The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads will be closed December 24th and 25th enabling our staff to spend time with our families. And families will be our focus for the rest of the holiday week. We invite learners of all generations to bond during our science-related activities, all of which all, in some way relate to water and the remarkable ways hydrogen and oxygen form bonds.

While it is not entirely inconceivable that life could exist in another liquid, it is hard to imagine life as we know it to exist without liquid water. Fortunately, on Earth, water can and does exist in all three states of matter: liquid, solid and gas. But in each of these forms, water molecules simply do not behave like other substances.

On Friday, December 27 at 2:00 pm, the family program will be “Because Ice Floats,” as that title reveals, one (of many, many) peculiar characteristics of water is that it is lighter as a solid than it is as a liquid. Activities will include a short video on hydrogen bonds and demonstrations on states of matter. (Yes, there will be a dry ice demo!) Then participants will experiment with floating ice—in the lab and if weather cooperates, also in Big Creek. The group will discuss why floating ice makes aquatic life possible in this climate.

Starting at 2:00 pm on December 28, Science Saturday will explore “The Science of Snowflakes” so families can learn why snowflakes almost always are hexagonal. And of course, it’s due to the way the hydrogen atoms bond. These bonds means that every single snowflake at least starts out having six sides. As snowflakes grow, the crystals, often extraordinarily intricate, will always be unique and always having six points. That is unless (and this often happens), the snowflakes clump together or get broken during their turbulent fall to the ground. Videos and (edible) demonstrations will help families understand the wonder of snow.

Our Monday program will feature Subnivean Creature and will focus on the wildlife that live beneath the snow at Crossroads in the winter. 

And speaking of snow, once we have enough snow to create a good base, Crossroads will begin grooming selected trails and lending skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and kick sleds to Door County residents and visitors, free of charge.

And oh, even though the Learning Center will be closed on New Year’s Eve, it is our tradition to hike to The Cove Estuary (which may or may not have ice floating on it) to see the final sunset of the year (which may or may not be visible depending on the density of water molecules forming bonds in the sky.) “Wiper rules apply” (if you need to use your wipers to drive safely, the hike is cancelled.) And we will be back in time for participants to go on to other celebrations. 

Water is peculiar. It also is precious. May your new year be filled with joy and clean water—preferably arriving during the desirable season in a desirable state of matter… with adequate amounts needed to grow crops and support nature, but not so extreme or sudden that it causes flooding.

Watch the ticker at the top of the Crossroads websites to learn if weather conditions are adequate for scheduled events, for Ski-For-Free and for trail use.

– 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, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25

The trails remain open all day, every day of the year, free of charge, but on December 24 and 25, the Collins Learning Center will be closed for the holiday.

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Friday, December 27

2:00 – 3:00 pm School’s Out Excursion – Because Ice Floats

Find out why ice floats and what it means for fish and other wildlife. Designed for all ages and we encourage familes to attend. 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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Saturday, December 28

2:00 pm Science Saturday – The Science of Snowflakes

Join us and learn about the amazing science of snow!  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.

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Monday, December 30

2:30 p.m. Family Program – Subnivean Creatures

Learn about the creatures that remain active under the snow through videos, demonstrations, and a short hike. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.  Registration not required. Free and open to the public. 

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Tuesday, December 31

3:45 p.m. The Last Sunset of 2024 Hike

The sun will set for the final time in 2024 at 4:18 p.m. Join a naturalist for this hike to The Cove Estuary to see the final sunset. Wiper rule applies: “If you need to use your wipers to drive safely, the hike is canceled.” Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration not required. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you!

Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1

The trails remain open all day, every day of the year, free of charge, but on December 31 and January 1, the Collins Learning Center will be closed for the holiday.