It's January, so at Crossroads at Big Creek, we are looking into the future, which is fitting. January was named for the Roman god of doors and transitions, Janus, because he was depicted as having two heads, one looking forward and one looking back.

A double face would have been necessary to see both forward and backward. Human eyes (and apparently the eyes of mythological gods) are located on the very front of the face, resulting in binocular vision. The two eyes work together to provide an image, complete with depth perception. 

Binocular vision is so much a part of us that we find it difficult to imagine seeing any other way, but many birds, fish, and insects rely on monocular vision. These creatures also have two eyes. But their eyes are on the sides or near the top of their heads. Each eye works independently. I'm not sure how their brains process the double images. 

But I do know that these creatures can see in two directions simultaneously. Of course, monocular vision has its problems. The creatures cannot judge distance, and they have to cock their heads if they want to pick something up. But it works for them. In fact, it has immense survival value, for the animals can detect predators coming from either direction.

Wildlife biologists can tell a great deal about an animal based on eye position.  Creatures with eyes on the sides of the head tend to be prey species. Their survival  of depend on constant wariness. 

In contrast, predators usually have binocular vision, so they can look straight ahead to focus on their objective or to search for opportunities.

We at Crossroads are looking straight ahead, knowing that sometimes that means being "blindsided, " which calls to mind the Rumsfeld Matrix. Remember Donald Rumsfeld? Then, during a press briefing, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld suggested that there are "Known Knowns," "Unknown Knowns," "Known Unknowns," and "Unknown Unknowns."

So for Crossroads, the "Known Knowns" include a significant restoration project at our Ida Bay Preserve and expanding educational programs for learners of all ages. In collaboration with the Door County Library and with support from Healthy Water Door County, we have scheduled our Fish Tail Lecture Series. Learning in Retirement will offer many programs for lifelong learners, including Master Gardeners, Wild Ones-Door Peninsula, and the Door County Beekeepers, and we have scheduled lectures, webinars, demonstrations, and hikes.

Another" Known-Known" is that our youth and family programs will continue with Junior Nature Club, Science Saturdays, afterschool Environmental Exploration, and School's Out Excursions, in addition to offering field trips to area schools. Thanks to a Cellcom Green Gift, we are upgrading the drop-in children's nature play area in the Collins Learning Center.

We know that, in collaboration with other Door County environmental organizations and agencies, we will continue expanding our citizen science and restoration efforts.

"Known-Unknows" are situations we know exist but don't know the outcome. For example, our Ski-For-Free program is ready to go, but the answer to the question, " When will we have adequate snow to groom our trails?" is unknown. An even greater unknown is whether we will receive foundation or grant funding and permits for some of our projected projects. 

And then we anticipate the "Unknown Knowns" --issues buried in our collective subconscious and "Unknown Unknowns'"-- the true surprises, perhaps good: perhaps troublesome.  We plan to be prepared for contingencies.

This week, (unless we have a Snow Day-clearly a Known Unknown--watch the ticker on our website for cancelations), our activities will  include a Saturday Science program called Kitchen Chemistry,  a Wild Ones Webinar called Genetic Diversity and the after school Environmental Exploration program will feature Animals. Tracks.

Crossroads is looking forward and focused on our objectives and opportunities. Our overriding objective is " to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds through education, research, restoration, and outdoor experiences."

Saturday, January 11

2:00 Science Saturday-Kitchen Chemistry

Chemical reactions happen frequently in the kitchen, so this Science Saturday program will include several safe (but exciting) chemical reactions, which can be done using everyday household products. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Open to the public and free,e thanks to the generosity of donors like you!

Monday, January 13

1:30 Wild Ones Webinar-"Genetic Diversity"

This pre-recorded webinar features Neil Diboll, who will discuss plants' genetic diversity and their role in our gardens, landscapes, and natural areas. The divergence between the goals of horticulture and ecology creates a conundrum for the modern gardener, especially those committed to preserving plant species and the organisms that depend upon them for survival. Sponsored by Wild Ones- Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, January 14

3:30 Environmental Exploration: Animal Tracks 

This after-school program will begin with a make-and-take printmaking activity, but if conditions are favorable, participants will go outside to find and identify tracks. This program is geared toward elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. It is free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.