- Trails are open 24/7 at no charge. Enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh themed TRAIL TALES Storybook Walk.
What’s Happening: Pumpkins… Lots of Pumpkins!
Pumpkins—lots of pumpkins—are piling up at Crossroads in preparation for two of our most popular family events. On Friday, October 10, from 4:00-5:30 PM, families will gather to carve pumpkins. The glowing Jack-o’-Lanterns they create will later illuminate the trails during our “Trails & Treats” event on Friday, October 17.
But why do we carve Jack-o’-Lanterns in the first place?
The tradition traces back to the Celtic regions of Europe. Ancient Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits, goblins, and other mischief-makers to roam the land. With the arrival of All Saints’ Day on November 1, order was restored.
One legend tells of Stingy Jack, a trickster who cheated everyone—including the Devil. Barred from both Heaven and Hell, Jack was doomed to wander the earth. According to the tale, the Devil gave him a single burning coal to light his way, which Jack placed inside a hollowed turnip. People began carving turnips with frightening faces—“Jack-o’-Lanterns”—to ward off Jack and other wandering spirits.
When Irish and Scottish immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them. Here they discovered a native plant—the pumpkin, a type of winter squash—was larger, softer, and far easier to carve than turnips.
Archaeologists have found evidence that pumpkin-like squash were cultivated in Mexico more than 10,000 years ago. Over time, Indigenous peoples carried these useful plants north. The squash not only provided food but were also used as containers, utensils, medicine, and even musical instruments.
Beyond their many uses, squash became central to one of the most important agricultural systems in North America. Around 5,000 years ago, Indigenous farmers developed the “Three Sisters” planting system, growing corn, beans, and squash together. The broad squash leaves shaded the soil, helping it retain moisture, while the prickly vines discouraged pests and weeds. This sustainable method spread throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Today’s pumpkins—ancestors of the native squash—have been selectively bred to be larger, rounder, and brighter orange—perfect for carving.
This tradition continues today. At Crossroads, we’ll supply both the pumpkins (many donated by The Farm and Schartner’s Farm Market) and the tools, making it easy and fun for families to participate. The Jack-o’-Lanterns may not ward off evil spirits anymore, but they will create a magical glow along the route during our Trails & Treats event on October 17. Families are welcome to take their creations home afterward. Reservations are requested for the carving program.
Join us to celebrate traditions and the joy of autumn—by hiking our trails and enjoying other seasonal activities. All programs are free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
– 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 inspiring stewardship of the environment through education, research, and outdoor experiences. We welcome your support.
Upcoming Activities
