- This is the peak of the "Aster Show" at Crossroads. Just how many shades of purple are there?
Crossroads Seeks New Executive Director; Hauser to Lead Development Efforts
Crossroads at Big Creek is pleased to announce that Executive Director Laurel Hauser will soon transition into the role of development director as the nonprofit environmental organization continues to fulfill its strategic goals. The Board of Directors of Crossroads at Big Creek will be working to hire a new executive director in the coming months.
“We’re proud of what Crossroads has accomplished under Laurel’s direction and we’re thrilled that she will remain a key part of the leadership team,” said Board President Jim Stawicki. “We’ve been working together methodically to strengthen our organization, and when we look at pressing needs, this is a win-win plan.”
Recent Accomplishments
Hauser joined the organization in 2019 and became executive director in 2020. Under her tenure, Crossroads at Big Creek created new trail systems at the Big Creek and Ida Bay preserves, installed three new pedestrian bridges, adopted and began implementation of an Ecological Restoration Plan, launched a new website, and more than doubled the size of its staff.
The organization has also increased its programming and volunteer engagement. Behind the scenes work has included facilities and strategic planning for future growth. At a broader level, Crossroads has been recommended for inclusion as a natural area of the new Green Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
“I love Crossroads mission and the people involved, and I’m very excited about opportunities that lie ahead,” said Hauser. “Because of where I am at personally in terms of my career and because of my past experiences, I believe the most impactful role I can play right now is in Crossroads’ development program. Our Board has a vision to improve Crossroads for the community and to be a role model for habitat restoration education. I look forward to helping secure the resources we’ll need to accomplish that vision.”
Future Plans
Crossroads at Big Creek has been working extensively with The Kubala Washatko Architects, the firm that designed Write On Door County’s new facility, the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee and the Schlitz Audubon Center in Mequon. The board and staff of Crossroads recently toured the Schlitz Audubon Center.
“We are nearing a point when we will be prioritizing and asking for community input on our goals and future facility needs,” said Stawicki. “This is an invigorating time to be part of Crossroads. We have a strong organization with a talented staff. There is much to attract a new executive director. The right person who cares about the environment can add their talents and experience to further crafting an already inspiring vision.”
More information on the executive director position is available on our employment page. Letters of interest and resumes should be directed to brian@crossroadsatbigcreek.org.
I am about to purchase a cabin on 4 wooded acres in door county, very close to a land trust. I would love to seed it with woodland flowering plants to foster the beauty and sustainability of the Woodlot. Please contact me at matthew.norem@gmail.com on where to get seed, and your recommendations on how to proceed.
Crossroads uses Taylor Creek Nursery in the Madison area or Prairie Moon Nursery out of Minnesota for native seed selections. These nurseries can provide you with good recommendations for natives species selection in your area. If you’d like to dig more into species selection yourself, we also recommend reaching out to the University of Wisconsin Extension office. They have ample resources for helping research the best species suited to your property. Best of luck on the project!