Fall Archaeological Dig Begins at Crossroads

Crossroads at Big Creek has received a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council to support a fall archaeological dig called Sharing the Stories of the People and the Land. It’s open to the public by appointment during the last week of September and the first week of October. Submitted.

Crossroads at Big Creek has received a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council to support a fall archaeological dig called Sharing the Stories of the People and the Land. It’s open to the public by appointment during the last week of September and the first week of October.

The “hands-in-the-dirt” instruction will take place at two locations. One is the state-registered Middle and Late Woodland Site DR47-35 near the kayak landing at The Cove. Last year’s dig revealed that First Nation People settled along this stretch of Big Creek. Those who dig at The Cove will continue work in the test unit, where several interesting features have been found and further study is needed.

The second location is the Hanson Norwegian Homestead, directly across Utah Street. There, participants will do a Phase 1 study, conducting shovel tests along a grid in hopes of finding the original homesite, outbuildings and privy. 

Sign up or find out more by emailing [email protected] with “Dig” in the subject line. Indicate whether you prefer to work at The Cove or the Hanson Homestead, and on which days, Monday-Friday.

The Habitat Healers continue to meet Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 am, and on Sept. 25, the group will plant trees in an effort to restore the Big Creek Preserve to the forested land it was prior to European settlement. Instruction, equipment, gloves, cookies and lemonade will be provided.

The Junior Nature Club meets Fridays, 10 am, at the Collins Learning Center, and the Door County Beekeepers Club invites the public to its next meeting, set for Sept. 28, 6:30 pm.

Get additional details about these programs and others at crossroadsatbigcreek.org.