Last week, Crossroads at Big Creek did not our regular family program, Science Saturdays, because on Saturday, September 7 from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. we held our fall fundraiser, “Trails and Ales.” (For information and to purchase tickets, visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/trails-ales.) But that doesn’t mean we will not provide science-based learning experiences. We ARE Crossroads, after all.

The designated Ale Trail is a mere one-third mile long but at intervals along the trail, participants will visit beer sampling stations representing all eight Door County breweries. As a bonus, the designated Ale Trail passes through a variety of habitats during the peak of the fall wildflower season and when autumn leaves are just beginning to show their colors. Consequently, the event is, in a very real way, a nature hike.

Obviously, brewing is an art, but also, it is a science and the Green Bay Rackers, a group of home-brew enthusiasts, will be on hand to explain the science of the eight-step process, from selecting the appropriate ingredients to fermentation and conditioning. Their presentations will be enlightening for sure.

Now that schools are back in session, Crossroads will be offering after-school programs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. While the activities  are intended for elementary students, we welcome families and learners of all ages to participate.

The Monday, September 9 class will visit Big Creek to look for the creatures that hide under the rocks. And many creatures do “go below”, especially during dry summers like this one,  because the water in the creek is currently a mere trickle. But the creek bottom sediments remain moist even in very dry years, so the micro-habitats under the rocks are  teeming with a fascinating variety of life. 

The Wednesday, September 11 program will feature insect mouth parts which are adapted to the specific food sources of each species. Using common household items including a straw, a baby spoon, a syringe, a pair a plyers and  a sponge, the group will learn about the feeding habits of local insects, and weather-permitting, go outside and catch (and release) a few. 

And don’t forget Wednesday Wanderings offered each week at 1:30 p.m. These naturalist-led hikes to destinations in the Big Creek Preserve will introduce environmental concepts, provide stress reducing exercise, and for Master Naturalist and Master Gardeners, qualify for education hours. Reservations are not required and the educational programs are open to the public, free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors.

– by Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist

For more information please check out our Crossroads calendar or stop by the Collins Learning Center and pick up a printed calendar. Our trails are open all day every day, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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, September 2

Labor Day Holiday

The Nature Center will be closed for the holiday. Trails and restroom access at the Collins Learning Center are open all day, every day at no charge thanks to our donors.s.

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Wednesday, September 4

1:00 – 2:00 pm Wandering Wednesdays – Creek Trail

Join a naturalist-led hike along creek trail to enjoy the fall wetland flowers in the flood plain near the Hanson Bridge. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.

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Wednesday, September 4

3:30 – 4:30 pm Nature Explorations – Door County Fish

This after-school program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about the adaptations that enable fish to survive in the waters around the Door Peninsula. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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Thursday, September 5

5:30 pm Resources for Landowners Series – Intro to Local Non-profits, their Project Goals & Tools

Crossroads is hosting a Resources for Landowners lecture series, a speaker series aimed at connecting Door County landowners with the tools and resources available in the county for restoring and managing the natural resources found on their land. This series will highlight and introduce several programs, partners, and organizations landowners can use to support their own restoration efforts.

Representatives from The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Land Trust, and Crossroads at Big Creek all speak on organizational goals and their conservation work.

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Friday, September 6

1:00 – 2:00 pm Friday Afternoons with Bertha – Hanson House Tour

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 (across from The Cove Estuary).

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Saturday, September 7

12:00 – 3:30 pm Trails & Ales

Stroll the trails and enjoy beer from the finest brewmasters in Door County. The Ale Trail is approximately one-third mile long and includes beer sampling stations from all eight Door County breweries. Food truck, raffles, and live music! Tickets