 Schmeeckle Reserve was voted as one of the best places to work by student employees in spring of 2007 through the Student Involvement & Employment Office. Ross Amphitheater After two years of planning and construction, the John & Nancy Ross Amphitheater was officially dedicated on October 7, 2006. John Ross graduated from the CNR in 1958 and was a student of Fred Schmeeckle s. John and Nancy have been strong supporters of UWSP and the Reserve. The dedication ceremony was attended by students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the Ross family. Funding of $6,000 was secured through memorial cash contributions and in-kind donations. The rustic terraced stone amphitheater was designed and built by Schmeeckle Reserve staff. It serves as a unique gathering place for students near dormitories and sports fields. Future improvements include the installation of a stone fire ring, trail lighting, and rustic picnic tables. Schmeeckle Reserve is voted one of the best places to work, April 3, 2007 Nancy Ross speaks at the Ross Amphitheater dedication, October 7, 2006 [Schmeeckle is] a little slice of heaven in Stevens Point. Student Survey, November, 2006 4
Serving Academic Programs Coursework and Research Schmeeckle Reserve continues to expand and serve the academic needs of UWSP. An Education and Research Use Permit System was implemented several years ago to monitor class use and research, while minimizing conflicts among the increasing user groups. Wildlife Society Deer project, December 8, 2006 Summary of class and research use in Schmeeckle: July, 2006-June, 2007 2,372 students attended a class or conducted research in Schmeeckle Reserve. 28,733 student class hours were spent in the Reserve, including 751 instructor hours. The following UWSP classes used the Reserve: College of Natural Resources FOR 232-Dendrology and Silvics FOR 322-Forest Mensuration FOR 327-Forest Protection FOR 361-Native American Forestry FOR 435-Nursery Operations NRES 151-People, Resources and the Biosphere NRES 250-Introduction to Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife Resources NRES 251-Introduction to Soil and Water NRES 367/368/568-Oral Interpretation Methods NRES 369/569-Interpretive Media NRES 374-Interpretation Practicum NRES 482-Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation WAT 383-Hydrogeology WILD 350-Wildlife Management Techniques Biology BIO 100-The Human Environment BIO 101-General Biology BIO 160-Introduction to Animal Biology BIO 306-Ecological Methods BIO 319-Techniques in Molecular Biology BIO 342-Vascular Plant Taxonomy BIO 351-Plant Physiology BIO 367-General Entomology Other ADV ED 250-Camping/Backpacking GEOG 101-The Physical Environment GEOG 344-Environmental Hazards GEOG 358-Biogeography WELL 221-Snowshoeing The following groups used the Reserve: Ben Franklin Summer Program Continuing Education LIFE program Dive Point Scuba class Fisheries Society Lactic Edge Triathalon Club MSTC dendrology class MSTC ecology class Wildlife Society Flying Squirrels project Wildlife Society Small Mammal project Wildlife Society Deer project Wisconsin River Academy-SPASH 5
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation: Public Programs Many community members from Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, and Marshfield eagerly await the arrival of public program schedules every fall and spring. Students in NRES 482 (Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation) fine tune their interpretive skills at Schmeeckle Reserve under the guidance of Dr. Brenda Lackey. Each student presents two natural or cultural history programs to the public, as well as contributing to the development of a major group project. This year s diverse topics included autumn colors, maple syrup, wetlands, edible plants, flying squirrels, wintergreen, turkeys, starlings, scat, woodpeckers, woodcock, amphibians, migration, and forest pioneers. Group presentations included character interpretation of holiday symbols and the historic personalities who shaped Stevens Point. Approximately 470 visitors attended the students individual public programs this fiscal year, including an additional 200 visitors who experienced the special group presentations. Dr. Bob Holsman conducts training with the Schmeeckle Trail Ranger interns, April 16, 2007 Trail Ranger Internship Program Now in its third year, the Trail Ranger Internship program is an exciting and successful partnership among Schmeeckle Reserve, the CNR Law Enforcement program (led by Dr. Bob Holsman), and Protective Services (directed by Bill Rowe). It provides real world experience for students interested in natural resources law enforcement. Five interns successfully completed the program from April to October, 2006. Three new interns were hired in April, 2007 and are currently finishing their program. During the summer of 2007: 273 visitor contacts were recorded with: 63 contacts about no swimming rule 58 contacts about after-hours rule 36 contacts about no pet rule 81 positive contacts providing information, finding lost items, etc. Many more positive contacts were made and not recorded Namesakes of Central Wisconsin program, April 21, 2007 The trail ranger program has been a positive tool in reducing rule violations, as well as creating a safer and friendlier environment for visitors. 6
Student Interpretive Media Projects Each spring, students in NRES 369/569- Interpretive Media work with real clients to develop an Interpretive Media Plan for parks, nature centers, and cultural sites. Dr. Brenda Lackey instructs the lectures, and Jim Buchholz provides training in the Interpretive Technology Lab at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. Clients who choose to fabricate interpretive panels or publications recommended in the student plan work with Schmeeckle Reserve staff who donate time and expertise to finalize designs and coordinate fabrication. This service to local interpretive sites provides an excellent resume boost for students graduating from the program and a positive link between UWSP and the community. This year, Schmeeckle Reserve helped to finalize media for: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Hidden Lakes Trail. 3 interpretive panels Price County Historical Society, Spirit Bridge. 3 interpretive panels Hartman Creek State Park, Habitat Kiosk. 3 interpretive panels. Hamus Nature Preserve and Recreation Area, Marshfield. 3 interpretive panels and 1 brochure Village of Whiting, Oak Wilt Nature Trail. 5 interpretive panels and 1 brochure This is a savings (based on National Park Service estimates) of approximately $45,000 to participating agencies. Price County Historical Society, Spirit Bridge panel Hamus Nature Preserve brochure Chequamegon- Nicolet National Forest, Hidden Lakes Trail panel I can go there to get away from the stress of classes. It s a calm place and it s beautiful! It s one of the best things about our campus. Student Survey, November, 2006 Hartman Creek State Park kiosk panel 7
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Serving the Community Candlelight Hike Events The first community Candlelight Hike was sponsored in December of 2005 as a unique and exciting way for visitors to experience the Reserve. The event continues to gain popularity and increased visitation. Two candlelight hikes were sponsored in the last fiscal year, which featured a one-mile path lit by tiki torches, a campfire, crafts, snacks, door prizes from the Browse Shop, tours of the Interpretive Technology Lab and cedar sign shop, and presentations led by university students. Despite having no snow, the Winter Candlelight Hike on December 2, 2006 attracted nearly 250 people. Students presented a program on Holiday Traditions. The Spring Candlelight Hike held on April 21, 2007 was very popular with nearly 400 people in attendance. Students dressed in period costumes and presented a program called Namesakes of Central Wisconsin. Community Meeting Room A public meeting room located in the visitor center is a popular gathering place for agencies, organizations, and classes. It is provided free of charge to conservation and non-profit organizations. The room offers excellent exposure for Schmeeckle Reserve and the CNR to diverse groups of people from around the state. These are potential future supporters of the program. Summary Meeting Room Use: July, 2006-June, 2007 Approximately 3,500 people met in the community meeting room. Over 250 groups were represented with an estimated 880 hours of meeting time. Agencies and organizations were diverse. A few representative groups include: DNR (Lakes Program, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, Boat Team, Watershed, Training Team, etc.), Wisconsin Historical Society, Audubon Society, Girl Scouts, Wisconsin River Academy, American Camping Association, Wisconsin Forestry Council, Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, Division of Public Health, NRCS, SGA, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Portage County Recycling, 4-H Agents of Wisconsin, International Programs, GEM Farmshed group, UW-Extension Basin Educators Spring Candlelight Hike and Open House, April 21, 2007 8
Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame In partnership with the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) organization, Schmeeckle Reserve continues to maintain the Land of Wealth museum, the formal inductee gallery, and the community meeting room, as well as provide information about the hall of fame to visitors. Schmeeckle staff again helped to coordinate and facilitate this year s Induction Ceremony held on April 21, 2007. Russell Peterson, Guido Rahr, and Henry Reuss were inducted. From September, 2007 to May, 2009, Schmeeckle Reserve s Graduate Assistant, Ginamaria Javurek, will base her thesis in the WCHF museum. She will be evaluating current exhibits, identifying issues and concerns, researching modern exhibit methods, and developing a Visitor Experience plan to update the current museum and provide guidance for a future expanded facility. Schmeeckle staff are recognized at the Grand Reopening of the Green Circle, May 14, 2007 Green Circle Trail The Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center is the headquarters of the Green Circle Trail. Schmeeckle s student staff provides information and maps to trail users. From February to May, 2007, Schmeeckle maintenance staff responded to a call for help from the Green Circle Trail and constructed two new boardwalks on a rerouted segment. The trail was officially reopened on May 14, 2007. This year, Schmeeckle volunteered to design and maintain the newly created Green Circle Trail website (www.greencircletrail.org). Ginamaria Javurek will be developing a Visitor Experience plan for exhibits in the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame I value the escape quality that Schmeeckle holds as I see it as a place to be alone and have some solitude, study, reflect, and be one with the wilderness that is too quickly being taken from this earth... I value its ability to teach students through observations of its natural beauty as well. Student Survey, November, 2006 9
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Preserving Natural Communities and Contributing to Research Acquisition of 10.5 Acres of New Land The Schmeeckle Trails Subdivision began construction on the southeast boundary of the natural area in March, 2007. As part of this development, the Sciarrone and Milano families generously agreed to donate 5 acres of land on the northwest side of Moses Creek to Schmeeckle Reserve. The Art Ceplina family is also donating a parcel of land between Lake Joanis and the subdivision, totalling an additional 2 acres. These donations are currently pending approval by the Board of Regents. The City of Stevens Point will also be entering into an agreement for an additional 3.5 acres of land between Michigan Avenue and Maria Drive, adjacent to the Village Apartments property. When these acquisitions are finalized, the Moses Creek watershed will be protected within the Schmeeckle Reserve from North Point Drive to where the stream enters the city drainage system behind the Village Apartments. This is vital for flood control and water quality, while providing a major recreational and educational asset to UWSP and the central Wisconsin community. A map of the acquisition areas can be found on page 20. It s an example of how a community can preserve some green space in the city that benefits many people. Student Survey, November, 2006 A permanent Bat Monitoring Station was installed in Schmeeckle Reserve in June, 2007 Acoustic Bat Monitoring Station On June 20, 2007 the Wisconsin DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources installed a permanent Acoustic Bat Monitoring Station in the prairie near the visitor center. This innovation is one of only five stations in the state. The equipment records high-frequency bat calls, which are analyzed by researchers to determine species and populations. Schmeeckle Reserve has volunteered staff hours to maintain the equipment, collect data, and send it to the DNR for analysis. The Reserve will also develop interpretive signage to inform visitors about the project. The station is an important asset to wildlife courses, student research, and increasing our understanding of the Reserve s ecology. 10
Invasive Exotic Species Schmeeckle Reserve continues to battle several aggressive exotic species that are outcompeting native vegetation. Garlic mustard was discovered in the summer of 2006 just outside the southeast border of the Reserve on city property and in an apartment complex. The Director acquired permission to control the plant, and patches were aggressively treated with herbicide to stop their spread. This control was repeated throughout the 2007 growing season. The garlic mustard is currently contained, but will be closely monitored for the next several years. Pockets of Eurasian milfoil were reported in Lake Joanis in spring, 2004. In June and July of 2006, the first eradication efforts were conducted under the supervision of Amy Thorstenson of Golden Sands. Schmeeckle staff hand-pulled all Eurasian milfoil in water depths up to four feet (9 staff members, several weeks, 720 person hours). In August and September of 2007, scuba divers manually pulled milfoil from the lake with limited success. Future control methods are currently being formulated, and will likely include chemical, biological, and manual treatments. A special committee is developing a lake management plan for spring of 2008. Aggressive control methods and careful monitoring are slowing the spread of garlic mustard. Manual removal of Eurasian water milfoil by volunteer scuba divers and student staff was the first step in determining a control strategy. Buckthorn continues to be the most aggressive exotic species in the Reserve. Control efforts have been focused on several acres adjacent to the southwest side of Lake Joanis. Plants are cut and treated with Garlon 4 herbicide, but success has been limited. In late summer and fall of 2007, controls will include higher concentrations of herbicide and prescribed burns. Other exotic species in the Reserve, like Spotted Knapweed, continue to be controlled by Schmeeckle employees. 11
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Funding Schmeeckle Reserve External Funding Sources Interpretive Consulting Projects Schmeeckle Reserve Interpreters is a dynamic team that provides master planning and design services to parks, nature centers, and historic sites throughout the country. Members include Ron Zimmerman, Jim Buchholz, Dr. Michael Gross (Professor Emeritus), and Dr. Brenda Lackey (Assistant Professor). The projects form invaluable partnerships with outside agencies, providing opportunities to promote UWSP and the CNR, while bringing real world case studies into the classroom. All funds generated support Schmeeckle Reserve s budget and the CNR environmental education/interpretation program. In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: Schmeeckle Reserve Interpreters generated $118,283 to support salaries and operational budgets for the natural area. Projects included: Illinois Route 66: Master Plan Springfield, Illinois Status: On-going Funding: $122,000 Description: Plan to guide interpretive development of Route 66 in Illinois Black Kettle National Grassland: Trail Cheyenne, Oklahoma Status: On-going Funding: $41,000 Description: Research and design of signage for a homesteading trail Mike Gross, Ron Zimmerman, and Jim Buchholz analyze Civil War smoke writing in Lost River Cave, Bowling Green, Kentucky Rib Mountain State Park: Master Plan Wausau, Wisconsin Status: On-going Funding: $33,000 Research and plan for new visitor center and exhibits Mead Wildlife Area Wisconsin Status: Completed July, 2007 Funding: $26,850 Research and design of history exhibit, energy panels, and nature trail panels Lincoln Highway: Master Plan Addendum Belvidere, Illinois Status: Completed June, 2007 Funding: $38,000 Description: Evaluation of existing media and site inventories for additional communities 12
Central Wisconsin Environmental Station Wisconsin Status: Completed May, 2007 Funding: $4,500 Research and design of interpretive panels for visitors to CWES Village of Whiting: Oak Wilt Project Whiting, Wisconsin Status: Completed May, 2007 Funding: $2,025 (donation of design time) Research and design of interpretive panel for oak wilt area Kohler Andrae State Park: Nature Trail Sheboygan, Wisconsin Status: Completed January, 2007 Funding: $1,800 (donation of design time) Research and design of trail panels for Creeping Juniper Nature Trail Determining site characteristics in the Black Kettle National Grasslands, Cheyenne, Oklahoma. Lost River Cave: Interpretive Master Plan Bowling Green, Kentucky Status: Completed November, 2006 Funding: $35,000 Description: Plan for new visitor center and trail system at university-owned cave Hamus Nature Preserve Marshfield, Wisconsin Status: Completed October, 2006 Funding: $16,200 Research and design of kiosk panels, wayfinding, and cedar signage Conducting community meetings along Illinois Route 66. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Marshfield, Wisconsin Status: Completed July, 2006 Funding: $3,170 Final design and coordination of fabrication for student project Schmeeckle student employees install wayfinding signs at the Hamus Nature Preserve in Marshfield, Wisconsin. 13
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Interpreter s Handbook Series Sales The Interpreter s Handbook Series are used as interpretive training guides in parks, forests, nature centers, historic sites, and universities internationally. The books are sold and distributed through Schmeeckle Reserve, and all profits support the natural area. In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: The book Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits was updated, expanded, and republished as the Third Edition in July, 2006. The new version includes 50 additional pages (total of 161 pages), a current listing of sign fabrication materials and costs, 420 full-color photographs, and several new case studies of trail design, structures, wayfinding, audio tours, and sign supports. The total cost of printing the book was $30,634 for 10,000 copies. Worzalla Printing generously donated $7,815 of labor. The Walter Alexander Foundation of Wausau provided a $2,500 grant to subsidize the purchase of paper. Sales of the Interpreter s Handbook Series generated $44,161; enough to pay for the book printing and contribute to Schmeeckle s operations budget. CWES hired Schmeeckle to construct several new signs. Cedar Sign Sales Schmeeckle Reserve has been constructing hand-crafted cedar signs for over 20 years. Signs are sold to organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals. Student staff design, construct, rout, and paint signs in the visitor center basement workshop. All proceeds support Schmeeckle Reserve In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: Sales of cedar signs generated $20,057. Clients included: Arkansas Fish and Game Nature Center (Fort Smith), Glacial Lake Cranberries (Wisconsin Rapids), Village of Whiting, CWES, Wyalusing State Park, Kurowski Dairy, Walleyes for Tomorrow (Fond du Lac), UWSP Department of Biology, Portage Creek Furniture (Minocqua), Girl Scouts of Woodland Council, Appleton Area School District, Northwoods Land Trust (Eagle River) Student employee carves a complex map for McKinley Elementary School 14
Browse Shop Sales The Browse Shop, located in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, features unique natural and cultural merchandise that connects customers to central Wisconsin s heritage. Many local artists and authors display their products in the store. The Browse Shop not only helps to support the budget of Schmeeckle Reserve, but it is also an important link to the community. In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: The Schmeeckle Reserve graduate assistant, Cortney Schaefer, focused her efforts on increasing the potential of the Browse Shop through new merchandise and marketing. Sales from the Browse Shop generated $16,799, the highest amount since it opened. Business is expected to increase as community events (like the Candlelight Hikes), public programs, and meetings introduce new customers to the store. Student staff stock and sell merchandise in the Browse Shop The land provides a great recreational place, protection from surrounding development, and ecological benefits. Student Survey, November, 2006 University and Partner Support In the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year: College of Natural Resources Support Director position: $66,073 Position was assigned to the CNR in March, 1979 Summer position loan: Savings of $2,847 Support for Assistant Director position Graduate Assistant: $10,579 Shared with Dr. Brenda Lackey for teaching of interpretation courses Operations budget: $956 First year of a GPR-funded budget for support of CNR courses Printer supplies: $535 Additional operations funding for CNR interpretation courses printing Computer upgrades: $412 Upgrade of memory for Interpretive Technology Lab Other University Support New visitor center roof: $8,500 A new roof was installed in May, 2007 funded through facility services Grounds and Maintenance: $15,000 Funds a student maintenance supervisor and supplemental maintenance supplies and labor Visitor Center Utilities: $7,500 Student Support Student Government: $34,738 Formal request is submitted to Finance Committee each year Community Support City of Stevens Point Motel Tax Fund: $15,000 Development of trails and boardwalks along Moses Creek. 15
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Planning for the Future University Financial Support Securing an Assistant Director Position On March 12, 1979, a memo to the UWSP Administrative Council gave authorization to recruit positions for the newly created Schmeeckle Reserve: one full-time Director; one full-time landscaper; one full-time law enforcement officer; one half-time secretary This was considered a minimal level of staffing to maintain the 127-acre natural area, which did not, at the time, include a visitor center. When Ron Zimmerman was hired as the Director in July, 1979, the landscape and law enforcement positions had already been eliminated in response to a UWSP budget crisis. In 1986, the half-time secretary was given notice and the position was absorbed by the CNR to make up for additional budget shortfalls. Since 1979, demands for safety and services have increased. Major improvements have expanded and enhanced Schmeeckle Reserve and its program: The Reserve has more than doubled in size (275 acres) to protect green space and provide enhanced field opportunities for CNR and Biology students. A much needed visitor center was renovated from a ranch-style house in the early 1980s. Today it welcomes and serves visitors 7 days a week. Schmeeckle houses and maintains the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame built in 1990, which includes a museum and community meeting room. Schmeeckle serves as the headquarters for the Green Circle Trail Ermine, December, 2006 A technology lab constructed in 2000 serves the needs of CNR students taking Interpretive Media and Practicum in Environmental Education and Interpretation. Despite the major expansion of property (more than 2/3 of the entire campus), increased visitor services, and improvement of educational opportunities, only one University position is still assigned to the entire natural area. In 2000, Schmeeckle Reserve hired an Assistant Director to help meet the needs of the expanding workload and enhanced level of services. This position is vital in: Coordinating educational and research use of the natural area Developing, maintaining, and updating the Schmeeckle Reserve website as a tool for education Instructing the Interpretive Media Lab Managing and maintaining the technology computer lab Supervising office staff and developing procedures Working with CNR Financial Planner to develop appropriate budgeting tools Overseeing and marketing the Interpreter s Handbook Series Overseeing the cedar sign business Coordinating the trail ranger internship with the College of Natural Resources Developing a volunteer group for support of the Reserve s educational program Planning and conducting community events (like the Candlelight Hikes) 18
Updating information and wayfinding signage in the Reserve Serving as graphic designer for signs, plans, maps, and other publications The Assistant Director position is program funded, requiring a tremendous amount of Schmeeckle s professional staff time be devoted to external revenue generating projects. This includes long work days, numerous weekends, and many donated hours from a professor emeritus a situation that is unsustainable. If this position was funded by UWSP, more time could be devoted to Schmeeckle Reserve activities, which would benefit the university as a whole. The College of Natural Resources administration is helping to provide position assistance (fringe benefits) in the upcoming Fiscal Year, a critical step toward more reliable annual funding. Securing an Annual Operating Budget Schmeeckle Reserve does not have an annual GPR-funded operating budget. It receives support from Grounds and Maintenance for a student supervisor, a weekly hour-long janitorial service, some trail surface materials, and supplemental labor for major projects (estimated $15,000). Utilities are paid by Facility Services (estimated at $7,500). This fiscal year, the CNR provided an operations budget of $956 to cover expenses for interpretation courses, which will be increased to $1,500 in 2007-2008. The Reserve funds the rest of its operating expenses ($21,236) and student positions ($34,966) with program funds. It is unrealistic to expect the CNR to operate a high use field station without an annual operating budget and no direct means of bringing in support (lacks residential facilities or food service). A secure annual operating budget is necessary to allow staff to focus their energy on improving and enhancing Schmeeckle for the University and central Wisconsin community. Matching Student Support In November of 2006, UWSP students showed their support for Schmeeckle Reserve by voting to double their financial contribution through the Student Activity Fee. Students will be funding over 20% of the Reserve s operating budget ($70,000) in Fiscal Year 2007-2008. Secure position and budget support would lead to enhanced connections between Schmeeckle, UWSP, and the community. It is important that this strong student commitment to Schmeeckle Reserve be matched by annual university funding if the Reserve is to remain a proud focal point of the UWSP campus. 19
Schmeeckle Reserve 2006-07 Annual Report Land Donations Ecosystem Restoration In November, 2007, approximately 7 acres of land will be donated to Schmeeckle by the Sciarrone and Milano families and the Art Ceplina family. This land, adjacent to Lake Joanis, will buffer the natural area from a new subdivision east of the lake. The owners of the subdivision volunteered to donate the buffer as well as a trail right-of-way and bridge over Moses Creek. An extensive boardwalk trail will link this bridge crossing with the existing lake trail to the west and with the Green Circle Trail to the north. The boardwalk trails will be named in honor of the landowners. In addition, the City of Stevens Point is considering an agreement for an additional 3.5 acres of land between Michigan Avenue and Maria Drive, adjacent to the Village Apartments property. The 2007 land donations allow Schmeeckle to own nearly three-quarters of a mile of Moses Creek all of the stream from North Point Drive to Maria Avenue. The creek was ditched in the 1930s in an attempt to convert sedge meadows into farm fields. Its conversion resulted in a loss of wetlands and diminished plant and animal diversity. Schmeeckle is currently working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to develop a wetlands mitigation project that will restore Moses Creek to a more natural state. The flood plain will be restored and the stream will be allowed to meander through sedge meadows, alders, and aspen stands. A trail with wayside panels will interpret the value of wetlands and ecosystem restoration. Approximately 10.5 acres of additional land will be acquired by Schmeeckle Reserve in the upcoming Fiscal Year. These parcels represent some of the last contiguous green spaces bordering the Reserve. 20
New Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor and Education Center The existing Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center is popular and heavily used by university classes, students, conservation groups, and visitors. Unfortunately, the remodeled facility is inadequate for this increasing level of use. The multipurpose room, for example, is filled nearly 300 days of the year, but is too small for many public programs and conservation meetings. Office space, the cedar sign workshop, the exhibit hall, and the interpretive technology lab are all crowded and outdated. A new and improved visitor and education center would serve greater numbers of people and facilitate events and activities that cannot be conducted in the present building. Expanded meeting areas and classrooms will be available for university faculty and staff using the natural area. A large multipurpose room will permit public meetings and community events. The scale and architecture of the building will be harmonious with the landscape and serve as a model of sustainability on this environmental campus. Its primary purpose will be to serve as a gateway to the natural area and to guide visitors to use the area responsibly. A new Schmeeckle Reserve facility is proposed in the next phase of the UWSP Campus Master Plan. To be successful, however, Schmeeckle must have sufficient financial support from the university to fund operating costs and staff salaries (see pages 18-19). A significant amount of money will need to be raised outside of the university system. Schmeeckle Reserve is ready to begin a fundraising campaign to support the new facility. Conceptual idea for a new and improved Schmeeckle Reserve visitor education facility. 21
The thing that I value most about Schmeeckle Reserve is that not only does it serve the general public, but also university students. I like to get away from all the hustle and bustle of school life and connect with the land around me, whether it s sitting on the rocks by Lake Joanis or spending time at the wildlife viewing window. Schmeeckle Reserve takes you on a journey of discovery. It might be encountering one of those Schmeeckle deer or an early morning hike looking for birds. Whether you re a child, university student, or an adult, Schmeeckle holds a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy the true beauty of Stevens Point... Student Survey, November, 2006 Schmeeckle Reserve continues its long tradition of providing a special place for students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors to connect with the central Wisconsin landscape. 22