Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (May 10, 2023) – For the next two weeks, “Stories of the People of the Cove Estuary” will be the theme for educational outreach programs at Crossroads at Big Creek. We are continuing to sponsor archaeological digs at The Cove Estuary Preserve and invite the community to observe or even participate in the Archaeological Experience between 2:00 and 4:00 on weekdays from May 10-May 18. We are also highlighting other stories of the people by offering free daily tours of the Bertha and Hans Hanson House from 2:00-4:00 until Thursday, May 18.
Our “Stories of the People” programs fall into the category of “Environmental History” which is a process of learning how the natural world works, understanding how humans interact with the environment over time, and finding options addressing environmental problems to live more sustainably.
We believe that land history is an important consideration in making informed decisions on the restoration of our preserves. It’s clear that prior land use practices degraded land alongside Big Creek and the Cove Estuary. We hope that by examining our environmental history and by modeling best management practices, we can help land managers and private landowners restore their properties.
Crossroads at Big Creek is thrilled to have assembled a team of archaeologists, many of whom are professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who take vacation time and donate their efforts and expertise to participate in the Crossroads Archaeological Experiences each spring and fall under the leadership of project founder, Randy Dickson of Midwest Archaeological Consultants, and Dr. Robert Jeske, Professor Emeritus from UW-Milwaukee.
The Spring Dig will be at The Cove Estuary Preserve (State-designated Historical Site 47DR42B) which is rich with artifacts from First Peoples habitations dating back more than a thousand years. Directly across the road, at 2022 Utah Street, the Hanson Homestead will open for daily tours from May 10-18, showcasing the Norwegian Home (built circa 1856) which was restored by the Door County Historical Society in 2014.
School groups, trainees from the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, participants from Learning in Retirement, and LatinX students participating in Aventuras Day will all participate in the Spring Experience—but we hope that even more of the community will join in the unique opportunity of authentic archaeological research.
On Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30, the State Bee Inspector, Donna Stine, will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Door County Beekeepers. She will discuss bee diseases, the importance of treating hives, best testing and treatment methods. While in many cases, a visit from a state inspector causes anxiety, the Door County Beekeepers seem to love the State Bee Inspector almost as much as they love their bees! She is their friend and an excellent speaker. This should be a great free program so visitors are encouraged.
On Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30 the Door County Seed Library and Master Gardeners will present, “Planning and Planting for Seed Saving.” Award winning author and seed saver Bevin Cohen will explain how proper garden planning in the spring will mean a successful seed harvest in fall. He will cover such topics including spacing and isolation distances to ensure varietal purity, flower structure, pollination and basic seed saving techniques. This program is free and open to the public.
Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and restoration, and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support.