The events listed below are local presentations/events that are natural resource-related and open to the general public. They are not necessarily related to Wild Ones or organized by our chapter.
Invasive Species Plant Identification and Management The 2025 Urban Forestry Workshop topic is Invasive Species Plant Identification and Management. This workshop will be held this fall in six locations throughout the State. Each location will include morning classroom instruction followed by hands-on field demonstrations in the afternoon. The cost of the workshop is $40 per person, discounted from $70 due to a USDA Urban Forestry Grant awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (No refunds unless we cancel.) Learn how to identify common invasive plants in your area, discuss the most recent information on effective invasive plant removal, and post removal management techniques to minimize regrowth. Click here to register.
When: Wednesday, September 24th
Where: Rib Mountain State Park (149801 State Park Rd, Wausau WI 54401 (vehicle admission purchase required))
Habitat Improvement Project, Fall Seed Collecting – Muir Preserve, John Muir Park Segment, Marquette County Help harvest native prairie seed from Muir Preserve, an Ice Age Trail Alliance-owned property in Marquette County, north of the John Muir Park Segment. Walk through flowing grasses—big blue stem—and exuberant stands of wildflowers, picking seed from pale purple cone flower, culver’s root, wild bergamot, and more! Alliance staff and expert volunteers will be on hand to guide you through the process, ensuring you know what and where to pick. (The Alliance will also provide clippers for snipping seed heads and collection buckets or bags.) This fun, easy, casual event allows volunteers of all ages and abilities to participate in an essential aspect of habitat restoration — seed collection. RSVP for the event here.
When: Tuesday, September 30th from 12:45-4pm
Where: N1595 Co Rd F, Montello, WI 53949
“Next Steps for Nature” with Doug Tallamy Whether you’re wondering which plants are truly native to your region, how to reduce your lawn’s impact responsibly, or how to support pollinators and birds throughout the seasons, this session will help clarify your next steps. With a mix of science-backed answers and practical encouragement, Tallamy empowers all of us to become agents of ecological change.
When: Thursday, October 16th at 6pm
Where: Virtual, link will be provided upon registration – Register here
Schmeekle’s Annual Candlelight Hike Festival: Master of Disguise This fall’s hike theme is “Schmeeckle Spies: Masters of Disguise.” Walk half-mile, 1-mile, and 1.5-mile loop trails lit by torches and hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns through the autumn woods and around Lake Joanis. Arrive and leave when you like! Cost: Suggested donation of $4/person or $10/family helps fund future programs and events. “Schmeeckle Spies: Masters of Disguise” programs: Family-friendly programs will be presented at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the new Pankowski Friends Amphitheater.
Other events all evening:
— Popcorn, hot chocolate, and s’mores for sale
— Passport stations featuring hands-on activities
When: Friday, October 24th from 6-9pm
Where: Schmeekle Reserve
Pumpkin Smash: Compost Your Fall Decorations! Don’t toss your pumpkins in the trash — compost them instead! Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12–3 PM at the Giving Farm (130 Georgia St N, Stevens Point) for a fun, eco-friendly way to say goodbye to your fall decorations. Bring your pumpkins and other organic fall décor to be composted locally by Bucket Ruckus. Stay tuned for details on extra activities and family-friendly fun happening alongside the composting! This event is in partnership with Golden Sands RC&D, Recycling Connections, and Bucket Ruckus. Let’s keep food waste out of the landfill and turn our autumn leftovers into healthy soil for the community. Learn more & RSVP here.
When: Saturday, November 15th from 12–3 PM
Where: The Giving Farm (130 Georgia St N, Stevens Point)
