14th Annual Crossroads Trail Run

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (June 9, 2023) – On Saturday, June 17, the 14th annual Crossroads Trail Run, “Door County’s First and Only Trail Run,” welcomes participants of all ages to choose a 2k, 5k, or 10k distance at the Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserves. (Walkers may choose the 2k or 5k distance and runners may choose the 2k, 5k or 10k.) This event promotes wellness and healthy living, cross-generational recreation, and increases an awareness of the benefits of nature.

Crossroads’ Trail Run is an important annual event for many people who currently live or once lived on the Door Peninsula and for visitors. For many, this event is a joyful gathering filled with squeals of recognition, hugs, high-fives and memories. Weddings and family reunions have been scheduled to include the Crossroads Trail Run.

Several of our athletes tell us they run our trails to see the progress we have made in our land restoration efforts over the past year.

One of the excitements of the past two years has been the addition of new bridges. These new bridges help  protect  our wetland ecosystems  while providing people with great views of the preserve. Two of the bridges were dedicated in 2022 and the third bridge, “The Cordon Family Pike Passage Bridge,” will be officially designated on Race Day as part of the post-Run ceremony.

In addition to new bridges and very new boardwalks, runners, walkers, and spectators will see thousands of blue tubes containing newly planted trees and shrubs, countless piles of invasive species, and meadows of sprouting wildflowers: the work of our restoration team and Habitat Healer volunteers. And along the 10k route, participants will observe our beginning efforts to transform an historic barn into a field station – another form of restoration.

Because we understand that during a race people are thinking about speed, breathing, and finishing, we have scheduled nature hikes during the run-up to the big day; at a moderate pace, people can  better see the preserves and learn about restoration efforts.

On Wednesday and Thursday at 5:00 p.m., folks are invited drop by after work to participate in a Walk-the-Race Guided Nature Hike. Plus, on Thursday, our evening Summer Explorers family program will break out the bug nets and the boots! Join a Crossroads’ naturalist in exploring the fascinating life living on the Preserve. Fascination doesn’t stop there. The DPAS Viewing Night will start Saturday on June 17 at 9:15 p.m.…one of the latest dusks of the year. 

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support! Become a member of Crossroads by mailing your support to P.O. Box 608, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, or donate online at www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org.