There is always something to do at Crossroads Big Creek. Of course, the big question for many folks is “when will you start your Ski-for-Free program?” We will offer it as snow conditions are adequate AND we will post the conditions and open hours on the ticker running across the top of the Crossroads at Big Creek website www.crossroadsabigcreek.org As of right now, there is not enough snow on our trails for skiing.

But to understand what makes conditions adequate, it’s good to know a little about snow. Most people have seen images of snowflakes–beautiful six-pointed, lace-like ice crystals. One can see that very little of a snowflake is water molecules but rather, air.  And while most snowflakes do not complete their turbulent journey from the clouds in perfect form, they usually still have pointed edges so when they fall gently to the ground, if they land on any of their six points, a significant volume of air is trapped between individual flakes.

So, what is a significant volume? Fresh, fluffy snow can be 90-95% trapped air. While this trapped air increases snow’s insulating qualities, it means if we “roll the trails” to flatten them, the air is forced out. Consequently, there is very little snow depth in which to set tracks. And while there are variables: moisture content of snow… temperature…. [grooming is an art!] it usually takes at least six or seven inches of snow to create an adequate base.

But snow or no snow, we offer activities for learners of all ages. This coming Monday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m., the Door County Master Gardeners Association will screen at pre-recorded webinar describing “Seed Starting for Vegetable Transplants.” All are welcome.

Tuesdays, we offer an after-school program called Environmental Exploration. This outdoor program is geared toward elementary students, but families can join us as we venture into the preserve to observe how animals find shelter in winter. (An indoor program will be offered if weather conditions are unfavorable.) And every Wednesday, we offer Wandering Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., a free naturalist-led hike to various areas of the Big Creek Preserve.

Know that during open hours, families are invited to take advantage of our Nature Play Area (near the fish display on the Entry Level of the Collins Learning Center).

Whatever the conditions, Crossroads trails are open all day every day free of charge.

– 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

Wednesday, February 5

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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Monday, February 10

1:30 – 2:30 pm Growing Together: Seed Starting Seminar

Learn the basics of starting your own vegetables and flowers from seed. Timing, containers, growing media, lighting requirements, watering, and fertilization are covered in this pre-recorded webinar by Colorado State University Extension.

After the webinar, everyone is welcome to stick around for some treats! Door County Master Gardeners will then hold a brief membership meeting.! Door County Master Gardeners will then hold a brief membership meeting.

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Tuesday, February 11

3:30 p.m. Environmental Exploration – Shelters

Weather permitting, participants will hike into the preserve to observe how animals shelter in the winter and discuss human shelters. It weather requires we shelter in the Learning Center; indoor activities will be offered. 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.