Butterflies, Cars, & Stars

Monarch butterflies are fluttering throughout the Crossroads preserve, which five years ago would not have been news. But that was then. During the past few years at Crossroads (and almost everywhere else in North America) observers have noticed a decline in monarch butterfly populations.

Last year a total of six monarchs were seen, in spite of the fact that Crossroads is full of milkweed.

On Aug. 31 at 1 pm, thanks to the Northeast Wisconsin Audubon Society, Ann Shebesta – the Monarch Lady of Mishicot – will return to Crossroads with her lively program for learners of all ages. After an indoor introduction on the Monarch lifecycle, she will hand out nets for butterfly collection for tag/release activities. Participants are encouraged to bring home-reared monarchs for tagging and may want to have a camera handy for the “Monarch in Hand” photo-op.

Also on Aug. 31, the Cherryland A’s Model A Ford Club will display a number of the cars that stole the heart of America. The cars will be on display from 1:30 – 3:30 pm at the Heritage Village at Big Creek. There will also be blacksmith demonstrations and an ice cream social. The Cherryland A’s Model A Ford Club was started in Door County by George Wendt in 1980. “The Ford Model A has such style and a serious history. It was so well-built that it continues to be road-worthy even today. It’s a joy to be able to share them. And of the 5.5 million produced during the 1928 through 1931; about 300,000 still exist. That says quite a bit about the product,” said Wendt. For more information about the Cherryland A’s Model A Ford Club contact president Wayne Semmerling at 920.202.1660.

On Sept. 2, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will hold a meeting at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Mike Egan will present the program “The Four Forces” and Gary Henkelmann will offer the monthly milestone in astronomy. Refreshments will be served.

Fall hours for the Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan in Sturgeon Bay, are 2 – 4:30 pm daily and during scheduled activities. The trails are always free and open to the public.