Get Outside at Crossroads at Big Creek

Snowy hemlock. Photo submitted.

It’s a new year and there is — potentially — a new invasive insect species to worry about at Crossroads at Big Creek. The Department of Agriculture (DOA) reported that its inspectors found an invasive insect on Christmas decorations in Wisconsin. The insect, called elongate hemlock scale (EHS), feeds on eastern hemlock and fir trees. The insects wrap themselves in a hard, waxy coating, which creates the distinctive “scale” visible on needles. EHS poses a risk to our native hemlock forests and other coniferous forests, as well as to ornamental evergreens in Wisconsin. The DOA is advising the public to “burn wreaths and other evergreen decorations, or bag them and put them in the trash.”

Crossroads continues its winter programming with a showing of The Great Ledge on Jan. 11 at 2 pm in the lecture hall of the Collins Learning Center. The 40-minute documentary takes a look at the Niagara Escarpment.

Ski for Free takes place Jan. 12, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, if trail conditions permit. The program lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment. Get fitted at the maintenance building.

From 10 to 11 am in the Collins Learning Center, enjoy Water Play, a hands-on experience with water. Wear clothes that can get wet.

The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, is open 2-4 pm daily and during scheduled events. For more information, visit crossroadsatbigcreek.com.