Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (January 9, 2025) – In spite of the fact that days are getting (a bit) longer, we at Crossroads at Big Creek know that many people experience falling spirits and even seasonal depression enduring the dark days of winter. For the primitive people of Northern European, limited hours of daylight must have been terrifying…..”all the leaves were brown and the skies were grey.” We crave light!
Without the benefit of science, superstitious people of the far northern regions allegedly (this is, at best, speculation) hoped that if they created bonfires and carried lights, they might entice the Sun to return. And one can only imagine what people of the far north believed when they gazed in awe at the Aurora Borealis.
Our light-related programs this week will feature daytime student and adults outings, a bonfire and luminary-lit hike and a Saturday Science program featuring the “Auroras.”
Due to their increasing popularity, free Luminary-Lit Hikes at Crossroads are scheduled monthly through the “dark” months, and because the sun sets so early in January, the family event will be held at a bedtime-friendly 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Participants will see the trails of Crossroads in the magical glow of candlelight and then gather for fellowship the flickering light campfire where Crossroads volunteers will provide cups of hot chocolate.
The Saturday Science program: “Auroras” at 2:00 on January 18, will be presented in collaboration with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society. Because strong solar storms are anticipated in 2025, we in Door County have a good chance of seeing aurora. This program, geared for elementary age children but open to learners of all ages, will combine videos, images and demonstrations, will provide information on when to look for the northern lights and help understand people understand what the ethereal lights in the sky.
Several mood-elevating daylight hikes will be offered this week. The Learning Center will be closed on January 20, but the trails will be open. As soon as there is adequate snow to create a base, our Ski-for-Free program will enable visitors the benefits of outdoor exercise. Watch the ticker on our website for current ski conditions.
The Door County Beekeepers Club will host a special speaker at their January Meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30. Sue Dompke, owner of Sweet Mountain Apiary on Washington Island will present “Raising Russian Honeybees”. She will explain why Russian honeybees are ideally suited for Wisconsin and describe the life of a successful apiary from startup to established market. Beekeepers and interested community members are encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, January 14
3:30 Environmental Exploration: Animal Tracks
This after-school program will begin with a make-and-take activity and if conditions are favorable, participants will go outside to look for animal tracks. This program is geared to elementary students but learners of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Wednesday, January 15
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will follow the trails of the Big Creek Preserve to explore the wonders of the winter landscape. About an hour. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center,Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Friday, January 17th
5:00-6:30 Crossroads Luminary-lit Hike
Follow the enchanting glow of luminaries along a designated trail which ends at a campfire where you where you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of good people. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed. Free and open to the public. The trail begins in the parking area by the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Saturday, January 18
2:00 Science Saturday: Auroras
The Sun has become quite active, so families have a good chance of seeing northern lights this year. With videos and demonstrations, kids (and learners of all ages) will learn how charged particles from the Sun create spectacular light shows in the sky: the Aurora Borealis. Free and open to the public. Meet in the lab of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, January 20 Learning Center Closed
Tuesday, January 21
3:30 Environmental Exploration :”Hear, Hear”
This afterschool program will offer videos and demonstrations to help elementary students (and learners of all ages) learn about the sense of hearing. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
6:30 Meeting of the Door County Beekeepers Club: Raising Russian Honeybees
Sue Dompke, owner of Sweet Mountain Apiary on Washington Island will present “Raising Russian Honeybees”. Discover the unique behaviors that make Russian honeybees ideally suited for Wisconsin. Journey through the life of a successful apiary from startup to established market. Learn how to be a better beekeeper. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
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