Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (December 23, 2022) – Crossroads at Big Creek will end the year with a variety of family-friendly activities (including Ski-for-Free if conditions allow. Watch our website crossroadsatbigcreek.org for current trail conditions and hours) and we are proud to announce our 2023 program theme: “Where the Waters Meet.” This refers to Big Creek and the Cove Estuary, which were among the sites recommended to be a part of the research sanctuary for the Green Bay National Estuarine Reserve.
“Where the Waters Meet,” besides loosely defining a freshwater estuary, can be a metaphor for the programming at Crossroads. Just as Big Creek follows its channel, overflowing from time to time, but is true to its course, Crossroads has maintained its missionof offering education, conducting research, and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship.”
The school field trips, adult education and youth programs we have done for years, and our on-going research in water quality and archaeology will be maintained. Our restoration projects and educational outreach will continue and expand. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to inspired environmental stewardship. Like Big Creek, we will stay the course!
But the Cove Estuary, which is fed by Big Creek, by waters from the Bay of Sturgeon Bay and by “seeps” which contribute ground water from the surrounding land, symbolize that we also will widen our efforts. We have increased our staff and have spent a great deal of effort in strategic planning.
This year, with the help of universities, environmental organizations and agencies, Crossroads staff and volunteers will study the water quality and ecology of the Estuary. As a part of our humanities initiative, we will research and interpret stories of the First Peoples, the European settlers and our agricultural and maritime history to determine human impacts on the water.
Just as “seeps” are groundwater which flow into the estuary from beyond our preserve boundaries, we are hoping to involve the people of Door County in a number of community science (a.k.a. citizen science) projects to study the chemistry, the vegetation and the wildlife of the estuary.
Crossroads is anticipating an exciting year ahead, and holiday week of activities for young and old, all offered free of charge. Know that our trails (and restrooms) are available all day, everyday thanks to the overwhelming support of the community and generous grants.
In this period of fluctuating weather conditions, check our website for hours and cancellations and have happy, healthy and nature-filled New Year.