Spring migration is underway at Crossroads, and we are excited to share this seasonal marvel with the community. Migrating birds are beginning—albeit slowly—to filter into the preserve, and fish have already returned to Big Creek. But spring migration isn’t just about birds and fish!
Frogs migrate. So do bats, butterflies, dragonflies, and even soil organisms. Despite their differences, they all travel for the same essential reason: to reach an optimal breeding area. Some species migrate across continents, while others move mere inches to find the right conditions for reproduction.
For example, pike and suckers are now swimming upstream in search of warm water and food-rich environments where their offspring can hatch and thrive.
Birds, on the other hand, may nest here or continue farther north. Their journeys—often long and risky—are worthwhile because spring and summer provide longer daylight hours to find food. During this time, birds require enormous nourishment as they establish territories, build nests, lay eggs, and feed their young.
Many migrating birds travel to northern regions where the days are even longer, predators are fewer, and insect populations surge, providing an abundant food supply.
Most people know that monarch butterflies migrate, but did you know that several species of dragonflies do as well? More valuable to the environment than monarchs, dragonflies play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
And any day now—if it hasn’t happened already—frogs will begin their annual migration from forested areas to their breeding habitats. Wood frogs, recognizable by their duck-like quacks, are the first to emerge, heading to ponds and wetlands as soon as the snow melts. A few weeks later, we’ll hear the high-pitched calls of spring peepers. By May, additional frog and toad species will join in, creating a vibrant symphony of spring.
.
Migration will be the focus of this month's Current Ecological Events Club at 1:30 on Monday, April 8. Before the discussion, a packet of articles will be available at the entrance desk of the Collins Learning Center. Anyone is welcome to pick up a packet, whether or not they plan to attend the discussion. Reading the materials is encouraged but not required to participate.
Celebrating the awakening of spring should be a tradition for every family. To help our community take part in the season’s wonders, we will be sharing updates on the sucker run, frog choruses, and the arrival of spring wildflowers on the Crossroads at Big Creek Facebook page and website
Wednesday, April 2
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. 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. The Junior Nature Club promotes physical well-being, social engagement, and nature curiosity in children and their parents or guardians. No pre-registration is required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Saturday, April 5
9:00 AM – Habitat Healers: Floral Index & Ida Site Prep
Help restore the land! Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate in our ecological restoration efforts. This session will include a pre-burn biotic index survey, where participants will help identify or learn how to identify local plant species. Visit the Crossroads at Big Creek website for more details and to register.
2:00 PM – Saturday Science: Bird Behavior Bingo
In this fun outdoor activity, participants will go birding—not to identify species but to observe their behaviors! This program is designed for elementary students but welcomes learners of all ages. In case of inclement weather, the activity will be held indoors. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay,
Monday, April 8
1:30 PM – Current Ecological Events Club
Love reading? Join our ecological article club! Each month, we’ll dive into current ecological topics for lively discussions, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. April’s theme: Migration. Discussion materials are available at the Collins Learning Center entrance, but drop-ins are always welcome! Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Wednesday, April 9
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay
Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.
3:00 Junior Nature Club.
Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week series connecting preschool children (ages three and up) and their families to the natural world. The Junior Nature Club promotes physical well-being, social engagement, and nature curiosity in children and their parents or guardians. No pre-registration is required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
