TRAIL NEWS:
  • Trails are open 24/7 at no charge. Enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh themed TRAIL TALES Storybook Walk.

What’s Happening: Winging It

Spring gradually is arriving at Crossroads at Big Creek, bringing a subtle burst of color and the return of migrating birds. The community is invited to celebrate the season through a series of “high-performance” educational programs for all ages.

During the Winter Olympics, we were dazzled by the strength, coordination and stamina of elite athletes, yet their remarkable achievements are often surpassed by those of migrating birds.

On April 11 at 10:00 AM, the theme of Science Saturday will be “Bird Olympics.” This program explores the champions of the avian world, from the Arctic tern—which travels a staggering 25,000 to 59,000 miles annually—to the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird, which completes a 500-mile nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.

During the Bird Olympics, participants will take on interactive challenges to compare their own abilities to those of birds. Challenges include such things as testing arm-flap speed against avian motion, one leg balance and comparing human olfactory senses to those of a turkey vulture. In these competitions, we don’t expect any kid to win a gold medal!

In addition to the “podium,” the week’s schedule offers a diverse palette of nature-based learning. On Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 PM, Nature Investigators: Beyond ROY G BIV school-aged children and their families explore the mysteries of the visible light spectrum to discover how color influences everything from photosynthesis to how insects find flowers.

The week also includes gardening tips during a Master Gardener webinar on Monday, guided hikes, and preschool exploration on Wednesday.

With muted colors emerging, birds returning, and opportunities to connect with nature, spring is coming alive at Crossroads at Big Creek. Join us as we welcome the sights, sounds, and energy of the season—there’s no better time to reconnect with the natural world.

– 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. Programs are free and 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) non-profit NGO committed to inspiring stewardship of the environment through education, research, and outdoor experiences. We welcome your support. 


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