Join Crossroads for Outdoor Family Fun

On March 9, Door County families are encouraged to reunite with nature at a free event sponsored by Door County Medical Center (DCMC) at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. The event includes a presentation of the book Last Child in the Woods, an introduction to the 30×30 Challenge, and a wooded walk to a campfire and sing-along.

“Outdoor activity promotes health and well-being, and at DCMC we believe in supporting our community’s health,” says Kevin Grohskopf, chief business development officer at DCMC. “That’s why we support so many outdoor events, silent sporting competitions and natural spaces here in our community, including this event to inspire families to get outside and get active.”

Coggin Heeringa, director and naturalist at Crossroads at Big Creek, will give a brief presentation on the book by Richard Louv, an exploration of the modern divide between children and the outdoors. Research shows direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development, and Louv’s book offers simple and practical actions families and communities can take to reunite children (and adults) with nature. Child care will be provided during the lecture portion of the evening.

Following the presentation, Terry Lundahl will introduce families to the 30×30 Challenge, a tool for families to reach the goal of 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days. A growing number of researchers agree that time spent in nature makes people healthier, happier and less stressed. Lundahl will share simple tools with families to jumpstart their forays back into nature, just in time for spring.

The evening will conclude with a trail walk through Crossroads’ trails, where participants will be met by a campfire, healthy refreshments and a group of Door County musicians who will lead families in campfire songs. For more information call 920.493.5979.