Crossroads at Big Creek will be a busy place this August with some regular programs, some new offerings, and some programs back by popular demand. And this week, all programs feature water in some way. 

Science Saturdays, our program for kids, families, and lifelong learners, will be a youth WaterFest! During the year-long Celebrate Water events sponsored by Healthy Water Door County several years ago, Crossroads hosted a huge fall event with a concert, films, speakers, exhibitors, and kids programs. This Saturday from 2:00-4:00 we will pull out the kids programs and, rain or shine, they will get wet by participating in indoor and outdoor activities… and each will receive one of the few remaining tee-shirts (Youth L only) from that “waterful” day.

On Fridays, in response to popular demand, we will offer “Afternoons with Bertha,” presented by a costumed interpreter who will share stories of pioneer life along the banks of Big Creek, at the Hanson House on Utah Street.

For the remainder of summer, we are reviving our free “Make and Take” program will be offered on Monday mornings at 10:00. This will, however, be more than a craft program. Each program will help kids learn about nature, and this week we will learn about Insect Mouth Parts. Each participant will take home a hand-made project.

Not exactly new, Crossroads will be offering regular weekly nature hikes called “Wandering Wednesdays” at 1:00 p.m. The inaugural “wander” will be a visit to the bridges at the north end of the Big Creek Preserve. The summer and wetland wildflowers should be lovely, and the pace and terrain will be gentle.

We will continue with the Summer Nature programs featuring water-related topics such as frogs, fossil hunting (best when rocks are wet!)  and wading into wetlands.

Finally, on Tuesday night, the Door County Beekeepers will hold their Summer Social. Max and Mark will facilitate a Q&A session. Discussions will likely focus on late summer hive management, honey harvesting, and preparing bee colonies for fall. The event is open to members, and anyone interested in beekeeping. Hah! Not about water?

Actually, water is essential for honeybees. Bees drink water, but in summer they also need – desperately need – water to regulate the temperature in their hives. If hives are too hot, the queen and her broods will suffer, and extreme heat will melt wax. Think sticky hot mess!

So, on warm days, some of the worker bees stop gathering nectar, but instead, visit a water source, slurp up the liquid, store it in their crops, and fly back to the entrance of the hive where other worker bees are waiting. These bees flap their wings vigorously to fan the water, creating air currents that cause the water to evaporate. As the water evaporates, it absorbs the heat from the air in the hive. Natural air conditioning!!

Stay cool this month and know that near the water and in the forest where transpiration is taking place, you will, thanks again to evaporation, be cooler.

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. 

---

Upcoming Activities

Monday, August 12

10:00 – 11:00 am Monday Make & Take – Model Fossil

This week, learners of all ages will enjoy learning how fossils were formed using edible demonstrations. Each participant will take home a model fossil. Suitable for all ages. Registration not required, but please let us know if participants have food restrictions. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.

---

Tuesday, August 13

10:00 – 11:00 am Summer Nature Programs – Insect Safari

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Participants will practice “sweeping” with an insect net using bubbles. Then, participants will visit the Pollinator Garden and upland meadows of Crossroads in this capture/release activity. Nets provided. Suitable for all ages. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

---

Wednesday, August 14

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

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Learn about the frogs that live at Crossroads through activities and wetland exploration. Suitable for all ages. Participants may get wet. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

---

Wednesday, August 14

1:00 – 2:00 pm Wandering Wednesdays – Bridges of Big Creek

Join the naturalist on this weekly guided hike through the trails of Crossroads. This week we will wander through the forests and over the bridges on the north end of the preserve. Easy walking. No reservations required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

---

Friday, August 16

1:00 – 2:00 pm Friday Afternoons with Bertha

Delve into the past recalling of history by touring the Hans and Bertha Hanson House hearing stories of  Big Creek and The Cove Estuary from a costumed interpreter. Meet at the Hanson House. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors. 2022 Utah Street, Sturgeon Bay.

---

Saturday, August 17

2:00 – 3:00 pm Science Saturdays – WaterFest!

Science Saturdays are back by popular demand! This week’s topic is WaterFEST! Participants will try a wide variety of hands-on activities pertaining to water. This fest is appropriate for K-5 students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Participating kids will receive a free t-shirt (size Youth L only). Registration not required. Open to the public and free, thanks to our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

---

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

---