For
many students and community residents, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point would not be complete without Schmeeckle Reserve, the 280-acre nature
conservancy on the north end of campus.
“Not
only does it provide refuge and stress relief for students and the community at
large, it is also a fantastic recruiting tool and research opportunity,” said
one UW-Stevens Point student responding to the survey. “It’s a powerful and
practical symbol of our university’s commitment to the proper stewardship of
our state’s shared natural resources.”
Two
recent surveys of students and community members show just how much value the
reserve brings to Stevens Point. Erika Jensen, Schmeeckle trail recreation
intern and a senior forestry recreation major from Farmington, Minn.,
administered both surveys and compiled the results.
More
than 1,110 students took the survey earlier this year, of whom 93 percent had
visited the reserve. Nearly 30 percent said they did so four or more times a
month.
Those
who regularly visit the reserve said it helps them escape the stress of college
life. Eighty percent said the reserve is a valuable part of their experience at
UW-Stevens Point. More than 35 percent said the reserve was a reason they chose
to attend the university.
“This
survey confirms how important the Schmeeckle Reserve experience is to
university students,” said Ron Zimmerman, director of the natural area since
1979.
Of
students who visit the reserve, the top five activities were walking (95
percent), jogging or running (62 percent), wildlife watching (61 percent),
attending classes (42 percent) and photography or art (35 percent).
UW-Stevens
Point students help support Schmeeckle Reserve through $13.56 in student
activity fees paid each year per student. About 92 percent of students support
the activity fee being used to fund Schmeeckle, and 74 percent of respondents
said they would support an increase to help offset the costs of maintaining and
operating the reserve. Eighty-eight of the respondents also supported expanding
the natural area.
A second survey was distributed over the past three years to
recreational visitors at the reserve. Of those who responded, 95 percent said
the natural area contributes to the character of Stevens Point, and about 86
percent said they felt a pride in their community when visiting the reserve.
Respondents said they believe Schmeeckle Reserve provides essential services,
with 96 percent of visitors agreeing that the reserve is a valuable educational
venue for the area. Ninety-four percent said Schmeeckle Reserve is vital in
protecting the landscape from further development.
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