Monarch Tagging

Photo by Len Villano.

Crossroads at Big Creek wraps up the end of summer with a few interactive and informative programs. A highlight is the Monarch Tagging Day on Aug. 26 at 2 pm. Guest naturalist Karen Newbern will present a short program and then participants will spread out through Big Creek Preserve to capture, tag and release monarch butterflies. Participants are encouraged to bring home-reared monarchs for tagging. This event is particularly special due to the July 17, 2018 death of internationally known monarch researcher Professor Lincoln Bower. Dr. Bower visited Door County every June for several decades, doing some of his research near the entrance of Newport State Park.

Other programs include the Friends Work Party scheduled for Aug. 25 at 10 am. Join the Friends of Crossroads in their ongoing assault on invasive species. Meet at the Hanson House of Utah Street. Bring loppers and gloves if you have them. A water bottle is also recommended. Then at 3:30 pm enjoy a nature hike at Ida Bay Preserve. Explore the Preserve in a gentle afternoon ramble. Meet at the little parking lot at the intersection of Buffalo Ridge Trail and Canal Road.

Crossroads is a donor-supported learning preserve made up of three preserves. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay, is open 1-3 pm daily Tuesday through Saturday and during scheduled events. All programs are free and open to the public.