With the sucker run reaching its peak, bird migration underway, and frogs filling the spring evenings with their choruses, one could say that at Crossroads at Big Creek, it seems like every day really is Earth Day. But on April 22, we really will be celebrating when, in collaboration with our partner organization, the Door County Land Trust, the community can experience “Wisconsin Wildlife Photography with John Van Den Brandt.”
According to information from the Land Trust, “This will be an unforgettable presentation as John reveals the awe-inspiring creatures that live right in our own backyard. From bald eagles snatching fish in mid-flight to black bears scaling towering trees, you will experience intimate, soul-stirring glimpses of wildlife rarely seen up close.
Along the way, John will share captivating stories from the field and fascinating facts about the animals that make Wisconsin wild and wonderful.”
But nature itself is wild, wonderful, and quite fascinating—especially to preschool children in the Junior Nature Club. During this week’s class, children ages 3-5 and their adult companions will visit bridges at this very special time of year. On Thursday at 3:30 p.m., school-age students will explore what young people can do for the environment during Nature Investigators, part of the after-school program.
If the suckers are still running, volunteers and school groups will participate in citizen science projects sponsored by Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, including counting and tagging suckers, while others will review trail camera records of wildlife using the creek during this exciting time.
On Saturday, the Science Saturday theme is mushrooms and lichens, and in the afternoon, the Door County Mushroom Club will offer its annual Mushroom Day—which, when you think about it, are perfect Earth Day topics.
Mushrooms are the reproductive parts of fungi—nature’s recyclers. Many types of fungi break down dead material and return nutrients to the soil, making new life possible. Underground fungal networks help plants absorb and share water and nutrients; research is revealing they act like a communication system that keeps ecosystems healthy.
Lichens, a partnership between fungi and algae, do not tolerate pollution and are important environmental indicators. Together, lichens and mushrooms represent ecological interdependence and environmental awareness.
And speaking of environmental awareness, our Movie Matinee this week will be “Earth Day and Beyond—Gaylord Nelson’s Good Fight,” which explores the history of how Earth Day began and the work Gaylord Nelson did as Wisconsin’s governor to launch a new era of environmental activism.
The arrival of spring ephemeral wildflowers is a spectacular event in Door County. Those who love the outdoors look forward to the glorious display carpeting our forests here on the peninsula, heralding a growing season full of beauty in our wild areas.
Our final Earth Day event will be a lecture sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones–Door Peninsula Chapter, featuring distinguished naturalist, educator, and writer Charlotte Lukes, who will describe the botanical bounty as she shows stunning photos from her archives.
Every day really is Earth Day at Crossroads, and this week we invite the community to join us in our celebration of this very special planet.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 22
10 a.m. – Junior Nature Club
Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) and their adult companions will celebrate Earth Day by visiting the bridges—a kid favorite, especially this time of year. No reservation required. Free.
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday: Naturalist-Led Hike
Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking, about an hour. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Free and open to the public.
7 p.m. – Wisconsin Wildlife Photography with John Van Den Brandt
Witness Wisconsin wildlife through the lens of a master photographer. Professional wildlife photographer John Van Den Brandt has traveled the world capturing nature’s most breathtaking moments—but this time, he’s bringing the spotlight home to Wisconsin.
Thursday, April 23
3:30 p.m. – Nature Investigators: Earth Day for Kids
Geared toward school-age children, this hands-on program explores a new environmental mystery each week. This week’s theme: “What can kids do?” Includes outdoor time, weather permitting.
Saturday, April 25
Science Saturday: Mushrooms and Lichens
Learners of all ages are invited to explore mushrooms and lichens and the important roles they play. Outdoor activities if possible. Free and open to the public.
1 p.m. – Door Peninsula Mushroom Club: 4th Annual Mushroom Day
Join the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club for a fungi-filled day. Contact the club for additional details.
Monday, April 27
1 p.m. – Monday Matinee: “Earth Day and Beyond—Gaylord Nelson’s Good Fight”
This documentary explores the history of Earth Day and Gov. Gaylord Nelson’s role in launching a new era of environmental activism.
Tuesday, April 28
6:30 p.m. – Wild Ones/DCMGA: Wildflowers of Door County with Charlotte Lukes
The arrival of spring ephemeral wildflowers is a spectacular event in Door County. Join us at Crossroads from 6:30-8 p.m. as Charlotte Lukes shares insights and stunning photos from her archives.
This program is co-sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones–Door Peninsula Chapter. An intermission with refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public.
