For several years, the Ida Bay Preserve at Crossroads at Big Creek has been a survey site for researchers from The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. They were concerned about devastating plant pests called Hemlock Woolly Adelgids which had destroyed millions of hemlock trees all along the East Coast.
Michael Falk, Plant Pest & Disease specialist, contacted Crossroads because he was looking for a hemlock grove in an urban setting in Northeast Wisconsin where he could conduct a visual search for Hemlock Woolly Adelgids (HWA). The fear was that these tiny insects might come into Wisconsin on nursery stock.
So far, they have not been found at the Ida Bay Preserve, but, last week, the Department of Agriculture reported that their inspectors had found another invasive insect in Wisconsin, not on nursery trees – but on Christmas decorations. The insect, called Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS), feeds on eastern hemlock and fir trees. The insects “wrap themselves in a hard, waxy coating, which creates the distinctive “scale” visible on needles. EHS poses a risk to our native hemlock forests and other coniferous forests, as well as to ornamental evergreens in Wisconsin.”
It was found on “wreaths, swags and boughs and in arrangements of evergreen boughs in hanging baskets, porch pots, mugs, and sleighs” which have been sold throughout the state at chain grocery and big box stores.
The Department of Agriculture is advising the public “to burn wreaths and other evergreen decorations, or bag them and put them in the trash.” The current fear is that if Christmas decorations are set out for collection or placed in compost piles, the scale insects will escape and spread rapidly.
On a happier “new” note, the Master Gardeners will a start their lecture series by hosting Kori Zawojski, of Sunny Point Gardens to show guests “What’s New in 2019!” Kori will share the latest and hottest garden trends and present a plant “fashion show” featuring the newest varieties in annuals, perennials, and shrubs for the 2019 season.
Crossroads is a donor supported educational center made up of three preserves. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay (just east of the highway roundabout) is open 2:00-4:00 daily and during scheduled events. Trails and restrooms are open 24/7 and are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 9 at 7:00 Documentary: Saving Snow
The Climate Change Coalition of Door County and the League of Women Voters will present a screening of the documentary Saving Snow at 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 9 in the lecture hall of the Collins Learning Center. Free and open to the public.
Friday, January 11 at 2:00 Friday Film: “The Great Ledge”
Thanks to the generosity of producer Daniel Larson of Com-Video Productions, Crossroads has permission to show this excellent program about the Niagara Escarpment. The 40 minute documentary is free and open to the public. Lecture Hall of the Collins Learning Center.
Saturday, January 12 from 9:30-3:30 Ski For Free (IF TRAIL CONDITIONS PERMIT)
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
10:00 am – 11:00 am Family Program: Water Play
This Celebrate Water activity is targeted at primary aged students and younger though siblings and helpers are more than welcome) Participants will have hands on experience with water and should wear clothes that might get wet. Lab of the Collins Learning Center. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, January 6 from 1:00-3:30 Ski For Free (IF TRAIL CONDITIONS PERMIT)
The Crossroads Ski for Free program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where our volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out the trails. When you have finished, return the equipment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. This program is sponsored by Friends of Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports Alliance.
Tuesday, January 15 at 7:00 Master Gardener Lecture: “What’s New in 2019?”
The public is invited to join Master Gardeners as Kori Zawojski, of SunnyPoint Gardens to show us “What’s New in 2019!”Learn about the latest & hottest garden trends & enjoy a plant “fashion show” featuring the newest varieties in annuals, perennials, & shrubs for the 2019 season! Refreshments. Free and open to the public. Lecture hall of the Collins Learning Center.
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