- This is the peak of the "Aster Show" at Crossroads. Just how many shades of purple are there?
Looking Ahead: Buzzing With Anticipation
Again this summer, Crossroads will be a-buzz with activities on Saturday, August 19, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. when the Door County Beekeepers present their “Community Honey Harvest” at the Collins Learning Center and the Big Creek Preserve grounds.
The goal of this free, annual event is to introduce the community to the fascinating world of honeybees and their role in the environment.
A variety of educational stations will offer learning opportunities for all ages. A special observation hive will enable visitors to view (though a glass window) honeybees tending their brood. Tasting stations will offer samples of different honeys, pollen and wax combs plus a chance to taste honey lemonade and mead.
Demonstrations For All Ages
Folks who love honey will not want to miss the special Honey Extraction Demonstrations that will take place from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Honey extraction is the process of removing honey from a hive. The Crossroads’ apiary boasts a conventional Langstroth hive and a Flow-hive about a four or five-minute walk from the Learning Center. Protective bee suits and veils will be provided. Participants will receive free honey bear samples while supplies last.
Demonstrations of traditional extraction methods will be offered inside the Learning Center, away from the bees. Members of the Beekeepers Club will help visitors make beeswax wraps and roll wax candles. Demonstrations of dipping hot wax candles will be offered inside in the lab.
At the children’s tents, kids can pet a drone (male) bee, explore beekeeper equipment, and participate in learning games.
A Honeybee Raffle will boast a variety of items, including local honey. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Youth Scholarship Program.
This event is made possible with support from Crossroads at Big Creek, the Door County Master Gardeners Association, Wild Ones of the Door Peninsula, and the Door County Seed Library.
A Tour Through History
Additionally, this weekend, free tours of the historic Hanson House (2200 Utah Street) will begin between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And because next week will be the Saturday closest to the new moon, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society has scheduled a Viewing Night, starting at dusk, which in August is around 8:30 p.m.
Family programs abound this week, and of course, our trails are open all day every day, free of charge. Check the Crossroads website calendar for details.
Upcoming Activities
Thursday, August 10
8:30 a.m. Pollinator Pals
If you like to garden and are interested in giving our native pollinators a helping hand, Crossroads at Big Creek could use your help! Volunteers are “editing” unwanted plants which will be replaced by native species. We provide the equipment. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
6:30 p.m. Summer Explorers
Break out the bug nets and the boots! Come along with a Crossroads naturalist to explore the fascinating life living on the preserve. The whole family is welcome. Wear clothes that can get wet. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
Friday, August 11
10:00 a.m. Friday Make-and-Take at Crossroads
Join a Crossroads naturalist to explore nature through artistic and creative activities. Each week, families will get to make and take home a nature-inspired craft. This week we welcome special guest, Nancy Hawkins, a local puppeteer who will be sharing the tale of “The Fisherman & His Wife.
8:30 p.m. DPAS Meteor Shower Party
Pack your blankets or lawn chairs, a picnic basket or cooler full of snacks and beverages, and the whole family or group of friends, and join the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society in watching a meteor shower… more or less like watching fireworks, but far less predictable.
Saturday, August 12
9:00 a.m. Habitat Healers
Help heal the earth! Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with our land restoration efforts. Wear clothing and footgear that can get dirty and wet and bring a water bottle. Instruction, equipment, and gloves are provided along with cookies and lemonade at the end! No need to register in advance and all ages are welcome. Meet at the Workshop.
8:30 p.m. DPAS Meteor Shower Party: Night Two
Pack your blankets or lawn chairs, a picnic basket or cooler full of snacks and beverages, and the whole family or group of friends, and join the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society in watching a meteor shower… more or less like watching fireworks, but far less predictable.
Tuesday, August 15
10:00 a.m. Nature in the Garden
Join our naturalist in exploring nature in our own Heritage Garden. Participants will enjoy hummingbirds, butterflies, honeybees and house wrens while learning about the natural and cultural history of herbs and flowers. Meet at the Heritage Garden Gate in the Heritage Village
Wednesday, August 16
10:00 a.m. Planet Walk
Learners of all ages are welcome to hike the “Planet Walk,” a scale model (1:10 billion) of our own Solar System. Learn how long it takes each planet to orbit the Sun. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center
Thursday, August 17
8:30 a.m. Pollinator Pals
If you like to garden and are interested in giving our native pollinators a helping hand, Crossroads at Big Creek could use your help! Volunteers are “editing” unwanted plants which will be replaced by native species. We provide the equipment. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
6:30 p.m. Summer Explorers
Break out the bug nets and the boots! Come along with a Crossroads’ naturalist to explore the fascinating life living on the preserve. The whole family is welcome. Wear clothes that can get wet. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
Friday, August 18
10:00 a.m. Friday Make-and-Take at Crossroads
Join a Crossroads naturalist and explore nature through artistic and creative activities. Each week, families will get to make and take home a nature-inspired craft. This week we welcome special guest, Nancy Hawkins, a local puppeteer who will be reading “The Fearsome Beast.” Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
2:30 p.m. Tours of the Hanson House
Visit the pioneer home of Hans and Bertha Hanson and learn about life in the 1880s. Hands-on activities for kids. No reservations needed. Free and open to the public. The Hanson House is located at 2022 Utah St., across from the Cove Estuary, Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, August 19
9:00 a.m. Community Honey Harvest
The Door County Beekeepers Club will share the fascinating world of honeybees through hands-on activities and demonstrations for all ages, expanding people’s understanding of honeybees and their role in our environment. Demonstrations, crafts, tours of the Crossroads Apiary, children’s tent, raffle. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
9:00 a.m. Habitat Healers
The Door County Beekeepers Club will share the fascinating world of honeybees through hands-on activities and demonstrations for all ages, expanding people’s understanding of honeybees and their role in our environment. Demonstrations, crafts, tours of the Crossroads Apiary, children’s tent, raffle. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
2:30 p.m. Tours of the Hanson House
Visit the pioneer home of Hans and Bertha Hanson and learn about life in the 1880s. Hands-on activities for kids. No reservations needed. Free and open to the public. The Hanson House is located at 2022 Utah St., across from the Cove Estuary, Sturgeon Bay.
8:30 p.m. DPAS Viewing Night
Join the members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society as they explore the night sky through “naked-eye” viewing and modern telescopes. If skies are overcast, planetarium shows will be presented in the Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Free and open to the public. 2200 Utah St., Sturgeon Bay.
Sunday, August 20
2:30 p.m. Tours of the Hanson House
Visit the pioneer home of Hans and Bertha Hanson and learn about life in the 1880s. Hands-on activities for kids. No reservations needed. Free and open to the public. The Hanson House is located at 2022 Utah St., across from the Cove Estuary, Sturgeon Bay.
