The New England Asters at Crossroads, and really, all over Door County, have been nothing short of spectacular this fall. Asters reach their peak just as most of the flowers begin to fade, set seed and go into dormancy. And Crossroads is rather like that. While many Door County attractions are winding down, Crossroads is revving up for two of the busiest weeks of the year. In addition to hosting school fields trips and adult education classes every weekday, and teacher education classes on weekends, Crossroads is offering Astronomy For Kids on Saturday, October 17 and during the final week of the month, we are inviting the community to take part in an archaeological dig at our Ida Bay Preserve. Nature writers Donald and Lillian Stokes wrote in Enjoying Wildflowers, “One intriguing question to ask about the asters is, Why do they bloom in the fall? And conversely, why don’t other plants bloom in the fall? The disadvantages to blooming in fall are that the days are shorter and temperatures coolers. A possible advantage is that, since most other plants have died back, there is less competition for water, nutrients, and pollinators?”
Perhaps we have increasing numbers of visitors because there are fewer entertainment options this time of year, but I like to think that Americans are culturally conditioned to think of fall as the time for learning, and that is what Door County residents and visitors do at Crossroads.
Another way Crossroads is like New England Asters—which are described in reference books as “color: varied” [they range in color from pink to deep purple and everything in between] is that they depend on cross-pollination. This October, our programs are truly varied and in almost every case, the result of cross-pollination….collaboration with other Door County organizations.
Saturday, October 17, Crossroads, in collaboration with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, will offer an ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS DAY from 1:00-2:30. Participants will learn about the sun, moon, planets, and comets by participating in simple hands on activities and by watching demonstrations. There may even be a visit from the Comet Chef. Some demonstrations will be edible (call ahead 746-5895 if your child has dietary restrictions.) and the kids will come home with small souvenirs. Because this activity is funded by a childhood education grant from the Wisconsin Space Grant , we are targeting the kindergarten through third grade age group, but learners of all ages are welcome. The event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, October 20, at 7:00, Crossroads host Wild Ones of Door County as they present the lecture on the “Wisconsin Stopover Project”. Speaker Kim Grveles will give advice on how to make our properties friendly and supportive for migration the nesting birds. This program is free and open to the public.
The final week of October, fund this time, by a grant from the Door County Community Foundation, we will sponsor Interactive Archaeology, inviting the area schools, youth groups and adult volunteers take part in an archaeological dig at our Ida Bay Preserve. More details will follow, but those interested can e-mail info@crossroadsatbigcreek.org for more information or to sign up.
Crossroads is an environmental preserve welcoming learners of all ages to programs focusing on science, history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan is open 2:00-4:30 daily and during scheduled events. Trails at Crossroads, Big Creek Cove and the Ida Bay Preserve are open to the public, free of charge.
Saturday, October 17 1:00-2:30 ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS Participants will learn about the sun, moon, planets, and comets by participating in simple hands on activities and by watching demonstrations. There may even be a visit from the Comet Chef. Some demonstrations will be edible (call ahead 746-5895 if your child has dietary restrictions.) and most kids will come home with souvenirs. Because this activity is funded by a childhood education grant from the Wisconsin Space Grant , we are targeting the kindergarten through third grade age group, but learners of all ages are welcome. The event is free and open to the public
Sunday, October 18
4:30 Hike along Big Creek Cove
Sometimes this time of year, the cove is filled with waterfowl. Other times, it’s just pretty. Join the naturalist for a hour ramble at the end of the day. Meet at the Bridge on Utah Street. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, October 20
7:00 Wild Ones Lecture: The Wisconsin Stopover Project
Guest Speaker Kim Grveles will give advice on how to make our properties friendly and supportive for migration the nesting birds. This program is free and open to the public.
