Naturalist-Led Hikes at Crossroads’ Big Creek and Ida Bay

Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay will hold a pair of naturalist-led hikes in the coming week.

On May 15 at 1 pm, go on a hike in search of marsh marigolds. Big Creek is always interesting but in spring it’s particularly lovely as marsh marigolds define the banks. Hikers should meet at the Collins Learning Center. The hike will last about an hour, and will be free and open to the public.

On May 16 at 11 am, hike the woodlands at Ida Bay and explore the small deciduous forest at the Canal Road corner of the Ida Bay Preserve. Meet at the Parking Lot at the Canal Road/Buffalo Ridge Trail intersections. This hike also lasts about an hour and is free and open to the public.

The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads, located at 2041 Michigan St., is open 2 – 4:30 pm daily and during scheduled events. To reach the center during construction, take the highway detour to County T (Alabama Street), cross the highway to Big Creek Road and turn right. Proceed to Lily Bay Road and turn right. Lily Bay Road will merge with Michigan and the entrance is on the left. To reach the Astronomy Campus and Ida Bay Preserve, Utah Street currently crosses the highway, or follow Memorial Drive under the bridge, and turn on 18th Place to reach Utah Street. The Astronomy Campus is at the Cove Road intersection, 2200 Utah. To reach Ida Bay Preserve, follow Cove Road (or Buffalo Ridge Trail from the north).