The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
While students were away enjoying spring break, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus was buzzing with activity, as professionals and students attended the National Association for Interpretation Heartland Regional Workshop.
The National Association for Interpretation is a professional association that offers trainings, certification programs, and resources for natural and cultural interpreters. With UW-Stevens Point’s focus on sustainability and its renowned interpretation program in the College of Natural Resources, the campus was a perfect site for this year’s regional conference.
The workshop, titled “Sustainability On Point,” took a year of planning from staff at Schmeeckle Reserve and in the College of Natural Resources. Attendees toured the campus and learned about its sustainability, attended presentations about topics such as composting and teaching climate change, and had opportunities to explore Central Wisconsin’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Jim Buchholz, Director of Schmeeckle Reserve and alum of UW-Stevens Point, was the leading voice in bringing the conference to the campus. To his surprise, he also received the “Master Interpretive Manager” award during the awards ceremony on Friday, March 22nd.
This award is given to individuals who have worked at least five years in the field of interpretation and whose duties are at least 60% supervisory and administrative.
Buchholz grew up in the state park system of Wisconsin. His father worked for the Department of Natural Resources and the family moved from park to park. When Buchholz was in third grade, they moved to Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan. Their house, located in the park, was a quarter-mile away from the sand-dune spotted beach; this is where Buchholz fell in love with interpretation.
“I was one of the lucky ones who knew from an early age what I wanted to do when I grew up,” said Buchholz.
With the help of his parents, young Buchholz cleaned out a storage shed in their backyard that would become his own nature center. He displayed his rock collection, feathers, skulls, and anything else he found in the park. In fifth grade, Buchholz led his first hike in the park, which was exclusive to children.
Buchholz was interested in attending UW-Stevens Point because of its College of Natural Resources. When he enrolled, he soon discovered the environmental education and interpretation program the College offers. This was perfect for Buchholz, who aspired to become a naturalist.
Buchholz received his undergraduate in environmental education and interpretation in 2000 and worked as a graduate assistant for Schmeeckle Reserve as he worked towards his Masters in Science. He accepted the position of Assistant Director in 2002. When previous Director of Schmeeckle, Ron Zimmerman, retired in 2015, Buchholz applied for the position and was accepted.
“Schmeeckle has been a big part of my life ever since I started going to college here,” said Buchholz.
As an undergraduate, Buchholz explored the trails and watched wildlife whenever he needed a break from academics. When he worked as the graduate assistant, Buchholz learned more about the Reserve and what it meant to other students, which strengthened his love for Schmeeckle even more.
“My dream was always to be able to manage a nature center of my own…[Schmeeckle] allows me not only to manage a nature center in a natural area with programs, but also teach the environmental education and interpretation program as well,” said Buchholz.
With only 2-full time employees, Schmeeckle is largely operated by students. Students work in the office, groom trails, remove invasive species, and interact with the public by presenting interpretive programs. “To be a good interpretive manager, it requires a lot of other people to make a difference,” said Buchholz.
To Buchholz, his award isn’t just for him, it’s for the entire team at Schmeeckle Reserve, as well as the environmental education and interpretation team.
Schmeeckle Reserve serves as a research station, area for recreation, and a tool for education. “It’s such a unique place on campus…and I think it’s one of the things that makes this university attractive to students,” said Buchholz.
In the coming years, Buccholz will continue integrating Schmeeckle within the university and Stevens Point community, with multiple projects already in the works to enhance the Reserve’s mission.
“I would like Schmeeckle to serve as a regional nature center for learning about natural resources, conservation, and sustainability,” said Buchholz.
