Crossroads Searches for Green on a Nature Walk on St. Patrick’s Day

On March 17, the Irish (and this Saturday, everyone is Irish) will parade, dance jigs and wear green, so in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Crossroads at Big Creek is holding the “In Search of Green” nature walk. At 4 pm, join the naturalist for the hour-long walk, trail conditions permitting. Hikers should dress for damp weather and meet at the Collins Learning Center.

On March 20 at 7 pm, the Door County Master Gardeners will offer a program called “Jumping Worms” featuring Bernie Williams, a plant pest and disease specialist in Forest Health with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Williams’ presentation will cover all earthworms found in Wisconsin and address questions about the ecological threat of jumping worms. In an article in Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine, Williams wrote, “While we are still learning the full life cycle and biology details, we already know jumping worms are asexual, which means an individual can reproduce solely on its own. These worms reach maturity within 60 days of hatching. Then they reproduce and drop cocoons in the soil. The cocoons hatch and start the cycle all over again.”

These programs are free and open to the public. Crossroads is a donor-supported preserve offers education, conducts research and provides outdoor experiences for learners of all ages. The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads, located at 2041 Michigan Street, just east of the highway roundabout in Sturgeon Bay, is open 2-4 pm daily and during scheduled activities. Check crossroadsatbigcreek.org for event updates.