Helping Preserve the Natural Area

The following rules have been established to:

  • Protect native habitats and wildlife.
  • Avoid disturbing education/research projects.
  • Ensure the safety of all visitors.

Please click a rule below to find out more information and other alternatives in the area.

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The Reserve is closed from sunset to sunrise. This ensures the safety of visitors and provides a resting period without human disturbance for wildlife. After-hours use is permitted during special events sponsored by Schmeeckle or with written permission from the Director. Click here to request permission.
The Reserve has a Carry In-Carry Out policy. There are no garbage receptacles located in the natural area. Please take out everything that you bring in. If you find litter on the trails, bring it to the visitor center or report it to a staff person.
Most of the Reserve's trails are surfaced with woodchips for quiet walking. Bicycles are allowed on the trails, but must be ridden slowly. Bikes must also be walked over any boardwalks. Yield to all other trail users and warn them when you are approaching. The Green Circle Trail is an excellent route for bikes surfaced with crushed granite.
Pets disrupt wildlife behavior and movements in the Reserve, which can negatively impact University research studies. All Stevens Point City Parks and Portage County Parks in the area do allow pets on leashes. In addition, the Green Circle Trail, with the exception of the Schmeeckle Reserve segment, allows pets on leashes. To learn more about the effects of pets on wildlife, read this study.
Lake Joanis has a dangerous, steeply sloped bottom. Swimming also disturbs waterfowl and wading birds that feed and rest on the lake. Excellent swimming can be found at nearby parks, such as Bukolt Park, Iverson Park, Mead Park, Jordan County Park, and Lake Emily County Park.
Uncontrolled fires destroy habitat and threaten neighboring residents. No campfires or bonfires are allowed in the Reserve at any time, unless part of a Schmeeckle-sponsored event.
Beer, wine, hard liquor, wine coolers, and any other type of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the Reserve at any time.
Motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, mopeds, motorboats, and snowmobiles, disturb wildlife and trail users. No motorized access is allowed in the Reserve. Limited vehicular access for research projects may be allowed with written permission from the Director. Click here to request permission.
Hunting is unsafe in the Reserve and illegal within the limits of Stevens Point. Firearms, including guns, archery equipment, and slingshots, are prohibited from the Reserve property. Several public hunting areas are located within Portage County.
The Reserve is an outdoor classroom. Do not pick or collect any natural materials, including plants, flowers, insects, or mushrooms. Leave these resources for all visitors. If collecting is necessary for a research project, please include details in the Education and Research Use Form.

If you have any questions, please call the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center at (715) 346-4992 or e-mail us at Schmeeckle@uwsp.edu.