- Trails are open 24/7 at no charge. Enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh themed TRAIL TALES Storybook Walk.
What’s Happening: Nature Below the Surface
Lately at Crossroads, we have been looking up at stunning fall foliage, at a comet, at northern lights, and at migrating birds. So, this week, we turn our attention to the fascinating world of nature below the surface. We will explore fossil corals, soils, and smallmouth bass.
Yes, smallmouth bass do belong in that list. Thanks to our Fish Tales Lecture Series, we at Crossroads have been introduced to recent research on smallmouth bass and one thing that has impressed us is that the underwater topography plays a vital role in the reproductive behavior of these fish.
So, we are excited to be hosting a Public Meeting on Smallmouth Bass Management in Green Bay and Northern Lake Michigan on Wednesday, October 6, at 6:00 p.m. DNR staff will present the latest smallmouth bass survey and research data and gather feedback on a proposed regulation change to expand the catch and release season. Attendees are encouraged to share ideas, experiences, and input on smallmouth bass management for Green Bay and northern Lake Michigan. This program is free and open to the public.
Earlier that day, our after-school program, Environmental Exploration, will focus on a time, millions of years ago, when the peninsula was covered by a shallow tropical sea teeming with ancient creatures including corals. With indoor, and hopefully outdoor activities (weather permitting) we will examine some of the coral species that make up a good share of our bedrock. The program is geared for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome.
Our Saturday Science program topic will be “Diggin’ into Soil.” Notice that we did not say dirt. We at Crossroads have long known that healthy soil is far more than just dirt, but a few weeks ago as a part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, soil scientist Jaimie Patton presented a fascinating program describing how fungi and soil organisms are, in large part, responsible for soil fertility. Scientists speculate the 25% of our planet’s species live underground. We will barely scratch the surface.
On Monday, Crossroads will screen another Wild Ones webinar featuring one of our favorite presenters, Doug Tallamy. This pre-recorded presentation is a synopsis of his book “The Nature of Oaks.” We screened this online seminar last winter. Folks have requested a repeat.
Finally, know that we have a “kids activity center” for drop-in visitors during open hours. Bring the little ones for a session of interactive nature play.
The Collins Learning Center is open Monday-Friday 9:30-3:30 and on Saturdays 1:00-4:00. Trails and restrooms are open all day, every day.
– 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 donors like you!
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
Wednesday, November 6
1:30 – 2:30 pm Wandering Wednesdays – Naturalist Led Hike
Join a naturalist a gentle, but fragrant hike through the late autumn forest. Easy walking. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Enviornmental Exploration – Fossil Corals
This program is intended for elementary school students but is open to all ages. Indoor / outdoor program exploring the coral animals that, now fossilized, can be found in Door County. (Dress for the weather.)
Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. DNR: Small Mouth Bass Public Meeting
More details coming soon.
DNR staff will present the latest smallmouth bass survey and research data and gather feedback on a proposed regulation change to expand the catch and release season. Attendees are encouraged to share ideas, experiences, and input on smallmouth bass management for Green Bay and northern Lake Michigan.
Open to the public. Sponsored by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Saturday, November 9
2:00 – 4:00 pm Science Saturday – Diggin’ into Soil
Join this indoor / outdoor program and learn about the layers of soil found in Door County. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Dress for the weather.
Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
Monday, November 11
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Webinar – “The Nature of Oaks” featuring Douglas Tallamy
Wild Ones – Door Peninsula presents this pre-recorded webinar featuring renowned entomologist, environmentalist, and best-selling author Doug Tallamy to discuss why “keystone” species are crucial to any ecosystem and why oak trees spectacularly fill that niche in so many places.
Join us for a free webinar screening at Crossroads’ auditorium.Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
