Crossroads at Big Creek is kicking off the summer season with the theme “Take a Hike.” Visitors are always welcome to explore the trails, and this week they can also enjoy the children’s book Take a Hike, by Alison Farrell, featured on Trail Tales, the storybook walk that begins at the West Trailhead.
During Take a Hike Week, a variety of hikes will be offered. It’s not unusual during one of these naturalist-led outings for someone to ask: “What good are mosquitoes? Lake flies? Poison ivy?”
Plants and animals did not evolve to help humans, but researchers are learning that even species we dislike often play important roles — what ecologists call “ecosystem services.” Take a hike this week and discover some of the ways plants and animals support healthy ecosystems.
The Nature Investigators program on Thursday, May 28, invites families and learners of all ages to explore the ways local mammals benefit the ecosystem.
Saturday Science: “Pollen Probe” will focus on the relationships between flowers and their pollinators.
The Wandering Wednesday program on June 3 will explore spring wildflowers and their relationships with insects, which extend far beyond pollination.
Then, on Thursday, June 4, Crossroads will offer a Nighttime Bat Hike at the Ida Bay Preserve at 8:30 p.m., during which participants will look for, listen to and record bats. The event is free, but preregistration is required. Reserve a spot by calling 920-746-5895 or visiting www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org.
Most people know bats eat night-flying insects, but few realize the magnitude of their ecological services. Bats are important to forest health as well as agricultural ecosystems. By consuming thousands of insects nightly, bats help reduce crop damage and decrease the need for chemical pesticides.
What good are plants and animals? Research continues to reveal how interconnected and beneficial many native plants and animals are to ecosystems. So this week at Crossroads, take a hike — and discover the hidden services nature provides.
The 25th Anniversary Challenge is now underway. In honor of the Collins Learning Center’s 25th anniversary, Jim and Cathy Collins are matching all gifts up to $25,000. Gifts to Crossroads at Big Creek today will have double the impact.
Saturday, May 30
9:30 a.m. — Master Gardener Workshop: “Starting a Vegetable Garden on a Budget”
Those who dream of growing flavorful vegetables but don’t know how to begin without spending a lot are invited to attend this workshop. Stacia Dick-Schuster will share practical ways to garden economically. Door prizes and handouts will be provided. Sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners and Seed Library. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
10 a.m. — Saturday Science: “Pollen Probe”
Learners of all ages are invited to explore plants, bees and pollen. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, June 3
1:30 p.m. — Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will focus on spring wildflowers and their relationships with insects. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
The 25th Anniversary Challenge is now underway. In honor of the Collins Learning Center’s 25th anniversary, Jim and Cathy Collins are matching all gifts up to $25,000. Gifts to Crossroads at Big Creek today will have double the impact.
Thursday, June 4
8:30 p.m. — Nighttime Bat Hike
Grab headlamps and join Crossroads for a night hike to look for, listen to and record local bats. Meet at the Ida Bay Preserve, 1195 Canal Road, Sturgeon Bay. Registration is required. Visit www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org for details and reservations.
