Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer—but at Crossroads at Big Creek, learning and exploration continue year-round!
This summer, Crossroads hosted camps for the Boys and Girls Club, programs with the YMCA and PATH, Family Programs with Joan, Treks with Terrie, and Saturday Science. As the school year begins, we remain committed to offering family-friendly programs—in which “family” means learners of all ages are welcome.
The Center for Families, Communities, Schools, and Children reminds us: “Children learn best through their everyday experiences with the people they love and trust, and when the learning is fun. And the best place for these experiences is outdoors, in the natural world.”
With that in mind, our Science Saturdays series will continue almost every week this school year. Originally designed for children, these hands-on science experiences increasingly attract adults eager to experience the fun of learning. The same is true for our after-school Environmental Exploration sessions, held Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m., and our Junior Nature Club, a preschool program resuming Wednesdays beginning September 17.
This Saturday’s Science Saturday program will focus on hexagons—six-sided polygons that appear repeatedly in nature. Beekeepers are familiar with the hexagonal structure of honeycombs, and fossil hunters know the beauty of honeycomb coral [and Petoskey stones.]
But hexagons are everywhere: in the arrangement of cells in our eyes, the compound eyes of insects, the shells of turtles, and the segments of pineapples. And wait—there’s more. Even NASA chose a hexagonal design for the mirrors of the Webb Space Telescope. Participants will explore hexagons through videos and engaging activities (including some edible options—please let us know if you have dietary restrictions).
This coming week, on Tuesday, September 2, at 3:30 p.m., our Environmental Exploration program will examine the mouths of different fish to learn what they eat. While we won’t be eating fish, we will gain fascinating insights into aquatic life. As always, adults are welcome to join, but please note that activities are designed with elementary students in mind.
Collins Learning Center will be closed on Labor Day, but our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Crossroads at Big Creek invites you to step outside, learn something new, and celebrate the changing season with us.”
Saturday, August 30,
2:00 Saturday Science: Hexagons
This activity, geared for elementary-aged children but open to all ages, will focus on Hexagons, the six-sided polygons that appear throughout nature. A short video will be followed by activities, some of which are edible (so let us know if participants have dietary restrictions). It is Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, September 2
3:30 Environmental Exploration-Door County Fish
This free program, geared for elementary-aged students but open to all ages, will examine fish mouths to predict what they eat. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Wednesday, September 3
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike through the trails of Crossroads. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 4
1:00 Trek with Terrie-Ida Bay Exploration
Deep-diving into geology, natural history, and post-glacial lakes. Adults only. Free, but a reservation is required. See www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org for more information and to reserve a spot.
