This week, Crossroads at Big Creek will not be offering our regular family program, Saturday Science, because on Saturday, September 7, from 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm we will hold our fall fundraiser, “Trails and Ales” (for information and to purchase tickets, visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/trails-ales) But that doesn’t mean we will not provide science-based learning experiences. We ARE Crossroads, after all.
The designated Ale Trail is a mere one-third mile long, but at intervals along the trail, participants will visit beer sampling stations representing all eight Door County breweries. As a bonus, the Trail passes through a variety of habitats during the peak of the fall wildflower season and when autumn leaves are just beginning to show their colors. Consequently, the event is, in a very real way, a nature hike.
Brewing is an art, but it is also a science. The Green Bay Rackers, a group of home-brew enthusiasts, will be on hand to explain the science of the eight-step process, from selecting the appropriate ingredients to fermentation and conditioning. Their presentations will be enlightening.
Now that schools are back in session, Crossroads will offer after-school programs from 3:30 to 4:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays. While the activities are intended for elementary students, we welcome families and learners of all ages to participate.
The Monday, September 9 class will visit Big Creek to look for creatures that hide under the rocks. Many creatures do “go below,” especially during dry summers like this one, when the creek water is a mere trickle. But the creek bottom sediments remain moist even in very dry years, so the micro-habitats under the rocks are teeming with a fascinating variety of life.
The Wednesday, September 11 program will feature insect mouth parts adapted to the specific food sources of each species. Using common household items, including a straw, a baby spoon, a syringe, a pair of plyers, and a sponge, the group will learn about the feeding habits of local insects and, weather-permitting, go outside and catch (and release) a few.
And don’t forget Wednesday Wanderings, offered each week at 1:30. These naturalist-led hikes to destinations in the Big Creek Preserve will introduce environmental concepts, provide stress-reducing exercise, and, for Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, qualify for education hours.
Reservations are not required, and the educational programs are open to the public, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Thursday, September 5
5:30 Resources for Landowner Series
As the final part of the 2024 Landowners Series, local non-profit organizations will share their resources and conservation work. Reservations are Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Friday, Sept 6
2:30-4:30 Tours of the Hanson House
Spend part of your “Afternoon with Bertha,” our costumed interpreter who will describe the history of the Hanson House and the Greeves farm. No pre-registration is required. Meet at the Hanson Homestead (across from The Cove Estuary, 2200 Utah, Sturgeon Bay. Free and open to the public. Donations accepted.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Noon-3:30 Trails and Ales
Stroll the trails and enjoy beer from Door County Brew Masters. For details and tickets, crossroads atbigcreek.org/event/trails-ales/
Monday, September 9
3:30 Afterschool Program: Creatures Under Rocks
This after-school program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome to learn about the insects and other creatures that hide under the rocks when the creek is low. Water shoes are helpful but not required. No pre-registration is required. Free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Tuesday, September 10
7:00 DPAS Meeting: “Shakespeare and Science
At the September meeting of DPAS, Tom Minahan will present “Shakespeare and Science.” How much did Shakespeare know about the developments in cosmology during his writing years, and how are his works informed by such? Tom also will comment on English astronomy before 1600 and the speculative use of a telescope before Galileo. Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, 2200 Utah Street, Sturgeon Bay
Wednesday, September 11
1:30 Wandering Wednesday: Native Flowers of Meadow Trail
Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the meadow of Crossroads, observing the flowers that provide nectar for butterflies. No pre-registration is required. About an hour. Easy walking. Open to the public; Free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
3:30 Nature Exploration: Insect Mouthparts
Learn about the insect mouth parts that enable insects to eat their preferred food. Demonstrations and ( weather permitting) outdoor netting. This program is geared to elementary students but is open to learners of all ages. Free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
