This week, the Climate Change Coalition will bring Lee E. Frelich, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, to present the program “The Future of Boreal Forests.”

We have a remnant boreal forest at Crossroads, though we are not sure why. Maybe the extremely thin soil is moist because its drainage is blocked. Or maybe cool air settles in this protected micro-climate. But the grove is very small and getting smaller with every winter ice storm because the spire-shaped trees are broken and regeneration is not taking place. (Join us on for Wandering Wednesday this to enjoy this unique habitat.)

When we look at the 1835 Sylvester Sibley Land Survey of Wisconsin, it appears that conifer forests predominated at both the Big Creek and Ida Bay preserve. So… is our restoration goal to return the land to that condition? 

It is important to understand that when Europeans first explored the Great Lakes Region, the Earth was in a cool period, dubbed the Little Ice Age. During this difficult time between 1650 and 1850, although there were no global glacial advances, both Europe and North America experienced longer winters and cooler summers which resulted in crop failures, economic hardship and human mortality.

The climate then would have resembled what we now find in northern Canada, and at the time Europeans arrived on the peninsula, many of the mature trees were probably boreal species.

Clearly, we are not going back. We can’t. The climate has changed and will continue to change.

This past summer, Crossroads offered a series called Resources for Landowners. The first guest speaker was Mike Grimm who explained that the initial step in land restoration is to develop a vision. (By the way, his inspiring lecture and other videos of the series is available on YouTube – Crossroads at Big Creek.)

Our long-term vision is for Crossroads to evolve into a coherent landscape of healthy, diverse, and largely self-sustaining ecological communities, providing wildlife habitat for a variety of species. Ecological resilience is a priority in all our planning, and that includes using climate change modelling to help inform our efforts.

So, we are pleased to be hosting the Climate Change Coalition’s Fall Planet Potluck which begins at 5:00 p.m. with a shared meal. At 6:30, the program featuring the renowned forest ecologist Lee Frelich will focus on the “Future of Boreal Forests.”

In addition to our Monday and Wednesday after school programs and Saturday Science, we soon will offer the Junior Nature Club, a free, six-week series of classes aimed at connecting pre-school aged children and their families with nature. Through storytelling, games, activities, and outdoor play, the Junior Nature Club classes promote physical well-being, social engagement and curiosity in both children and their parents or guardians.

Junior Nature Club classes start on October 4, 2024, and will be offered every Friday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. through November 8. This is a family program so parents or guardians are expected to remain with the group throughout each class. Siblings and family members are welcome to participate. For more information and to register, click here.

– 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. 

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Upcoming Activities

Monday, September 16

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Nature Exploration – Insect Galls

This program is intended for elementary school students but is open to all ages. It will begin with a short lesson explaining insect galls followed, weather permitting, by an outdoor gall scavenger hike. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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Tuesday, September 17

6:30 – 7:30 pm Door County Beekeeper Club – Wintering Bees & Storing Equipment

The Door County Beekeepers Club holds their monthly meeting. The club promotes the study, science and craft of beekeeping through education, encouragement and community for all Door County beekeepers, and raises awareness to the benefits of bees for our environment, ecology and local economy.

At the monthly meeting of the Door County Beekeepers presenter: Peggy De Santo will present a program on wintering bees and storing equipment. The program will include a virtual presentation on “Hive Hugger” wraps.

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Wednesday, September 18

1:30 – 2:30 pm Wandering Wednesdays – North Wetlands and Aboretum

Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the spruce forest, over the North Bridge and around the Arboretum, observing the flowers that provide nectar for butterflies and bees. No preregistration required. About an hour. Easy walking. Open to the public; Free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

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3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Nature Explorations: Meet the Fawn

This program is intended for elementary school students, but is open to all ages. Weather permitting, this program will begin with a hike in search of deer beds and other “signs.” Then participants will explore the Crossroads Wisconsin Wildlife Exhibit to “meet the fawn.” Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors.

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Friday, September 20

1:00 – 2:00 pm Friday Afternoons with Bertha – Hanson House Tour

Delve into the past recalling of history by touring the Hans and Bertha Hanson House hearing stories of Big Creek and The Cove Estuary from a costumed interpreter. Meet at the Hanson House. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors. 2022 Utah Street (across from The Cove Estuary).

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5:00 – 8:30 pm Climate Change Coalition of Door Co’s – Fall Planet Potluck

Join the Climate Change Coalition of Door County’s Fall Planet Potluck on Friday, September 20 at the Collins Learning Center. Come together to share a meal, celebrate the changing seasons, and engage in a discussion on the Future of Boreal Forests with forest ecologist Lee Frelich.

5:00 pm arrival time to enjoy good company and food
6:30pm program begins

Registration not required.

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Saturday, September 21

2:00 – 4:00 pm Science Saturday – Camouflage

This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about the adaptations that enable birds and mammals to hide from predators. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.