Open Door Bird Sanctuary Presentation at Crossroads

By Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist, Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc.

As a part of the First Friday Series, Crossroads at Big Creek will host a family-friendly presentation by representatives from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary. They promise an up-close and personal experience with birds of prey. 

The program will be offered at 6:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Amphitheater, a short five to ten-minute walk from the parking lot along the Meadow Trail. Then, at 7:30 p.m., Crossroads will host a campfire at the Council Ring where people can socialize, tell stories and make s’mores. These programs are free thanks to the sponsorship of Door County Medical Center.

The Open Door Bird Sanctuary endeavors to raise awareness of birds of prey which, in some cases, are under-appreciated. During a recent bird hike, while most of the participants were reveling in the sight of several hawk soaring in a thermal updraft, one of the participants confided, “I actually hate birds of prey. They kill baby birds.” 

The woman was entitled to her opinion, but we greatly value birds of prey for that very reason: because they eat baby birds and other prey ranging from insect pests to small mammals. The Master Gardener volunteers who tend our Heritage Garden will attest to the fecundity of small mammals. Mice, voles, squirrels, groundhogs…..most prey species multiply like rabbits. Without the pest control services of birds of prey, we would be overrun with small creatures, which in a short time would eat all available food and, consequently, then all perish.

Birds of prey and scavengers such as vultures also stop the spread of disease. By taking out diseased animals or feeding on rotting carcasses, they remove toxins, bacteria, and other pathogens before they can spread into the local environment.

Community scientists at Crossroads are documenting the abundance of birds of prey because these birds are ecological barometers of the health of the wildlife community.

So Friday night is the time for learners of all ages to learn to appreciate birds of prey. But Friday morning will be special for young children when Nancy Hawkins presents the puppet show “The Princess and the Pea” as a part of the Friday Make-and-Take Nature Crafts program. Kids also will enjoy the Family Nature Programs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. And on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., Summer Explorers will be out in the preserve with one of our naturalists.

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. Retired chemistry teacher and DPAS member Todd Rockway will present the lecture, “The Chemistry of the Universe.” If the Big Bang produced hydrogen, then how were additional elements like Helium, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Iron and organic compounds formed in the universe? Chemical reactions describing the formation of these chemical entities will be presented. Visitors are welcome. Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Building, 2200 Utah St., Sturgeon Bay.Volunteer opportunities this week include Tuesday mornings in the Heritage Garden, Thursday mornings with Pollinator Pals in the native plant garden at the entrance to the Collins Learning Center and on Saturday mornings, Habitat Healers.

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.

Friday, July 7, 10:00 am

Make-and-Take Featuring Puppet Story and Nature Craft This week we welcome special guest, Nancy Hawkins, a local puppeteer who will be reading “The Princess and the Pea.” Following the puppet show, join a Crossroads Naturalist and explore nature through artistic and creative activities. Each week, families will get to make and take home a nature-inspired craft. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

6:30 p.m. First Fridays: Open Door Bird Sanctuary

This month, our First Friday program will be the Open Door Bird Sanctuary, a local sanctuary providing homes for un-releasable birds of prey and incredible opportunities to meet and learn about these creatures. Following the presentation, Crossroads will be hosting a campfire at our Council Ring where people can socialize, tell stories, and make s’mores to enjoy!*Amphitheater bench seating is available, or bring a camp chair or blanket if you’d like. (Note: The Outdoor Amphitheater is a short 5 to 10-minute walk from the parking lot on our Meadow Trail. Start at the Parking Lot at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay

Saturday, July 8, 9:00 a.m. Habitat Healers

Help heal the earth! Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with our land restoration efforts. Wear clothing and footgear that can get dirty and wet and bring a water bottle. Instruction, equipment, and gloves provided along with cookies and lemonade at the end! No need to register in advance and all ages are welcome. Meet at the Workshop at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. – Family Nature Programs – Great Lakes fish and Other Creatures

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Suitable for all ages. This week we study the fishes (and other creatures) of the Great Lakes. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay. Free and open to the public. 

Tuesday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. Family Nature Programs – Fantastic Flyers

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Suitable for all ages. This time we look at migrations – Experience the mysteries of migration in our fields and woodlands. Some creatures travel 10,000 miles or more to make it to our preserve. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay. Free and open to the public. 

Tuesday, July 11, 7:00 p.m. DPAS Monthly Meeting

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. Retired chemistry teacher and DPAS member Todd Rockway will present the lecture, “The Chemistry of the Universe.” If the Big Bang produced hydrogen, then how were additional elements like Helium, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Iron and organic compounds formed in the universe? Chemical reactions describing the formation of these chemical entities will be presented. Visitors are welcome. Free. Meet at the Stonecipher Astronomy Building, 2200 Utah St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. Family Nature Programs – Fossils

Join one of our naturalists for some free family-oriented activities and nature exploration. Suitable for all ages. This time we look at fossils – Discover hard-shelled creatures from ancient Silurian Sea transformed into the fossils we find at Crossroads. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay. Free and open to the public. 

Thursday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. Pollinator Pals

If you like to garden and are interested in giving our native pollinators a helping hand, Crossroads at Big Creek could use your help to work on restoring the front Pollinator Garden. We will provide instruction, any needed equipment and coffee. Volunteers of all ages and experience are welcome. Meet at the entrance of the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.