For those who take the time to look, autumn's transition is already underway, even if summer's warmth still lingers.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, monarch butterflies are gathering before beginning their remarkable journey to Mexico. Warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, and other migratory birds are passing through local forests, fields, and shorelines, stopping to rest and refuel before continuing south. Trees are quietly storing nutrients for winter, even while their leaves remain green, and bats are feeding heavily before migrating or settling into hibernation sites.
According to Interpretive Naturalist Jess Poppie, migration season offers a reminder that Door County sits along one of nature's busiest travel corridors.
"Many people are noticing monarch butterflies gathering along the shoreline right now," Poppie said. "At the same time, we're seeing a variety of migrating birds passing through Crossroads preserves. Some of these travelers have come from northern Wisconsin or Canada and are headed thousands of miles south. It's a season filled with incredible journeys."
Some migratory birds may eventually reach destinations in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, or beyond. Many songbirds travel under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and favorable winds. Before departing, they build up fat reserves that fuel astonishing long-distance flights. A Wood Thrush, for example, may eventually cross the Gulf of Mexico on its journey south.
Our popular Wandering Wednesday hike returns on Wednesday, September 23, at 1:30 p.m. As monarchs drift overhead, migrating birds move through local habitats, and splashes of gold begin appearing along trails and wetlands, participants can join a naturalist-led walk through the preserve to see what signs of fall are emerging. No two hikes are ever quite the same, which is part of the fun.
The arrival of fall also signals a new season of exploration for Crossroads' youngest naturalists. Beginning Tuesday, September 29, at 10 a.m., Junior Nature Club invites children ages 3 to 5 and their adults to discover the wonders of nature through a six-week series focused on observation, exploration, and learning through the senses.
Fall's beauty can also be found right in our own backyards. On Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m., Crossroads will host Leave the Leaves, a presentation sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones Door Peninsula. The program will explore how fallen leaves support pollinators and other wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem while reducing yard work. As trees prepare for winter and begin their annual leaf drop, it is a timely reminder that nature's processes often work best when given a little space.
Visitors can also enjoy the changing season at their own pace through Crossroads' current Trail Tales Storybook Walk. Beginning at the West Trailhead and following the Meadow Trail, families can experience Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell, beautifully illustrated by her daughter Lizzy Rockwell.
As pages of the story unfold along the trail, readers are invited to share the simple pleasures of spending time outdoors. With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations that practically leap from the page, Hiking Day is a perfect companion for an autumn walk, encouraging children and adults alike to slow down, explore, and appreciate the natural world around them.
As migration season continues, Crossroads encourages visitors to keep an eye on the skies and listen for the calls of birds moving through Door County. Simple actions, such as making windows more bird-friendly with decals, screens, or other visual markers, can help reduce collisions and make the journey a little safer for these remarkable travelers.
Whether you're watching monarchs prepare for migration, listening for a passing warbler, noticing the first hints of color in the canopy, leaving the leaves beneath your trees, or sharing a story along the trail, fall offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.
All programs are held at the Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer free programming for all ages. If you cannot attend a program, remember that the trails at Crossroads and Ida Bay Preserve are open all day, every day, free of charge. Fall migration is already underway, and there is plenty to discover outside.
Upcoming Programs
Wednesday, September 23
1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike through the preserve. Enjoy easy walking and seasonal discoveries during this approximately one-hour outing. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.
Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Thursday, September 17
1:00 p.m. | Nature Club: Fall Session
Nature Club is a free, six-week program for children ages 6-8 who love to discover, investigate, and learn about the outdoors. Each week, kids will connect with nature through hands-on activities that encourage movement, friendship, and a lifelong sense of wonder. Class is full; contact us to join the wait list. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Tuesday, September 29
10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session
Six-week program for ages 3-5 and their adults, learning about observing nature with their senses. Drop in. Registration is not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
6:30 p.m. | Talk: Leave the Leaves
Presented by Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones - Door Peninsula, those fallen leaves aren’t yard waste—they’re an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. Discover how leaving leaves can enrich your soil, protect overwintering pollinators and other wildlife, and support a healthier landscape—all while reducing fall yard work. Speaker: Coggin Heeringa of Wild Ones – Door Peninsula Chapter. Free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
