Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre natural area located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, managed by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The reserve features a mix of northern hardwood forest, wetlands, grasslands, and a 27-acre man-made lake called Lake Joanis. Established in 1973, the area was initially former farmland and gravel pits restored to support native habitats and wildlife. Today, Schmeeckle Reserve functions as both a conservation area and an outdoor laboratory for ecological study. Visitors can explore over 4 miles of maintained trails that wind through woodlands, around Lake Joanis, and across prairies, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and photography. Common wildlife include white-tailed deer, beaver, turtles, various waterfowl, and many songbird species. The reserve has an Environmental Education Center providing interactive exhibits and programmatic events focused on natural history and local ecology. Schmeeckle is popular among hikers, birders, runners, and casual walkers alike. It offers quiet natural surroundings within the city limits and promotes conservation awareness in a suburban setting. The diverse habitats and accessible trail system make Schmeeckle Reserve a prime example of sustainable urban natural area preservation and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.
