Door County is home to an amazing variety of animals, from butterflies drifting through summer meadows to mammals hidden in forests and wetlands. This week's Summer at Crossroads theme, Animals, invites visitors to explore the creatures that share our peninsula and discover the remarkable ways they survive, thrive and connect to the natural world around us.
The week begins with a Tale. At 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read The Busy Tree, written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Lisa Falkenstern. Through vibrant oil paintings and rhythmic text, the story reveals the countless animals that depend on a single tree. Chipmunks nibble acorns, ants scurry along bark, spiders spin webs and birds find shelter among the branches. Young readers will discover that even an ordinary tree is a bustling habitat filled with life. For those unable to attend Tale story time, the book will also be featured throughout the week on the Trail Tales storybook walk beginning at the West Trailhead.
At 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, Journeys with Joan will focus on Butterflies: Masters of Transformation. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis and adult. Participants will learn about the adaptations that help butterflies survive, the native plants they depend on and the important role they play as pollinators in Door County ecosystems.
That same evening, at 5:30 p.m., community members are invited to attend the Door County Beekeeper Club's Hive Dive Q&A. The club promotes the study, science and craft of beekeeping while raising awareness of the many benefits bees provide to our environment, ecology and local economy. Whether you're curious about pollinators, interested in starting a hive or simply want to learn more about these remarkable insects, this free program offers an opportunity to connect with experienced local beekeepers.
On Wednesday, July 22, at 1:30 p.m., participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to search for signs of wildlife along the trails. Summer is an active time for many animals, and hikers may observe birds, insects, tracks, nests, feeding evidence or other clues that reveal the lives of the creatures inhabiting Crossroads' forests, fields and wetlands.
The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Wisconsin DNR Game Warden Chris Kratcha will present Animal Adaptations, an engaging program exploring the fascinating adaptations of mammals found throughout Door County and Wisconsin. Participants will discover how animals such as deer, foxes, bears and smaller mammals use specialized physical and behavioral traits — including thick winter coats, powerful claws, keen senses and unique diets — to find food, avoid predators and survive seasonal changes. The program will offer a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Wisconsin wildlife and the ways animals interact with people and the environment.
Throughout the week — and all summer long — visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can explore animal-themed challenges and activities that encourage observation, inquiry and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Animals are an essential part of every ecosystem. From pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds to controlling insect populations and shaping habitats, they play important roles in maintaining healthy environments. By learning about the animals that call Door County home, we gain a greater appreciation for the diverse web of life that surrounds us and a deeper understanding of our connection to nature.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open to the public all day, every day, free of charge.
Monday, July 20
2 p.m. — Tale: The Busy Tree
Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, The Busy Tree, written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Lisa Falkenstern. Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint and rhyming text that describes a tree's activities from its roots to its branches introduce young readers to the amazing activity taking place in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web and leaves "breathing out air for all to breathe in" all add up to a "busy tree" for everyone to "come and see." Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, July 21
1 p.m. — Journeys with Joan: Butterflies: Masters of Transformation
Join naturalist Joan Wilkie for free, family-oriented activities exploring nature.
Butterflies are masters of transformation. Search for summer butterflies in Crossroads' gardens, meadows and fields. Suitable for all ages. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public thanks to donors like you. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, July 22
1:30 p.m. — Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike. Expect easy walking for about an hour. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Thursday, July 23
2 p.m. — Talk: Animal Adaptations
Discover how Wisconsin's mammals are perfectly equipped to survive and thrive in a changing environment. Join Wisconsin DNR Game Warden Chris Kratcha for an engaging program exploring the fascinating adaptations of mammals found across Door County and beyond.
From thick winter coats and fat reserves to keen senses, powerful claws and specialized diets, mammals have evolved remarkable physical and behavioral traits that help them find food, avoid predators and endure harsh seasonal conditions. Kratcha will share insights from his work in the field, highlighting how animals such as deer, foxes, bears and small mammals are adapted to the landscapes and climates they call home.
Participants will learn how these adaptations influence where mammals live, how they move and how they interact with people and the environment. This program offers a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of local wildlife and gain a new appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Wisconsin's mammals.
Whether you're curious about animal behavior, enjoy wildlife watching or want to learn more about the mammals you encounter around your home or on the trail, this program is sure to be an eye-opening experience. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
