The Wisconsin Science Festival begins this week, and as is our custom, Crossroads at Big Creek, joins the Door County Library to assemble speakers and events for this two-week celebration on the Door Peninsula. This year, the ScienceFest theme is "Agriculture" and many of the programs will be held at Crossroads at Big Creek.
There is a song in the musical Oklahoma called "The Farmer and the Cowman Should Be Friends." We believe that the Farmer and the Environmentalist should be friends, too. We share a love for and concern about water, soil, plants, and animals, and we also believe that science should guide our decisions.
Our science-based agriculture-themed activities begin with our Family Pumpkin Carving at 4:00, Friday, October 11. Pumpkins are, after all, an important agricultural product. Two billion pumpkins are grown each year in the United States. In Wisconsin, more than 2000 acres are planted in pumpkins each year. So, we will start the program with a short science video called "Dissecting a Pumpkin.” Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided so each family can dissect and carve a Jack-o-lantern to light the trail during our "Trails and Treats" event later in the month. Following that pre-Halloween event, families can take their pumpkins home.
From the fruit called pumpkins (yes, they are fruits), we turn to apples when the Science Festival program "Climate Impact to Apple Flavor," The speaker, Peninsular Agriculture Research Station Superintendent Becky Wiepz, will discuss how climate conditions impact apple flavor This program is geared to adults, but learners of all ages are welcome to attend this program on Monday, October 14 at 5:30 PM
The Door County Beekeepers have created a special event for the Wisconsin Science Festival they call Hive Chemistry 101. European honeybees pollinate $15 billion worth of agricultural crops, but the federal government also classifies them as livestock/food-producing animals.
The beekeepers will offer exhibits and demonstrations featuring products made of honey and beeswax, including mead (wine made with honey), household products such as furniture polish, wood conditioner, food wraps, candles, and personal care products such as lip balm, lotion bars, hand salve, and soap. This event promises to be an exciting look into the agricultural products of our favorite domestic insects.
Our Wandering Wednesday at 1:30 on October 16, the weekly naturalist-led hike will be "When Crossroads Was a Farm". It is a tribute to the work of Crossroads donors, staff, and hundreds of volunteers that Crossroads seems like a wild place. But the land was a farm and an orchard during the last century. Learn about our agronomic roots. (In case of rain, a PowerPoint presentation will be offered.)
Our kids program that day will feature bumblebees--the native insects which are so beneficial to agriculture. The program "Bumbles and Crops" is geared for kids but learners of all ages are welcome.
Then, on Wednesday at 5:30 pm, we welcome one of our favorite presenters, USDA Soil Scientist Jaimie Patton. She will offer a program called the Soil-Veggie Connection. Explaining how soils influence the growth, taste, and nutrition of veggies and fruits.
The Wisconsin Science Festival will continue next week, so check the Crossroads or the official Wisconsin Science Festival websites to learn about future programs.
Meanwhile, several comets are near Earth, so this week, our Science Saturday program will be "Comet Chef"--one of our most popular programs. Geared for kids, we encourage learners of all ages to attend this program and our other kids' programming.
Friday, October 11
2:00 pm School’s Out Excursion!
When some districts have a vacation day, we offer the chance for kids to venture into the preserve for a "nature-based" adventure. Indoor activities will be offered if the weather is uncooperative. Registration is not required. Geared for kids, but learners of all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
4:00 pm Pumpkin Carving- a ScienceFest Event
Following a short video called "Dissecting a Pumpkin”, families can dissect (carve) their own creation. Pumpkins and carving tools provided. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of donors like you. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, October 12
2:00 Saturday Science: Comet Chef
In partnership with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society...and because on this day, a comet will fly near [in space terms] the Earth this weekend. Dry ice and fun! This is one of our most popular kids’ but learners of all ages are welcome. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, October 14
3:30 Environmental Exploration: Mushroom Prints
Join the naturalist to collect mushrooms (if we get some rain) and use them to make and take "prints." This program is geared for kids but is free of charge and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay.
5:30 pm Program – Climate Impacts to Apple Flavor- A ScienceFest Event
Learn how climate conditions impact apple flavor with Peninsular Agricultural Research Station Superintendent Becky Wiepz. This adult program is free, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Tuesday, October 15
6:30 pm Door County Beekeeper Club: Hive Chemistry 101 Creating Bee Products- A ScienceFest Event
The Door County Beekeepers Club will offer exhibits and demonstrations featuring products made of honey and beeswax, including mead (wine made with honey), household products such as furniture polish, wood conditioner, food wraps, candles, and personal care products such as lip balm, lotion bars, hand salve, and soap. The event is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, October 16
1:30 pm Wandering Wednesday – When Crossroads was a Farm- A ScienceFest Event
On this naturalist-led hike, enjoy Crossroads campus and learn about its agronomic roots. Registration is not required. The trail will be easy; however, please dress for the weather. Open to the public and free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
3:30 pm Environmental Exploration – Bumbles & Crops- A Science Fest Event
This program is intended for elementary school students but is open to all ages. Join this indoor/outdoor program to learn how bumble bees use buzz pollination for crops. It is free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
5:30 pm Program – Soil-Veggie Connection-A Science Fest Event
Join Jamie Patton, USDA Soil Scientist, to learn how soils influence the growth, taste, and nutrition of veggies and fruits. This adult program is free to learners of all ages, thanks to our donors' generosity. Meet at the Collin Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
