As autumn settles across Door County, the days grow shorter, the nights get cooler, and a different cast of wildlife begins to emerge. For those who take the time to slow down and listen, fall offers an opportunity to experience one of the preserve's most fascinating residents: the Great Horned Owl.
On crisp autumn evenings, you may hear the deep, resonant hoots of these remarkable birds echoing through the darkness. Primarily nocturnal, Great Horned Owls spend much of the night hunting and patrolling their territories.
According to Interpretive Naturalist Jess Poppie, Great Horned Owls are among nature's most adaptable predators.
"One of the things I love most about Great Horned Owls is their ability to thrive in so many different environments," said Poppie. "They can be found in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even suburban neighborhoods. They're incredibly resilient birds and perfectly suited for life in Wisconsin throughout the changing seasons."
Chilly autumn temperatures pose little challenge for these owls. Their dense feathers provide exceptional insulation, while their powerful talons allow them to capture a wide variety of prey. They are also known for their nearly silent flight, made possible by specialized feathers that reduce noise and help them move stealthily through the night
Sometimes called the "Tiger Owl" because of its reputation as a fierce hunter, the Great Horned Owl plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Though often heard more than seen, its distinctive call adds a sense of mystery and wonder to an evening walk.
The next time you're outside after sunset, pause and listen. You may not spot a Great Horned Owl, but if you hear that unmistakable hoot drifting through the darkness, chances are one is nearby.
Fall is also a season of imagination, exploration, and community adventure. Throughout October, Crossroads is proud to serve as a community partner in Winnie-Pooh-Looza, a month-long celebration presented by the Friends of Door County Libraries in honor of A.A. Milne's beloved bear. The preserve will host special activities and opportunities to enjoy a little Hundred Acre Wood magic while exploring nature. Stop in the Collins Learning Center during open hours for "Tinkers, " self-led hands-on activities for all ages featuring bears and bees.
Those interested in experiencing the changing season firsthand are invited to join Wandering Wednesday on October 14 at 1:30 p.m. This free, naturalist-led hike offers an easy walk through the preserve while highlighting seasonal changes.
Families won't want to miss Trails & Treats on Friday, October 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Participants can trick-or-treat along luminary-lit trails glowing with community-carved jack-o'-lanterns, creating a magical autumn experience for all ages.
Creativity takes center stage on Monday, October 19, at 1:30 p.m. during Let's Get Crafty: Mosaics, where participants will turn discarded glass into unique works of eco-friendly art. Registration is requested for this free program.
On Tuesday, October 20, at 5:30 p.m., the Door County Beekeepers Club will present Keeping Track of Your Honeybees, exploring how hive records and field notes can strengthen beekeeping practices and provide valuable insights throughout the season. Registration is not required.
Whether you've walked the Crossroads trails for years or are discovering them for the first time, autumn 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 community, Crossroads is able to offer free programming for all ages. If you cannot attend a program, remember that the trails are open all day, every day, free of charge. As autumn deepens and the sounds of the night become more noticeable, the season offers endless opportunities to experience the wildlife, wonder, and sense of discovery that make Crossroads such a special place to explore.
Upcoming Programs
Month of October
Winnie-Pooh-Looza
Join us for Winnie-Pooh-Looza, a month-long celebration honoring A.A. Milne’s beloved bear! As a community partner in this countywide event brought to you by Friends of Door County Libraries, Crossroads at Big Creek is bringing a little Hundred Acre Wood magic to the preserve throughout October. Please visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/winnie-pooh-looza/ to learn more. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Wednesday, October 14
10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session
Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week outdoor adventure designed for preschool-aged children and their families to discover, explore, and connect with the natural world. Please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
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, October 15
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
Friday, October 16
5:30-7:00 p.m. | Trails & Treats
Join us for a free fun-filled pumpkin carving event where pumpkins and carving tools are provided—just bring your creativity! Space is limited so please RSVP to reserve your spot by visiting crossroadsatbigcreek.org or by calling 920-746-5895. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Monday, October 19
1:30 p.m. | Let's Get Crafty: Mosaics
Spend your afternoon turning discarded glass materials into one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly art pieces. This hands-on activity is perfect for anyone who loves creative expression and wants to give new life to upcycled materials. This program is free and open to the public. Please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Tuesday, October 20
10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session
Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week outdoor adventure designed for preschool-aged children and their families to discover, explore, and connect with the natural world. Please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
5:30 p.m. | Keeping Track of Your Honeybees
What can we learn from keeping field notes when you check your hives, and how does this impact your beekeeping journey? Join the Door County Beekeepers Club to find out how documentation can help in many ways. Free and open to public - registration not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
