- Trails are open 24/7 at no charge. Enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh themed TRAIL TALES Storybook Walk.
What’s Happening: Crossroads Offers Refuge
Many of us look forward to the holidays but at times, the clanging bells, blaring (and repetitive) holiday music, flashing lights and crowds can be almost overwhelming… so much that many of us long for a refuge from the frenetic celebrations. So, we invite the community to make Crossroads that refuge and we will focus on the calming wonder of nature this December.
A perfect way to benefit from being out in nature this time of year is to participate in the Luminary-lit Hike on Friday, December 6 from 5:00-6:30 [assuming “all is calm; all is bright” watch our website for cancelations if weather conditions are questionable]. Flickering candles and light from the waxing crescent moon will gentle illuminate the evergreens along the trail and the only music will be the wind in the trees and perhaps the call of an owl or the laughter of children.
That afternoon, we also will Deck the Halls with boughs—not ‘of holly,” but rather branches of the non-native evergreens growing at Crossroads. The names: Norway Spruce, Scot’s Pine, and Colorado blue spruce indicate that these are species are not native to the Great Lakes region, and we now know that though they thrive here, these species provide very little benefit to our native wildlife. So, between 1:00-4:00 that day, volunteers will be culling the young non-natives and using the greens for decorating the Collins Learning Center.
In the past, the Friends of Crossroads have gathered to assemble, decorate and light large artificial trees which, over the years, have been donated. Recycle. Reuse… that’s a good thing, isn’t it?
The choice between using artificial trees or instead, to deck the halls with boughs and other natural items is largely symbolic. As far as impact to the environment, it is negligible. We aren’t transporting fresh-cut trees from distant locations nor are we buying plastic decorations imported from China.
But there one tiny environmental impact we will be avoiding. It is tiny. Or we should say “they are tiny” and that is the problem. The recycled decorations stored in the crawl spaces are covered with glitter. And glitter, quite frankly, is a pollutant.
Glitter particles are microplastics and probably never will degrade, so eventually they likely will end up in the lake. But meanwhile, glitter from years past still lingers in the building, in the carpets, in the ductwork, in our keyboards, and unfortunately, probably even in our lungs. And we do not want to exasperate this very real problem.
Our decorations this year will be all natural… red twigs, cones, conifer branches… and perhaps a few natural fiber ribbons, wooden ornaments, and previously used candles. And they will bring the calming wonder of the nature indoors as we continue to offer educational programs to the community throughout the holiday seasons.
Come to our preserve… to observe the wildlife here… and to preserve your mental health is what should be a joyous time of year.
– 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 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, December 4
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.
3:30 – 4:30 pm Environmental Exploration – Life in a Dead Log
Join us for this indoor / outdoor program and learn what creatures use dead logs and hollow trees in winter. (Dress for the weather.) This program is intended for elementary school students but is open to all ages.
Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
Friday, December 6
1:00 – 4:00 pm Deck the Halls
We will gather branches and other natural items to create a natural Christmas to put up holiday decor at the Collins Learning Center. Dress for the weather.
Treats will be served. Click here to volunteer.
5:00 – 6:30 pm Luminary Lit Hike
Take a walk on one of our trails in the enchanting glow of our luminaries. Then when you get back, warm up around a toasty campfire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of good people.
Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
Saturday, December 7
2:00 – 4:00 pm Science Saturday – Hexagons
Join this indoor program as we explore hexagons, in particular “hexagons in winter.” This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome.
Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
7:00 – 9:00 pm DPAS Astronomical Viewing Night
Starting at 7:00, planetarium shows are offered every half hour. Because seating is limited. Those waiting can tour the astronomy campus and observatory. At dark, around 9:00, DPAS members offer outdoor viewing and open the dome on the Leif Everson Observatory.
Free and open to the public. 2200 Utah Street, Sturgeon Bay.
Visit facebook.com/DoorPeninsulaAstronomicalSociety for updates and more details.
Monday, December 9
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Wild Ones: Watch Party – “Wasps”
Enjoy this pre-recorded webinar about Heather Holm’s new book, “WASPS,” featuring 150 species of wasps that occur in eastern North America.
Open to the public. Sponsored by Wild Ones – Door Peninsula Chapter
Tuesday, December 10
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. DPAS Monthly Meeting: “Goldilocks and the Three Planets”
Visitors are always welcome at the meeting of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS. This month, Board member Steve-Ransom Jones will present the lecture “Goldilocks and the Three Planets.” Once Upon a Time (about four and a half billion) years ago there were three planets, all neighbors, with almost identical atmospheres. One became too hot and toxic, another too thin and dry, while the third became ‘just right’ to support life. What drives climate and how did we end up with atmospheres that were so different? Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, 2200 Utah, Sturgeon Bay.
