Is it the lengthening of hours of daylight? Intermittent thaws? Or maybe some human survival instinct dating back to agrarian ancestors? This week,  long before the soil is warm enough for things to grow, we at Crossroads at Big Creek and our partner organizations are almost twitching with anticipation for the upcoming growing season. Consequently, nearly all of our programs relate in some way to planting.

Join us for the Crossroads Volunteer Mixer on Friday, March 7, at 5:00; returning volunteers and those considering getting involved can learn how to become a Crossroads Habitat Healer and/or participate in other volunteer efforts. Saturday morning, people who want to join in the restoration efforts at our Ida Bay preserve will get a preview of the opportunities that await (if the weather cooperates! Keep an eye on the website ticker for last-minute cancelations).

The Door County Master Gardner Association's “Growing Together Series” will feature a pre-recorded webinar called “Designing Native Plant Gardens for Pollinators” on Monday at 1:30. Then, on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30, Wild Ones-Door Peninsula and Master Gardeners will co-sponsor the lecture "Life of Death of a Tree in 30 Minutes" featuring Tom Wolfe. 

Our projects will get underway when the time is right, but in nature, how do seeds detect when the time is right to start growing? Premature germination would be absolutely disastrous—fatal, in fact. Fortunately, seeds have a number of incredible adaptations to prevent this from happening.

The seed coat itself is perhaps the best protection for a dormant seed. Coated with a waxy or varnish-like material, seeds are waterproof. But how does water reach the embryo plant if the seed coat is impermeable? 

If the seed is on the ground during the winter, soil microbes slowly work on the seed coat until, by spring, the covering ruptures. Also, and this started last week, the physical abrasion caused by the repeated freezing and thawing of the soil can crack the seed coat, allowing water to enter.

Another factor is light. A certain amount of light can permeate the porous topsoil, and germination occurs only when the correct amount of light, in combination with the right amount of moisture and the correct soil temperatures, is present.  

Many of the seeds produced in the temperate zone are genetically programmed not to germinate until they have undergone a period of cold---somewhere between four and six weeks, usually necessary. But around here, after four to six weeks of cold, it would take a prolonged warm spell to bring the soil temperature to a point that would allow sprouting.          

It’s not the growing season YET, but it is the exact time to begin preparations for planting and nurturing the young.

Speaking of nurturing the young, the Spring Session of the Junior Nature Club begins Wednesday, March 12. This free, six-week series is aimed at connecting pre-school-aged children (ages three and up) and their families to the natural world. Through storytelling, games, activities, and unstructured play in nature, the Junior Nature Club promotes physical well-being, social engagement and nature curiosity in children and their parents or guardians. Each meeting begins with the Junior Nature Club Pledge.

"I promise to be a friend of nature,

of the soil and the water,

of the plants and the animals,

for as long as I live."

If that sounds familiar, reflect on the words of Aldo Leopold:  "The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land."

Wednesday, March 5                                                                                          

 1:30 Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. It's easy walking and will take about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Friday, March 7                                                                                                                                5:00 p.m. Volunteer Mixer

Interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities at Crossroads at Big Creek? Whether you are simply curious or a seasoned volunteer, join us to find out what’s coming up. This casual event is a great chance to learn about volunteering at Crossroads and meet other people who care about stewardship of the environment. Registration not required. 5:30 the discussion starts about all the amazing volunteer opportunities Crossroads has to offer. Meet at the upper level of the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 

Saturday, March 8

9:00 Habitat Healers: Floral Index and Ida Site Prep

Help heal the earth! Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with our land restoration efforts, including the Pre-burn Biotic Index Survey. Help identify or learn how to identify plants. Plan to be outside and off the trail. Dress for the weather. Meet in the Ida Bay Preserve parking lot, 1195 Canal Road.

2:00 Saturday Science: Fossils of Door County 

Beginning at 2:00, participants will learn how the fossils of Door County were formed and the basics of fossil identification. There will be edible demonstrations, so let us know if children have dietary restrictions. Each family will receive a free fossil pamphlet. If weather permits, we will venture outdoors to look for fossils. Geared for elementary students, learners of all ages are welcome.

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, March 10

1:30 Master Gardener Growing Together Webinar Series:  "Designing A Native Plant Garden for Pollinators"

You can design a native plant garden that will be a pollinator magnet. Native plants are beautiful, low-maintenance, adaptable, and great sources of nutrition and habitat for butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, and more! In this pre-recorded webinar, we will learn about design principles and some native plants that are great to grow for pollinators and can thrive in sunny or shady conditions. Free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Door County Master Gardner Association. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, March 11

6:30 Wild Ones, Master Gardner Lecture: "Life of Death of a Tree in 30 Minutes"

Horticulturist Tom Wolfe will describe the proper planting of conifer and deciduous trees. He also will explain woody plant physiology, botany, and soil and will focus on Door County trees and shrubs. Co-sponsored by Wild Ones and Master Gardeners. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, March 12

1:30 Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. It's easy walking and will take about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

3:00 Junior Nature Club

Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week series connecting pre-school children (ages three and up) and their families to the natural world. Through storytelling, games, activities, and unstructured play in nature, the Junior Nature Club promotes physical well-being, social engagement, and curiosity about nature in children and their parents or guardians. Parents or guardians are expected to remain with the group throughout each class. Siblings and family members are welcome to participate.  Come dressed for outdoor exploration. If the weather is too bad to be outdoors, we will do nature-related activities inside. Registration is not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay