On a recent kindergarten field trip, a very young hiker asked why our preserve is called “Crossroads.” We explained that before the roundabout was built, this was the place where two roads crossed.
But from the beginning, “Crossroads” has meant more than a geographic intersection. It is a metaphor. We envisioned this place as a crossroads where young and old come together, where scientists and researchers meet concerned citizens, and where the past meets the future.
We didn’t fully understand back then that this special piece of land is also a place where waters meet. We didn't realize that The Cove is an estuary, and we didn't grasp the extent of the Big Creek watershed. We immediately began to notice groundwater seeping into the creek at many places within the preserve. But it wasn’t until we re-emerged from Big Creek that we fully appreciated the significance of our ephemeral wetlands.
The word ephemeral means “lasting for a very short time.” We use it to describe our spring wildflowers, which bloom briefly before the forest canopy shades them. Though the ephemeral flowers disappear, the plants are still there.
In the same way, the wetlands at Crossroads are ephemeral. They often dry out for much of the year, making them easy to overlook. Yet even when they appear bone dry, these wetlands play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological health.
This spring, our ephemeral wetlands demonstrated their value during several intense weather events. Snowmelt and torrential rains, instead of overwhelming County TT or flooding nearby farmland, spread into our wetland floodplains. These areas acted like sponges, absorbing excess water. In doing so, they provided natural flood control, filtered pollutants, and enhanced groundwater recharge.
Students visiting this spring learned that they cannot support fish because ephemeral wetlands dry up seasonally. The absence of fish makes our wetlands an ideal breeding ground for amphibians like frogs and toads, as well as particular species of dragonflies and other beneficial insects. In most years, the tadpoles and insect nymphs complete metamorphosis before the wetlands dry up.
And the flowers! While our woodland spring wildflowers are quickly fading, our restoration efforts—especially the removal of invasive aquatic plants—are helping transform the ephemeral wetlands along Big Creek into a kaleidoscope of colorful, moisture-loving flowers that, through summer and fall, support a wide range of native bees and pollinators, including hummingbirds.
So this week, we’re focusing on water and wetlands—and, as always, environmental stewardship. The more we learn about Big Creek, its watershed, and the variety of wetlands it supports, the deeper our commitment to protecting the land and water—at Crossroads and beyond.
Wednesday, June 4
5:15 am – 7:30 am Bird Survey at Ida Bay
Join our biodiversity inventory efforts to help document bird species at Ida Bay Preserve as part of ongoing restoration work. We will conduct three point counts throughout the summer. For more information and to register, visit the Crossroads at Big Creek website http://www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org
1:30 pm – Wandering Wednesday: Naturalist-Led Hike
Enjoy an easy, guided hike along the North Bridge wetlands. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, June 7
9:00 am Color Hike
Learners of all ages are invited to join us to learn about the science behind plant colors on this guided hike along Big Creek. This hike will be offered again on Monday to help anyone interested attend this unique and fun hike! Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads,2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay
9:00 am Habitat Healers - Ida Bay Burn Evaluation
Learners of all ages are invited to join Crossroads staff as we look at the Ida Bay burn. Participants will look to quantify the ecological success of the burn by evaluating the amount of thatch remaining, what plants are emerging post-burn, and discuss next steps. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Ida Bay parking lot, 1195 Canal Rd, Sturgeon Bay.
2 pm Search for Herps
Learners of all ages are invited to join us to learn about the herpetiles that live at Crossroads! Join us as we search for the various reptiles and amphibians that inhabit Crossroads. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads,2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay
Monday, June 9
10:00 am Color Hike
Learners of all ages are invited to join us to learn about the science behind plant colors on this guided hike along Big Creek. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads,2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay
Tuesday, June 10
10:00 am Wade into Wetlands
Explore our wetlands! We have loaner boots, but be prepared to get wet! An indoor program will be offered if necessary. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, June 11
10:00 am Water Play
Fun-filled water-based activities will be offered outside if possible. Participants of all ages should be prepared to get wet! If the weather does not cooperate, inside activities will be offered. Registration is not required. The event is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
1:30 pm – Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist for a gentle hike to explore groundwater seeps along Big Creek. The hike will take about an hour and is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
