Science & Outdoors
Field experience equips
students with basic knowledge of all CNR majors
The Pointer
jlutz715@uwsp.edu
When asked what makes University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Natural Resource students different from the rest, one answer usually comes to mind: their six-week summer camp.
To operate this camp the UWSP College of Natural Resources takes over the 960 acres of Treehaven.
The CNR camp is a six-week hands-on program required for almost every natural resource major. During the six weeks students take courses not only in their field of study, but in other areas of natural resource. For example, a soil major would learn about water. They all learn the basic techniques of all majors besides their own.
The CNR camp originated long before Treehaven and had various different locations. But in 1980, the Vallier family was looking to donate their land for conservation and academic purposes. The land was then donated by the family to UWSP as the permanent location for the summer camp.
Although Treehaven is taken over by UWSP for 12 weeks out of the year, they are also the location of many other camps and meetings, as well as other UWSP organizations. The site is host to a range of age groups from fourth graders to senior citizens who enjoy the many activities and events put on at Treehaven.
Corky McReynolds, Treehaven’s director, stated, “A very popular event is ‘Becoming an Outdoors Woman.’ This camp usually has about 60 women participate where they are taught skills such as shooting, camping and chainsaw safety.”
Besides the great academic classes they have to offer, the UWSP Natural Resources Department is set apart from the others with their hands-on camp. They make sure that after leaving the university students are equipped with not only the knowledge of their field, but a background in every area.
Additionally, plans are underway for a $1.5 million renovation of the camp. It is the hope of Treehaven staff that residence halls will be gutted out and remodeled into suite-style accommodations in time for the Spring 2010 session.
Unfortunately, the death of a student came as a shock during the second session of this year’s summer camp. Three nights into the camp, a group was relaxing and swimming at the county park when Daniel Zurawski disappeared. They found him in the lake, unfortunately too late to rescue him.
CNR Professor John Houghton stated, “It was a tragic accident. The students turned around and he was gone. No one heard struggle or a cry for help.”
The report shows that there was no sign of a contributing factor such as an existing medical condition and no alcohol was involved. Though Daniel’s death was an unexpected and tragic accident during this year’s session, and his family will continue to be in our thoughts, Treehaven remains a fundamental aspect of the UWSP experience with the best interest of its students in mind.
