Ever since (a quarter century ago), we acquired a weed-filled abandoned orchard, Crossroads at Big Creek has been involved in restoration. Admittedly, we have made mistakes along the way, but we have endeavored to responded to emerging science and this year, we are evaluating our recent efforts. 

As a part of our mission to inspire environmental stewardship, we are committed to showcasing and sharing what we have learned and resources we have come across.  So this summer we are offering a “Resources for Landowners” lecture series.

On Thursday July 26, at 5:30 pm, Amy Schaeffer of Pheasants Forever will describe how, in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Wisconsin DNR, biologists from Pheasants Forever are helping implement wildlife habitat conservation on private lands with information and sometimes with financial assistance. This lecture will be of special interest to people who want to restore fallow fields or abandoned orchards, agricultural fields or recent clear cuts.

Understand that left unmanaged, fields are almost always temporary and that if fields are left un-mowed, trees and shrubs will take over. Within twenty-five or thirty years, a fallow field will become a young forest. At one time, this natural succession was desirable, but in this age of invasive species, the result will rarely provide quality wildlife habitat.

We at Crossroads have made a deliberate decision to maintain some field and shrubland habitats. In some cases, we must.  Where electric transmission lines cross our property, we are required to keep our vegetation far below the wires. But we also value this increasingly rare habitat for grassland birds and other wildlife. 

At the time of Europeans first settled the Door Peninsula, forests covered most of the land, but during the Lumber Era, these woodlands were decimated, and many settlers established farms. While some areas of Door County still support agriculture, many places could not be successfully cultivated, and farms were abandoned. 

Upland birds such as sparrows, American woodcocks, golden-winged warblers, eastern towhees, brown thrashers, and pheasants have thrived in areas of  brushy cover for more than a century, but in recent times, their habitat has decreased due to development or forest succession.

 We care about the habitat and wildlife diversity on our three properties, so we now try to maintain or enhance it.  We know that many landowners and land managers share our commitment… and it is indeed a commitment, being both labor intensive and expensive.

Our speaker will address the ways and means landowners can achieve the goal of developing wildlife habitat, and anyone interested in wildlife will learn from this free presentation. 

Crossroads also offers Summer Nature Programs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. All are welcome and reservations are not needed. For more information please check out our Crossroads calendar or stop by the Collins Learning Center and pick up a printed calendar.

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and land restoration, and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support. 

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Upcoming Activities

Monday, July 22

10:00 – 11:00 am Summer Nature Programs – Glaciers

Join our summer naturalist for free family-oriented activity. Learn the secrets of insects as they transform from egg to adult. Hand lens and collecting nets will be provided.

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Tuesday, July 23

10:00 – 11:00 am Summer Nature Programs – Fantastic Flyers

Join our summer naturalist for free family-oriented activity. Experience the mysteries of migration in our fields and woodlands. 

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Wednesday, July 24

10:00 – 11:00 am Summer Nature Programs – Great Lakes Fish

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Suitable for all ages. Discover how hard-shelled creatures from an ancient sea became the fossils we find at Crossroads.

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Thursday, July 25

5:30 – 7 pm Crossroads Landowner Series: Pheasants Forever

Amy Schaefer will speak on Pheasants Forever, describing the programs and the resources they offer landowners and how they connect Door County landowners with the tools and resources available in the county for restoring and managing the natural resources found on their land. 

As always, our trails are open all day every day, free of charge. Check the Crossroads website calendar for upcoming events and details.

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