Crossroads Presents Three Upcoming Family Programs

By midsummer, the forest wildflowers are done for the season in the woods at Crossroads at Big Creek, but the forests are still full of interesting creatures. Crossroads visitors are welcome to explore all three of their preserves, and encouraged to participate in their family programs, offered Monday through Thursday at 10 am. The programs are free and open to learners of all ages. Participants should meet at the Collins Learning Center.

On July 18, the program is “Butterflies Everywhere!” Get up close and observe the delicate beauty of these flying creatures in a catch and release hike (nets provided).

On July 19, choose a Door County animal from the wildlife exhibit in the Collins Learning Center, then join the summer educator to learn about its special life in “Mammals Like Us.”

On July 20, go on an “Insect Safari” and hike into the fields and forests with collecting nets to find the insects and their hiding places. They leave behind clues on leaves, under the bark of trees, in galls, and cocoons and chrysalides.

The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan St. just off the roundabout in Sturgeon Bay, is open noon to 3 pm daily and during scheduled events. The trails at Crossroads, Big Creek Cove and the Ida Bay Preserve are free and open to the public.