As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we invariably see an increase in hikers, dog walkers, and families on the trails of Crossroads at Big Creek. They tell us they are so grateful for a beautiful and safe place to be outside during the annual hunting season.
While we welcome this influx of visitors during the nine-day gun season, we are grateful during each of the "52 Weeks at Crossroads," and that is the title for a nature program scheduled for Monday, November 25 at 1:30. The show presents 52 stunning images, one for each week of the year, featuring the beauty of Crossroads. We offer this program to demonstrate our gratitude to all the donors, funds, and foundations that, over the years, have supported our ongoing efforts to transform a degraded piece of land into a community retreat.
This week, as usual, we will offer guided hikes, after-school activities, and our weekly Saturday Science experience—all free of charge. But alas, these scheduled programs are often not an option for working parents.
We have come to realize that many parents spend a great deal of time waiting. Suppose one child is at a rehearsal, practice, gymnastics class, or dentist appointment, and the siblings and parent have perhaps 30 to 40 minutes “to kill.” It is not worth going home for that amount of time.
Understanding that, we dreamed of creating a place where young families could engage in nature play with or without staff involvement during their wait time.
Research indicates that children learn differently from adults. Children learn through hands-on, interactive play and self-discovery. In contrast, most adults experience nature visually, usually just as a background to something else they are doing. While kids love our fish and wildlife dioramas, our “don’t touch” displays do not meet the development needs of young visitors.
We briefly toyed with installing high-tech interactive displays, but child development professionals believe watching wild places on screens causes children to think of nature as “somewhere else”, thus diminishing their concern for the local environment. That does little to further our mission to inspire environmental stewardship.
We believe early childhood experiences should nurture the child's perception of being part of nature. So, rather than filling the building with glitzy displays, we created a makeshift nature play area with materials we had on hand. And kids LOVED it.
In the coming week...in the coming 52 weeks and beyond, we will offer activities for learners of all ages, and we are able to do this because of the generosity of our donors. We are truly grateful.
The Collins Learning Center will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, and Friday, but trails will be open.
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Saturday, November 23
2:00 pm Science Saturdays – Meet the Turkey
Learn about the bird that made Thanksgiving famous! This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, November 25
1:30 Nature Program: "52 Weeks at Crossroads"
This illustrated lecture includes one slide showing a different view of Crossroads during each of the 52 weeks of the year. Reservations are not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. It is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, November 26
6:30 Wild Ones-Door Peninsula Annual Meeting and Chapter Update
After a very short business meeting, the program, which is open to the public, will focus on the Wild Ones' Adopt a Park projects. Meet in the Lecture Hall of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, November 27
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
All are welcome to join this naturalist-led hike through the Big Creek Preserve. It is gentle walking and will take about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
3:00 School's Out Excursion
Kids will venture into the preserve for a “nature-based” adventure. If the weather is uncooperative, indoor activities will be offered. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. Registration is not required. The event is open to the public and free, thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
