TRAIL CONDITIONS: Closed until further notice.
Crossroads looks beautiful and very different now that we have snow. Sparkling drifts cover the hills, trees appear flocked, and tracks reveal the evidence of the mammals that make Crossroads their winter home. But even deer tracks look different in the snow.
Take deer tracks. A few weeks ago, when mud was everywhere, each deer foot made a track that reminds me of a broken heart. Tracks are different now that we have snow.
Deer have small toes called “dew claws” protruding from their lower legs. On soft surfaces, snow and unfrozen sand, for example, deer spread their front parts of their hooves, greatly increasing the surface areas of their feet. Then dew claws take some of the body weight, extending the surface area even more. Deer tracks in snow look not like hearts but rather, like the prints of two tiny high heel shoes.
Even so, deep snow can impede the movement of deer. Often, deer drag their feet through the snow, apparently to conserve energy. Another way deer conserve energy is by carefully placing their hind feet into the tracks created by their front feet, or the prints of other animals, including humans. Because plowing through deep snow requires enormous energy, deer tend to establish trails and to follow the trails whenever possible. It’s just easier and faster.
We at Crossroads have established trails. Some trails are designated as Ski Trails which our Facilities Manager, Rich Propsom, grooms for classical and skate skiing. Other trails are designated for snowshoeing and walking. Pets are permitted on walking trails. New detailed maps located throughout the Crossroads Preserve will help outdoor enthusiasts locate the appropriate trails and find various features.
Crossroads Trails are open day and night at our original preserve and also the trails at Big Creek Cove and the Ida Bay Preserve. The trails at the Cove and Ida Bay will not be groomed, giving visitors a more natural outdoor experience.
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
“Rocky Planets” will be the topic for the January meeting of the Pluto Club. This informal group is Crossroads’ way of introducing very small (like Pluto) learners to the basic concepts of astronomy. Reservations are not required, but we will be making edible models, so call ahead if your child has dietary restrictions. Programs are developed for children Kindergarten through second grade, but are open to siblings and all learners. (We’ve had Jupiter-sized learners at our programs and that is fine.) The Club meets this month at 3:45, Friday, January 8 in the Lab of the Collins Learning Center. Programs last about 45 minutes and are free.
At 7:00 on Tuesday, January 12 the program “Improving Habitats with Native Plants” will open the Lecture Series for the Door County Master Gardeners. Speaker Coggin Heeringa will discuss the relationship of native plants to birds and wildlife and also discuss wildlife corridors and stop-overs for migrating birds and insects. This program is free and open to the public.
Crossroads is a donor-support preserve welcoming learners of all ages to programs in science, history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan Street in Strugeon Bay, is open 2:00-4:30 daily and during scheduled events. Hikers and dog walkers are welcome but we ask them to avoid walking on groomed ski trails.
Thursday, January 7
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Friday, January 8
3:45 Pluto Club
Rocky Planets” will be the topic for the January meeting of the Pluto Club. This informal group is Crossroads’ way of introducing very small (like Pluto) learners to the basic concepts of astronomy. Reservations are not required, but we will be making edible models, so call ahead if your child has dietary restrictions. Programs are developed for children Kindergarten through second grade, but are open to siblings and all learners. (We’ve had Jupiter-sized learners at our programs and that is fine.) The Club meets in the Lab of the Collins Learning Center. Programs last about 45 minutes and are free.
Saturday, January 9
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Sunday, January 10
1:00-3:30 Ski For Free
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment (much of it brand new!) in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-3:30. When trail conditions permit, go to the At
Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Tuesday, January 12
7:00 Master Gardener Lecture “Improving Habitats with Native Plants” Speaker Coggin Heeringa will discuss the relationship of native plants to birds and wildlife and also discuss wildlife corridors and stop-overs for migrating birds and insects. This program is free and open to the public.
