By Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist, Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc.
As we approach the holidays, we see many images of Dr. Seuss’s antihero, the Grinch. But around Thanksgiving, we at Crossroads think of another Dr. Seuss character who also finally saw the light: the Old Once-ler from the environmental classic, “The Lorax.” Near the end of the story, the Old Once-ler explains, “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
This time of year, and always, we are thankful for “someone like you who cares a whole awful lot.” That includes early founders and visionaries; members of the Crossroads Board, past and present; Crossroads staff, past and present; and all the generous donors, foundations, funds, volunteers, teachers, and families who have cared a whole lot about this special place “at the far end of town.”
Fortunately, Door County has had many people who fervently have cared for it. It is our tradition on Thanksgiving Saturday to screen films about Door County in the Collins Learning Center auditorium so out-of-town family, visitors and, of course, residents can be reminded to be thankful for the Door Peninsula.
Last Spring, Peninsula Filmworks released “Ridge and Swale,” a two-part film celebrating a legacy of conservation and community. Both parts tell the story of how the Door County community has worked and continues to work on preserving and maintaining its natural beauty and heritage.
During our Door County Movie Day, we will screen Part 1, “The Awakening,” at 1:00 p.m. and Part 2, “The Flourishing,” at 2:00 p.m. Other films will be “Wisconsin Hometown Stories” starting at 11:00 a.m. and “Wisconsin Water from the Air” at 3:00 p.m.
Always eager to turn our children into beings who care, we offer Science Saturday at 10:00 a.m. This week, surprising nobody, our topic is turkeys. Please note that starting in December, Science Saturday will move to the afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
And don’t forget the Thanksgiving Luminary-lit Hike 5:30-7:00 on Friday, November 24. If you are looking for something to do after Thanksgiving? Take a walk on one of our trail in the enchanting glow of luminaries. Then, when you get back, warm up around a cup of hot chocolate and the company of people who care!
Friday, November 24
5:30-7:30 Thanksgiving Luminary-lit Hike
Take a walk on one of our trail in the enchanting glow of luminaries. Then, When you get back, warm up a cup of hot chocolate. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Saturday, November 25
10:00 a.m. Saturday Science: Turkeys
Wild turkeys will be the topic for Saturday Science, our “science is fun” program for kids and their families. We will explore the adaptions that enable turkeys to thrive. A make-and-take craft will accompany the program. Meet in the lab of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
11:00 a.m. Door County Movie Day
Looking for something to do post-Thanksgiving celebrations? Bring your family or out-of-town guests and spend the afternoon watching free, nature-related movies about Door County in our auditorium. No tickets needed!
11:00 a.m. Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Door County
1:00 p.m. Ridge and Swale Part 1
2:00 p.m. Ridge and Swale Part 2
3:00 p.m. Wisconsin Water from the Air
Auditorium, Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay
Tuesday, November 28
6:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of the Wild Ones of the Door Peninsula
The Door Peninsula Chapter will hold its annual meeting at the Collins Learning Center. All are welcome to attend, but only current members will be allowed to vote. Auditorium, Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
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