Halloween was celebrated at the end of last month, as it has been since ancient times, because it falls exactly halfway between the fall equinox and the winter solstice. The date for setting clocks back has changed repeatedly, and it wasn’t until 1941 that Congress officially designated the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. So, we at Crossroads have taken the liberty of selecting Friday, November 14, for our own ritual celebration of gratitude: a Thankful Luminary-Lit Hike.
Between the bedtime-friendly hours of 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., the community is invited to stroll along one of our trails, beautifully lit by the enchanting glow of luminaries. At the end of the trail, participants will “gather together” around a flickering campfire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of good people.
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, and the program is open to the public free of charge.
As participants enjoy Crossroads in a different light, we hope they will reflect on their blessings and cherished memories, so we have added a new component to our tradition.
The “Illuminate Your Love” program enables people to honor family, friends, colleagues, or pets for whom they are thankful with a glowing tribute. With a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more, you can light a candle in memory of or in honor of your loved one. Your tribute will glow during this or a future luminary-lit hike. For more information, visit: www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org/become-involved/give.
Traditionally, “harvest” refers to gathering grains—the seeds of domestic plants used for food or future planting. The Saturday Science family program will explore the seeds of native plants—how they become food for wildlife or germinate to create the next generation of plants.
For our Monday Matinee, we will screen A Murder of Crows, and weather permitting, the Environmental Exploration class will cover the basics of fossil hunting outdoors—though fossil hunts inside the Collins Learning Center are fun too.
There’s plenty to be thankful for this time of year, and we at Crossroads are especially grateful to the foundations and donors who support us. Because of their generosity, our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge, and we can offer free programs and activities for learners of all ages.
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 14
5:00–6:30 p.m. – Thankful Luminary-Lit Hike
Stroll the Crossroads trails with friends and family and reflect on what you are grateful for in the enchanting glow of luminaries. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, November 15
2:00 p.m. – Saturday Science: Seeds
This family program is geared toward elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Weather permitting, this outdoor program will explore how wildflowers and trees disperse their seeds. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, November 17
1:30 p.m. – Movie Matinee: A Murder of Crows
Crows may have a scary reputation, but what may be scariest is how little we know about this intelligent species. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, November 18
2:00 p.m. – Environmental Exploration: Fossils
This after-school program is open to all ages. Learn the basics of fossil identification. Each family will receive a Door County Fossil pamphlet free of charge. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, November 19
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will visit various habitats in the preserve. Easy walking, about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
