Student members of The Wildlife Society (TWS) organization at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point actively participate in wildlife conferences and successfully manage 22 student-led projects, including hands-on research on a multitude of animal species from bats to woodpeckers and upkeep of the nearby Buena Vista Wildlife Area.
The organization has also made strides in conservation education by teaching local fourth graders about Wisconsin’s animal adaptations and history, all while providing valuable experiences to their members.
For these and many other reasons, the group has been named the 2023 Student Chapter of the Year by The Wildlife Society national organization.
This accolade places the UW-Stevens Point chapter in a league of its own, as it has surpassed the number of awards received by institutions like Texas A&M and Colorado State University. The formal presentation of this year’s award will occur at the annual TWS conference in Louisville, Ky., from Nov. 5-9.
Established in 1971, this student chapter has consistently thrived. With an average membership of 170, it’s the largest student organization on campus. TWS has effectively managed 20 diverse research projects, expertly overseen by co-leaders who handle fieldwork, volunteer coordination, budgets and research dissemination. These projects offer valuable experience in trapping and tracking various species, benefiting undergraduates.
Students in the Flying Squirrel Project recently trapped and tagged a southern flying squirrel. The project runs at Schmeeckle Reserve from mid-September through early October.
“What sets this student chapter apart is that it truly operates as a student-driven entity,” said Jason Riddle, faculty adviser and a Gerald and Helen Stephens Professor of Wildlife. “They manage their meetings, set goals, handle budgets and take great pride in their organization’s reputation and success.”
TWS chapter president Alayna Reynolds, a senior wildlife ecology and management major with a biology minor, said she would not be where she is today without being involved in the group.
“I was always told that I would find my passion here at Stevens Point, which I never fully believed until I joined the Wildlife Society,” she said. “Participating in the research projects that we provide is an experience that only enhances the skills we learn in our classes. It has only made me more confident as a future wildlife professional. Becoming a leader of this amazing student chapter has left me feeling fulfilled because I love being a part of the process that helps create so many opportunities for students starting out their professional careers. After graduation, I hope to continue being a leader within the wildlife field.”
In line with their mission, the student chapter actively seeks to:
- Promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and their supporting environment.
- Actively work to prevent human-induced environmental degradation.
- Raise awareness of wildlife issues within the university and throughout the community.
- Uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the field of natural resources.
TWS also benefits from strong alumni support, with former members readily sharing their field experiences at meetings. The student members, through their dedication and enthusiasm, continue to inspire the pursuit of new projects and events.
“UW-Stevens Point’s Wildlife Society student chapter’s recognition is well-deserved,” said College of Natural Resource Dean Brian Sloss. “Their dedication, combined with strong faculty support and consistent traditions, sets a shining example for other student chapters in the wildlife and natural resources field.”