Lately, at Crossroads, we have been looking up: at stunning fall foliage, at a comet, at northern lights, and migrating birds. So this week, we turn our attention to the fascinating world of nature below the surface. We will explore fossil corals, soils, and smallmouth bass.
Yes, smallmouth bass do belong on that list. Thanks to our Fish Tales Lecture Series, we at Crossroads have been introduced to recent research on smallmouth bass. One thing that has impressed us is that the underwater topography plays a vital role in the reproductive behavior of these fish.
So we are excited to be hosting a Public Meeting on Smallmouth Bass Management in Green Bay and Northern Lake Michigan on Wednesday, October 6, at 6:00. DNR staff will present the latest smallmouth bass survey and research data and gather feedback on a proposed regulation change to expand the catch and release season. Attendees are encouraged to share ideas, experiences, and input on smallmouth bass management for Green Bay and northern Lake Michigan. This program is free and open to the public.
Earlier that day, our after-school program, Environmental Exploration, will focus on a time millions of years ago when the peninsula was covered by a shallow tropical sea teeming with ancient creatures, including corals. With indoor and hopefully outdoor activities (weather permitting), we will examine some of the coral species that make up a good share of our bedrock. The program is geared for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome.
Our Saturday Science program topic will be "Diggin’ into Soil.” Notice that we did not say dirt. We at Crossroads have long known that healthy soil is far more than just dirt, but a few weeks ago, as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, soil scientist Jaimie Patton presented a fascinating program describing how fungi and soil organisms are, in large part, responsible for soil fertility. Scientists speculate that 25% of our planet’s species live underground. We will barely scratch the surface.
On Monday, Crossroads will screen another Wild Ones webinar featuring one of our favorite presenters, Doug Tallamy. This pre-recorded presentation is a synopsis of his book “The Nature of Oaks.” We screened this online seminar last winter. Folks have requested a repeat.
Finally, know that we have a “kids activity center” for drop-in visitors during open hours. Bring the little ones for a session of interactive nature play.
The Collins Learning Center is open Monday-Friday 9:30-3:30 and on Saturdays 1:00-4:00. Trails and restrooms are open all day, every day.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will visit places in Crossroads where bedrock is exposed. It is gentle walking and will take about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
3:30 Environmental Exploration: Fossil Corals This program is intended for elementary school students but is open to all ages. Indoor/outdoor program exploring the coral animals that, now fossilized, can be found in Door County. (Dress for the weather.)
Registration is not required. Open to the public and free/ Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
6:00 Public Meeting on Small Mouth Bass Management in Green Bay and Northern Lake Michigan
DNR staff will present the latest smallmouth bass survey and research data and gather feedback on a proposed regulation change to expand the catch and release season. Attendees are encouraged to share ideas, experiences, and input on smallmouth bass management for Green Bay and northern Lake Michigan. This program is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Saturday, November 9 Saturday Science: Diggin’ into Soil
Join this indoor/outdoor program and learn about the layers of soil found in Door County. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Dress for the weather. Open to the public and free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan
Monday, November 11
1:00 Wild Ones Webinar: Douglas Tallamy
Wild Ones presents a pre-recorded webinar featuring renowned entomologist, environmentalist, and best-selling author Doug Tallamy who will discuss why “keystone” species are crucial to any ecosystem and why oak trees spectacularly fill that niche in so many places. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, November 12
7:00 Meeting of the DPAS: Electronically Assisted Astronomy
At the November meeting, DPAS Board Member and Master Naturalist Jim Gallt will present the lecture “Electronically Assisted Astronomy.” EAA was born when someone inserted the webcam from their PC into the eyepiece holder on a telescope. EAA has come a long way since those early days of low-resolution analog video cameras! This presentation is an overview of this increasingly popular flavor of astrophotography, where real time observing rather than carefully processed pretty pictures is the primary goal. Visitors are encouraged. Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, 2200 Utah, Sturgeon Bay.
