Fall Blooms

Fall is often known for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and colorful leaves, but let’s not forget about what is still blooming around us. While spring often gets most of the attention when it comes to wildflowers, many plants continue to bloom well into autumn, providing important food sources for wildlife as the seasons change.

Residents and visitors exploring Door County at this time of year may notice asters, goldenrod, and cardinal flower still adding vibrant splashes of color to the landscape. These late-season blooms do much more than brighten trail sides and wetlands. They provide nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds at a time when many other food sources are becoming scarce.

According to Interpretive Naturalist Jess Poppie, these late bloomers play an important role in supporting wildlife before winter arrives.

“Many people focus on the colorful leaves this time of year, but some of our most important plants are still hard at work,” said Poppie. “Asters and goldenrod provide critical nectar for pollinators, while their seeds help feed birds. Even though they’re nearing the end of their growing season, they’re still supporting a wide variety of wildlife.”

Goldenrod and asters are especially valuable for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators searching for energy-rich nectar before colder temperatures arrive. Cardinal flower, with its brilliant red blossoms, is another striking sight in the fall landscape. The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators preparing for migration or winter.

So, while these plants may appear small and delicate, they are performing important work throughout the ecosystem. The next time you’re outside, take a closer look. You might be surprised by how much is still blooming. These late-season beauties may be few, but they are mighty.

One of the best ways to discover what is blooming across the preserve is by joining Crossroads’ popular Wandering Wednesday hike on Wednesday, October 7, at 1:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy an easy, naturalist-led walk through the preserve while searching for seasonal discoveries and learning about the plants and wildlife that make fall such a fascinating time of year. The approximately one-hour outing is free and open to the public, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Fall is also a season of imagination and adventure. Throughout October, Crossroads is proud to serve as a primary community partner in Winnie-Pooh-Looza, a month-long celebration presented by the Friends of Door County Libraries in honor of the 100th birthday of A.A. Milne’s beloved Winnie-the-Pooh.

As part of the countywide celebration, portions of the Crossroads nature preserve will be transformed into an interactive outdoor experience inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood. Community members of all ages are invited to step into Pooh’s world while exploring the trails, discovering special activities, and connecting with nature in new ways. Families can also look forward to a honey workshop on October 24, crafts, hands-on science activities, and other opportunities designed to engage learners of all ages. Additional information about Crossroads’ Winnie-Pooh-Looza activities can be found at crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/winnie-pooh-looza/.

Young explorers will also have opportunities to connect with nature through Crossroads’ fall youth programming. Nature Club, a free six-week program for children ages 6-8, begins Thursday, October 8, at 1 p.m. Although the session is currently full, interested families may contact Crossroads to join the waiting list. For younger children, Junior Nature Club continues on Tuesday, October 13, at 10 a.m. or Wednesday, October 14, at 10:00 a.m. offering preschool-aged children and their families opportunities to discover, explore, and connect with the natural world through outdoor adventures.

Families looking for a festive fall activity won’t want to miss Pumpkin Carving Night on Friday, October 9, at 4 p.m. Crossroads will provide pumpkins and carving tools, allowing participants to focus on creativity and fun. Whether you create a spooky face, a woodland creature, or a nature-inspired masterpiece, this free event is a great way to celebrate the season. Space is limited, and advance RSVP is requested through the Crossroads website or by calling 920-746-5895.

Adults can continue their fall learning on Monday, October 12, at 1:30 p.m. with Lessons from the Black Bear. This engaging program explores the fascinating world of black bears, including their behaviors, survival strategies, hibernation, and what humans can learn from these remarkable animals.

Whether you’ve walked the Crossroads trails for years or are discovering them for the first time, fall offers countless opportunities to connect with nature. From admiring the season’s last wildflowers and searching for pollinators among asters and goldenrod to exploring the Hundred Acre Wood during Winnie-Pooh-Looza, carving a pumpkin, or learning about black bears, there is something for every age to discover at Crossroads.

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 donors, 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. Autumn’s beauty doesn’t end when the leaves begin to fall. In many ways, some of nature’s most important work is just beginning.