TRAIL NEWS:
  • Trails are open 24/7 at no charge and are in good condition. "Curious About Fossils" by Kate Waters is this week's Trail Tales storybook.
our-people

ABOUTOUR PEOPLE

Crossroads at Big Creek inspires environmental stewardship thanks to the passion, dedication, leadership and wisdom of our professional staff and board of directors.

In addition to board and staff, Crossroads benefits greatly from our volunteers who do everything from planting trees to grooming ski trails to leading hikes and greeting guests.

Become a Crossroads volunteer
Sam Koyen

Executive Director Samantha (Sam) Koyen (she/her)

Sam Koyen joined Crossroads at Big Creek as Executive Director in October of 2023. Sam has a B.S. in Biology and Environmental and a M.S. in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Natural Resource Conservation. Sam spent 4 years working for the County of Door as the coordinator for the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST).

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Executive Director Samantha (Sam) Koyen (she/her)

Sam Koyen joined Crossroads at Big Creek as Executive Director in October of 2023. Sam has a B.S. in Biology and Environmental and a M.S. in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Natural Resource Conservation. Sam spent 4 years working for the County of Door as the coordinator for the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST), getting to collaborate closely with Door County’s non-profit partners, homeowners, and agencies. Prior to working in Door County, Sam worked in the private sector as an ecologist. Sam’s dedication to the Door County community and focus on sustainable environmental stewardship brought her to Crossroads. She and her husband, Jesse, are proud parents of an adventurous toddler, and spend many hours exploring Door County’s many natural areas.
Nick-Lutzke

Land and Facilities Manager Nick Lutzke (he/him)

Nick Lutzke joined Crossroads at Big Creek as the Land and Facilities Manager in May of 2019. Nick is originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin. He received his bachelor of science degree from UW-Stout and spent some time working in the industrial manufacturing world. A lifelong passion for nature, land stewardship and ecological restoration brought him to Crossroads.

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Land and Facilities Manager Nick Lutzke (he/him)

Nick Lutzke joined Crossroads at Big Creek as the Land and Facilities Manager in May of 2019. Nick is originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin. He received his bachelor of science degree from UW-Stout and spent some time working in the industrial manufacturing world. A lifelong passion for nature, land stewardship and ecological restoration brought him to Crossroads. Nick enjoys tending his vegetable gardens and traveling and camping as much as possible with his wife, Krista, and son, Owen.

Nick’s responsibilities at Crossroads include facilities maintenance and repair along with the management of Crossroads nature preserves and restoration efforts.

Lynn Michelsen

Business Manager Lynn Michelsen (she/her)

Lynn Michelsen joined Crossroads as part-time office administrator in April of 2021, bringing with her a passion for the outdoors and over 25 years of office experience. Lynn’s responsibilities include business development, marketing, volunteer coordination, bookkeeping, and event planning.

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Office Administrator Lynn Michelsen (she/her)

Lynn Michelsen joined Crossroads as part-time office administrator in April of 2021, bringing with her a passion for the outdoors and over 25 years of office experience. Lynn’s responsibilities include marketing, volunteer coordination and assisting with events. Lynn enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, both downhill and cross-country, camping, boating, kayaking Door County’s waterways, and learning more and more about this nature-filled environment.

Naturalist Jess Poppie

Naturalist Jess Poppie (she/her)

Jess brings a wealth of experience in education and outdoor leadership, having worked in schools, therapeutic settings, and wilderness programs, as well as serving as an educator at Whitefish Dunes State Park. She has a passion for building community, sharing meaningful values, and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

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Naturalist Jess Poppie (she/her)

When she's not working, Jess enjoys hiking and paddle boarding with her dog, Oscar, or curling up with a good book. As a member of the local community, she is excited to help create opportunities for people and nature to grow and thrive together.

Lana-Billeaud

Lana Billeaud

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Lana Billeaud (she/her)

After a thirty-five-year career, Lana has retired to live in Sturgeon Bay as a year-round resident. She holds a BS degree in Engineering from University of Louisiana and an MBA from the University of Houston. Lana worked as an engineer on many projects in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. After discovering Crossroads at Big Creek, she said, "I was impressed at the work of this organization dedicated to inspiring and educating the public about nature and science. I was motivated to support this organization in whatever means available to keep this mission thriving and the activities and programs free for all." She currently serves as an officer on the Crossroads at Big Creek Board and also serves as a board member for the 100+ Women Who Care Organization.

Bob Desotelle

Robert (Bob) Desotelle

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Robert (Bob) Desotelle (he/him)

Robert (Bob) Desotelle has a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in social work from UW-Milwaukee. He served as the director of Teen Work Project, a neighborhood house, executive director of Highland Community School, a parent-run Montessori school, and director of the Children’s Outing Association, all in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He owned the Appletree Pet Lodge in Sturgeon Bay and coached high school soccer. He has been a neighbor of Crossroads for 30 years. Bob volunteered and served as president of the following organizations: ACHOICE (Milwaukee Fund Raising Federation), Help of Door County, and the Door County Child Care Center. He is an on-going supporter of soccer in Door County. A lifelong sportsman, outdoor enthusiast and family man, he is dedicated to the mission of Crossroads, including preserving genuine wild spaces for future generations, educating our children and leaving the earth a better space for the future. Bob chairs Crossroads’ finance committee and serves on the facilities planning and executive committees.

Elliott_Colleen

Colleen Elliott

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Colleen Elliott (she/her)

Colleen Elliott holds a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and continued her studies in public relations at Michigan State University. She worked for the Michigan Hospital Association as director of member services and education and wrote for and edited their magazine. After moving to Door County, she spent 23 years as an administrative assistant with Sturgeon Bay's elementary schools.

Colleen enjoys spending time outside hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, sailing and gardening. When not outside she can be found cooking, playing her flute or reading a good book. She has been involved with Crossroads for more than 20 years. She serves on the nominating, personnel, facilities planning and executive committees.

Cindy Follick

Cindy Follick

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Cindy Follick

Cindy Follick received a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Southern California and worked in manufacturing for AT&T and in hospital strategic planning. While in California, she served for many years on the board of Camp Augusta, a nonprofit children’s camp, and the community 4th of July Committee. In 2014 she retired to Sturgeon Bay, making her a 5th generation Door County resident. She enjoys walking, cooking, and various kinds of puzzles. Cindy is a member of P.E.O. and sits on the board of The 1923 Fund, a charitable foundation. She served on the Steering Committee for the Crossroads' Land Restoration School. She is gratified to have a role in preserving and restoring natural areas, and making them accessible to the public.

Brian-Forest

Brian Forest

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Brian Forest (he/him)

Brian Forest, a Door County native, has spent his life dedicated to the county’s natural resources. Brian graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in geological and earth sciences/geosciences and has spent the last couple of decades working with the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department and The Ridges Sanctuary. Brian has developed his lifestyle and career as an experienced land manager working to protect and restore Door County’s natural resources, as well as educating residents and visitors. Brian lives just outside of Sturgeon Bay and most of his time is spent keeping up with his home and with his kids, Gavin and Gillian. When he does find some free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, reading, playing the guitar and watching the Brewers or Packers. Brian serves on Crossroads’ land and facilities committee.

Bob-Gray

Bob Gray

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Bob Gray (he/him)

Bob Gray graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in communications. Following college, he served in the U.S. Air Force – one year as an English language instructor in Vietnam and three years with the Aerospace Audio Visual Service in California. He worked for over 30 years in radio announcing, copywriting, sales and management. In the late 1990s, he changed careers and became a realtor, a career he remains involved in today. He served 18 years on the Sturgeon Bay School Board with five years as president. Volunteer activities have included serving as vice-president of Door County Habitat for Humanity, secretary of Crossroads at Big Creek, member of the Sunshine House board, and president of the Sturgeon Bay Breakfast Rotary Club. He enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and dog, plus going on annual wilderness canoe trips to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Bob serves on Crossroads’ development, facilities planning and executive committees.

Tammie Grossman

Tammie Grossman

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Tammie Grossman (she/her)

Tammie Grossman received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law.  After coming annually to Door County for over 30 years, she recently retired to Door County after a 35+ year career working on community economic development issues at both the state and federal level. She has vast array of experience in fundraising and grants management including compliance. She served on several boards over the years. Tammie and her husband have three adult children and two grandchildren. Hiking Crossroads at Big Creek is one of her granddaughters’ favorite Door County activities. During her first year of retirement, Tammie took the Master Naturalist program and has been volunteering for the past two years at Crossroads, The Ridges and Door County Land Trust. She is on the leadership team of the League of Women Voters of Door county and is co-chair of the Natural Resources Committee. She is also a Board Member of Birch Creek Music Performance Center.

Tom-Krueger

Tom Krueger

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Tom Krueger (he/him)

Tom Krueger was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He has a B.A. in Economics from University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He practiced law in Chicago for 38 years, the last 34 with the Office of Regional Counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, focusing primarily on Superfund and hazardous waste enforcement and permitting. He also has experience as a mediator under the federal Shared Neutral Alternative Dispute and Resolution Program.

Erick-Schrier

Erick Schrier

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Erick Schrier (he/him)

Erick Schrier is a graduate of Upper Iowa University where he obtained a master in business administration with an emphasis in organizational development. Erick serves as the chief information officer for Door County Medical Center and enjoys being involved in the community. Erick states that his passion is to help people become the best version of themselves and he believes that some of the best ways to accomplish that is through personal health and education. Erick is a steering committee member of Crossroads’ Land Restoration School.

Trent Snyder

Trent Snyder

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Trent Snyder (he/him)

Trent Snyder is a Door County native with deep roots in the community. His family owned the beloved Yours and Mine gift shop in Fish Creek for over 25 years, helping shape his early appreciation for local business and community connection. After attending Gibraltar Elementary and later graduating from Pulaski High School, Trent earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota–Moorhead, where he was also a two‑sport Division II athlete in football and track and field. He later completed a Master’s Degree in Education from Hamline University.

Trent spent 13 years teaching in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, serving as a head track coach and assistant wrestling and football coach. After more than a decade in education, he transitioned into technology sales as a Sales Manager at Magenic Technologies, where he built and trained an inside sales team, supported Fortune 500 clients, and earned multiple awards including Salesman of the Year and President’s Club.

In 2018, Trent and his family returned home to Door County in search of a slower pace and a deeper community connection. Shortly after moving back, Trent partnered with Jason Estes of Sonny’s Pizzeria to help grow Bridge Up Brewing Company. Leveraging two decades of home‑brewing experience, Trent played a key role in launching the brewery, designing beers, building the brand, and creating the taproom environment. Today, he serves as Managing Partner of The Cherry Hut in Fish Creeka and as Head Brewer while managing daily operations, recipe development, kegging, equipment maintenance, social media, and community engagement.

Beyond the brewery, Trent is deeply invested in giving back. He serves on the boards of Destination Sturgeon Bay and Visit Fish Creek and is active in community initiatives ranging from holiday events to the Toys for Kids campaign—where he’s been known to don the Santa suit himself.

Trent, his wife Amanda, and their daughters Liliahna and Willa love calling Door County home. He is proud to be part of the community that shaped him and continues to build strong relationships throughout the county.

Katie-Maples

Katie Maples

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Katie Maples (she/her)

Katie Maples has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College, a teaching certificate from Lawrence University, and a masters in science education from UW-River Falls. Before moving back home to Sturgeon Bay and beginning her decade-long career as a science teacher at Sevastopol High School, Katie worked at Accenture as a computer programmer. She has been the business manager at Northern Sky Theater since 2021. Katie serves on Crossroads’ finance committee.

Lyn Ranta

Lyn Ranta

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Lyn Ranta (she/her)

Lyn Ranta graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine before completing her Pediatric residency training at the University of Minnesota. She practiced General Pediatrics in Milwaukee for 25 years and finished the last decade of her career as the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Children’s Wisconsin. At Children’s she focused on safety, quality improvement, utilization management, medical staff administration and advocacy. She also served on the Boards of Health for the Village of Hales Corners and the City of Milwaukee.

Lyn and her husband Bruce moved to Milwaukee 40 years ago, built a second residence in Sturgeon Bay almost 30 years ago and have been thrilled to call Door County “home” since she retired five years ago. She enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, yoga, traveling and finding a variety of ways to give back to her community. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, volunteers as an adult math tutor, serves on the Healthy Door County work group with United Way, and enjoys helping at Crossroads and with the Door County Land Trust. You will often find Bruce and Lyn on the trails at Crossroads with their Golden Retriever Chester!

Gretchen-Recupero-Schmelzer

Gretchen Recupero Schmelzer

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Gretchen Recupero Schmelzer (she/her)

Gretchen Recupero Schmelzer is passionate about Crossroads at Big Creek. The simple trail entrances, water access, and hands-on opportunities for learners and explorers of all ages genuinely inspire her to volunteer her time to bring people to this space. Gretchen has been an active board member for 13 years and has helped organize some of her favorite events, including Sunrise Earth Day, Crossroads Trail Run and Ski-For-Free. Gretchen is a mother of four, retired special education teacher of 33 years, dog mom, and active in outdoor activities, especially trail running, kayaking and backcountry camping. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Southern Connecticut University and a master’s in education with an environmental emphasis from Fairfield University.

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