This week at Crossroads, we expect many visitors will be drawn to our riparian wetlands. Young explorers will be delighted to discover tadpoles and tiny frogs, while hikers of all ages will enjoy the stunning display of marsh marigolds blooming along the lower stretches of Big Creek.
Marsh marigolds—also known as cowslips—belong to the buttercup family, which includes roughly 275 species. Early botanists, possibly Carl Linnaeus himself, assigned the genus name Ranunculus, Latin for “little frog.” The name reflects the plants’ shared preference with amphibians for moist, marshy environments.
At Crossroads, marsh marigolds and several other buttercup species bloom along the floodplains and wet margins of Big Creek, as well as in seeps and tributaries. These wetlands are often ephemeral—seasonal pools that exist only briefly each year and may dry out completely by midsummer. But for developing frogs, that's ideal.
Because these temporary wetlands typically do not support fish, tadpoles face fewer predators. Additionally, the shallow water warms quickly in spring, accelerating tadpole growth and metamorphosis. These habitats also tend to host fewer long-term aquatic competitors, providing young amphibians with more resources. The primary challenge is timing—tadpoles must complete their development before the wetlands dry up.
Marsh marigolds and their buttercup relatives feature glossy yellow petals that look like they’ve been shellacked—an appearance that makes them especially attractive to pollinators. Their vibrant color comes from pigments, but the high-gloss shine is due to microscopic layers of air beneath the petal surface that reflect sunlight like tiny mirrors.
As Paul Simons observed in The Guardian, “Buttercup flowers also track the sun. On cold days, the petals form a cup shape like a satellite dish, collecting solar energy from the sunshine and warming up the flowers, which makes them even more inviting to insects.”
Whether it's the gleam of golden petals or the charm of tiny frogs, we hope something inspires you to visit Crossroads this spring—perhaps for a hike or to participate in one of our educational programs.
Featured Events – Saturday, May 17
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Door Peninsula Mushroom Club Day
Celebrate fungi with a day of mushroom-themed activities and vendors! Whether you're a seasoned mycophile or just curious about the magical world of mushrooms, this event offers something for everyone. For more information, visit the Door County Mushroom Club on Facebook.
2:00 Saturday Science: Herps in the Swale
Explore the retention pond and north swale for tadpoles, frogs, and other life. Nets and boots will be provided. Wear clothes that can get wet. Geared for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Indoor activities will be offered if the weather is inclement. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek. 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, May 19
1:30 PM – Documentary Screening: Wisconsin Water from the Air
Enjoy a Wisconsin Public Television documentary that takes viewers on an aerial and ground-level journey along the state’s waterways, showcasing our rivers and lakes' beauty and ecological importance. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay lecture hall.
3:00 PM – Wildflower Hike
Take a naturalist-led hike along Big Creek to view marsh marigolds and other spring ephemerals and learn how spring wildflowers attract their pollinators. The hike is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
Tuesday, May 20
3:30 PM – Environmental Exploration: Pollen Probe
In this after-school activity, students will discover how spring wildflowers attract the insects (and birds) that pollinate them. Dress for outdoor exploration. In the event of inclement weather, the program will move indoors. Geared for elementary students, but open to all. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
6:30 PM – Door County Beekeepers: Hive Inspections
Join the Door County Beekeepers Club for a session on inspecting beehives. This program is free and open to the public. Meet in the lecture hall of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, May 21
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will follow the trails beside Big Creek in search of spring wildflowers. It will take about an hour and is easy hiking. It is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
