April showers (and snows) bring May flowers, but at Crossroads at Big Creek, they also enable the return of spawning fish, breeding frogs, and migrating birds, and the trees break dormancy. As importantly, these spring rains replenish groundwater, supporting the local ecosystem.
This week’s Saturday Science family program will focus on "April Showers." While designed for elementary-aged children, learners of all ages are welcome. The program includes engaging presentations and hands-on activities exploring the causes and impact of spring rains.
We will post on Facebook and our website when frogs begin their evening choruses in the swales and ponds near the Collins Learning Center. Birders already have begun reporting the arrival of early migrants, signaling the shift in seasons.
The highly anticipated Sucker Run is difficult to schedule in advance, as its timing depends on natural conditions. However, when the migration peaks, we will post updates on the Crossroads website and Facebook page. Crossroads staff and volunteers will often be present at the Creek, along with Dr. Karen Murchie from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, during this annual breeding migration. Dr. Murchie will be stationed at Big Creek for several days, sharing insights from her long-term, multi-state community science project on sucker migration.
Other fish are also moving in our region. On Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 PM, the final Fish Tale Lecture will feature Matthew Kornis, a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His talk "Secrets of Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout: Survival, Movement, and Reproduction Revealed Through Mass Marking" will present the latest findings from the Great Lakes Mass Marking project, with a special focus on steelhead trout in Lake Michigan. This lecture is free and open to the public, sponsored by Healthy Water Door County. Attendees can join in person at Crossroads or participate virtually via Zoom or Facebook Live. Visit https://doorcountylibrary.org/event on the date of the talk to access the link.
Some effects of April showers on trees are easy to observe. This time of year, trees rapidly absorb water to support bud break, leaf expansion, flowering, and early-season growth. As leaves begin photosynthesis, trees lose significant amounts of water through transpiration—water evaporation from leaf surfaces. To compensate, they continuously draw in water through their roots.
Many people don’t realize that trees, especially hardwoods like maples and oaks, absorb far more water than they immediately need. They store this excess water in their trunks, branches, and roots, creating a reserve for dry periods such as last summer when rainfall was scarce.
On a recent nature hike, a participant remarked, "Oh, like a camel!" While trees lack a hump, the comparison isn't far off. Camels store water in their fat, while trees store it within their tissues, allowing them to endure drought conditions.
Spring has arrived (for good, we hope) at Crossroads—join us to experience the season’s wonders!
Wednesday, April 9
1:30 PM – Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike to observe signs of spring. The walk is easy but may involve soggy trails, so dress accordingly. No registration is required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
3:00 PM – Junior Nature Club
This free class connects preschool-aged children (ages three and up) and their families to nature through storytelling, activities, and outdoor play. The club meets rain or shine, so dress for the weather. If conditions are too harsh, indoor nature activities will be provided. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, April 12
2:00 PM – Saturday Science: April Showers
This engaging program will explore the water cycle and the unpredictable weather of April. While geared toward elementary students, all are welcome. No registration is required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, April 16
1:30 PM – Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led spring hike. Dress for the weather and wet trails. No registration is required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay
3:00 PM – Junior Nature Club
This free class connects preschool-aged children (ages three and up) and their families to nature through storytelling, activities, and outdoor play. The club meets rain or shine, so dress for the weather. If conditions are too harsh, indoor nature activities will be provided. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Thursday, April 17
7:00 PM – Fish Tale Lecture: "Secrets of Lake Michigan Salmon and Trout"
Join Matthew Kornis, a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as he shares recent findings from the Mass Marking project, focusing on steelhead trout in Lake Michigan. This event is free and open to the public. Attend in person at Crossroads at Big Creek or online via Zoom or Facebook Live. Visit https://doorcountylibrary.org/event on the date of the talk for the link.
