At Crossroads at Big Creek this week, the focus is on restoration, examined through the dual lenses of prairie ecology and geology. On Friday, July 18, as part of Door County Prairie Fest, the Prairie Enthusiasts organization will present “Prairie Talk: Considerations for Establishing and Sustaining a Prairie.” This free, educational program will offer practical insights into prairie restoration, ecology, and long-term stewardship.
Then on Thursday, July 24, at 1:00, the Nature Treks with Terrie will be a guided hike through the Ida Bay Preserve, highlighting the site’s geology, the legacy of post-glacial lakes, and the ecological restoration efforts currently underway.
This week, even our family programs will relate to geology and land restoration and biodiversity.
Despite the name, “Ida Bay” does not refer to a body of water. The preserve was named for the conservation-minded landowner who donated the land to The Nature Conservancy. In 2013, TNC transferred the property—along with a stewardship endowment—to Crossroads at Big Creek. The transfer was celebrated during a postcard-perfect snowfall. And throughout that winter, snowshoe hikes revealed the beauty of snow-laden conifers, but deep drifts concealed much of the terrain’s character.
When spring arrived and the snow melted, we were confronted by dense growths of invasive species. Yet, the snow-free landscape revealed ridges and rock formations—features that resembled ancient shorelines of glacial lakes.
Suspecting the ridges might mark historic shorelines, we contacted Randy Dickson of Midwest Archaeological Consultants, who sent a field technician to the site with an altimeter. Her findings were remarkable: the elevations of four distinct ridges aligned precisely with the known shorelines of four prehistoric post-glacial lakes—all within the 64-acre preserve.
During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers depressed the Earth’s crust in this region. As the glaciers retreated more than 10,000 years ago, the land began to rebound—a process known as isostatic rebound. This caused dramatic changes in lake levels over time, leaving behind the geological features we see today. The Great Lakes and the Door Peninsula, as we know them now, gradually took shape through these natural fluctuations.
Understanding the post-glacial geological history of our land enhances our ability to restore native ecosystems. It informs choices about where to plant trees and what species are most likely to thrive, where to introduce prairie vegetation, and how to support biodiversity most effectively.
This week, we invite the community to learn with us—by attending Prairie Talk, exploring the Ida Bay Preserve on a guided trek, or simply enjoying our trails, which are open to the public all day, every day, free of charge.
At Crossroads, we believe that restoration begins with understanding, and understanding begins with exploration.
Friday, July 18
6:00 PM – Door County Prairie Fest: Prairie Talk
“Considerations for Establishing and Sustaining a Prairie”
Join prairie expert Dr. Dan Carter, staff ecologist with The Prairie Enthusiasts, for a free educational presentation on prairie restoration. Free and open to the public. No registration required. For more information, contact docoprairie@gmail.com or call (920) 421-2283.
Monday, July 21
1:00 PM Journeys with Joan: Insect Safari
Join our naturalist for free ,family-oriented activities exploring nature! Participants will discover the secrets of insects as they metamorphose from egg to adult. Hand lenses and collecting nets will be provided. This activity is suitable for all ages, and registration is not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, July 22
1:00 PM – Journeys with Joan: Finding Fossils
Learn how ancient corals and sea creatures became the fossils we find at Crossroads.
Free and open to all ages. No registration required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Wednesday, July 23
1:00 PM – Journeys with Joan: Welcome Back
Explore Wisconsin’s native species and learn about the efforts to restore birds, animals, and fish to local habitats. Family-friendly. Free and open to all ages. No registration required.
Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
1:30 PM – Wandering Wednesday: Naturalist-Led Hike
Join us for a gentle, naturalist-guided walk through the trails of Crossroads.
Easy walking, about one hour. Free and open to all ages. No registration required.
Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Thursday, July 24
1:00 PM – Nature Treks with Terrie
Take a deep dive into local ecology with environmental educator Terrie Cooper, as she leads an exploration of the Ida Bay Preserve, which will cover geology, forest ecology, and the story of post-glacial lakes. For adults only. Registration required.
Visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org and click on Events to reserve your spot.
