Look to the skies, shorelines, and forests of Door County, and you'll discover that we're right in the middle of one of nature's great migrations. More than 300 bird species pass through or utilize Door County each year, making the peninsula an important stopover along the Mississippi Flyway. Surrounded by the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County naturally guides migrating birds through the region, providing places where they can rest, feed, and prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Crossroads at Big Creek's preserves offer a variety of habitats that help support these travelers. Forests, wetlands, meadows, and shorelines provide food, shelter, and safe places to rest. The Cove Preserve is especially important. Located where Big Creek meets the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, this estuarine habitat attracts a wide variety of both migratory and year-round bird species. Whether you're an avid birder or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, a walk through the preserve can reveal something new around every corner.
"Many birds travel hundreds or even thousands of miles during migration," said Jess Poppie, Interpretive Naturalist at Crossroads at Big Creek. "The habitats protected at Crossroads give them places to rest and refuel before continuing their incredible journeys."
November is a wonderful time to get outside and experience these natural wonders firsthand. Join us for Wandering Wednesday on November 18 at 1:30 p.m. and enjoy an easy naturalist-led hike through the preserve.
Crossroads also offers opportunities to deepen your connection to the natural world in other ways. On November 20 at 1 p.m., USDA Soil Scientist Jeremy Zeigler will lead Get to Know Your Soil, a hands-on exploration of local soils and soil classification.
Participants will examine real soil samples, learn how to identify different soil types, and discover the foundations of healthy, thriving ecosystems.
Then on November 23 at 1:30 p.m., join us for Let's Get Crafty! Tapestry Weaving. This fully guided program includes all materials and supplies and invites participants to explore the connections found throughout the natural world through creative expression. Participants will leave with a handmade tapestry.
Whether you're hoping to spot migrating birds, enjoy a guided hike, learn about the ground beneath your feet, or create something inspired by nature, November offers plenty of opportunities to explore, discover, and connect at Crossroads at Big Creek.
Upcoming Programs
Month of November
Enjoy a self-guided storybook walk along Meadow Trail, starting at the west trailhead. The featured story in November is "Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi" by Kallie George. Trails are open to the public 24/7 at no charge. The Collins Learning Center will feature a variety of hands-on exploration stations for all ages to discover more about mushrooms.
Tuesday, November 17
9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Habitat Healers: Ida Bay Hand Seeding
Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to hand-seed six acres of woodland meadow at the Ida Bay Preserve. Volunteers will help plant a mix of native wildflowers and grasses to support and restore the habitat. Meet at: Ida Bay Preserve, 1195 Canal Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Wednesday, November 18
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, November 19
1 p.m. | Nature Club
A free program for children ages 6-8 who love to discover, investigate, and learn about the outdoors. Space is limited, so please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
6-7:30 p.m. | Door County Science on Tap: Fight the Bite
Join researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as they share insights from their tick surveys and ongoing research, including an overview of local tick populations and their impact on human health. Meet at: Bridge Up Brewing, 129 N. Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Friday, November 20
1 p.m. | Get to Know Your Soil
Join USDA Soil Scientist Jeremy Zeigler for an engaging, hands-on exploration of local soils and soil classification! Get your hands on real soil samples, learn how to identify different soil types, and discover the key factors that contribute to healthy, thriving soil. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Monday, November 23
1:30 p.m. | Let's Get Crafty! Tapestry Weaving
This fully guided program includes all materials and supplies. Come get creative, learn something new, and leave with a handmade reminder of the connections found throughout the natural world. Free and open to the public. Space is limited so please register by contacting us. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
3:15 p.m. | Crossroads Critter Club
Kids ages 6–12 will discover what makes these fascinating birds unique, from their excellent hearing and impressive feathers to the ways they communicate and care for their young. Get ready to gobble up some fun facts and learn more about one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable birds! Please register in advance. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
