Although days are getting (a bit) longer, we at Crossroads at Big Creek know that many people experience falling spirits and even seasonal depression enduring the dark days of winter. For the primitive people of Northern European, limited hours of daylight must have been terrifying…”all the leaves were brown, and the skies were grey.” We crave light!

Without the benefit of science, superstitious people of the far northern regions allegedly (this is, at best, speculation) hoped that if they created bonfires and carried lights, they might entice the Sun to return. And one can only imagine what people of the far north believed when they gazed in awe at the Aurora Borealis.

Our light-related programs this week will feature daytime student and adult outings, a bonfire and luminary-lit hike and a Saturday Science program featuring the “Auroras”.

Due to their increasing popularity, free Luminary-lit Hikes at Crossroads are scheduled monthly through the “dark” months, and because the sun sets so early in January, the family event will be held at a bedtime-friendly 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Participants  will see the trails of  Crossroads in the magical glow of candlelight and then gather for fellowship the flickering light campfire where Crossroads volunteers will provide cups of hot chocolate.    

The Saturday Science program “Auroras” at 2:00 on January 18, will be presented in collaboration with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society. Because strong solar storms are anticipated in 2025, we in Door County have a good chance of seeing aurora. This program, geared for elementary age children but open to learners of all ages, will combine videos, images and demonstrations, will provide information on when to look for the northern lights and help understand people understand what the ethereal lights in the sky.  

Several mood-elevating daylight hikes will be offered this week. The Learning Center will be closed on January 20, but the trails will be open. As soon as there is adequate snow to create a base, our Ski-for-Free program will enable visitors the benefits of outdoor exercise. Watch the ticker on our website for current ski conditions.

The Door County Beekeepers Club will host a special speaker at their January Meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30. Sue Dompke, owner of Sweet Mountain Apiary on Washington Island will present “Raising Russian Honeybees.” She will explain why Russian honeybees are ideally suited for Wisconsin and describe the life of a successful apiary from startup to established market. Beekeepers and interested community members are encouraged to attend. 

– 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. 

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Upcoming Activities

Tuesday, January 14

3:30 p.m. Environmental Exploration – Animal Tracks

This program will begin with a make-and-take print making activity, but if conditions are favorable, we will go outside to find and identify track. Geared for elementary students, learners of all ages are welcome. Meet in the lab at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you.

Wednesday, January 16

1:30 – 2:30 pm Wandering Wednesday – Naturalist-Led Hike

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.

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Friday, January 17

5:00 – 6:30 pm Luminary-lit Hike

Take a walk on one of our trails in the enchanting glow of 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.

Well-behaved dogs allowed on leashes. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!

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Saturday, January 18

2:00 pm Science Saturday – Auroras

With increased activity on our Sun, we will likely experience auroras over the next few months. Learn what creates “northern lights” and how to find out when to look. 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!

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Monday, January 20

Nature Center closed for the Holiday. Trails and bathroom access at the Collins Learning Center are open all day, every day at no charge.

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Tuesday, January 21

3:30 p.m. Environmental Exploration – “Hear, Hear”

Geared for elementary students but open to all ages, this after school program will explore the sense of hearing with games and demonstrations related to sound. Meet in the lab at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you.