New Places to Hike at Crossroads in Sturgeon Bay

Crossroads at Big Creek will host a pair of hikes the weekend of June 3-4.

On June 3 at 1 pm, there will be a Wildflower Walk along Big Creek. Last fall Crossroads developed multi-use winter trails parallel to Big Creek. These trails travel through “new territory” the naturalists have no idea what wildflowers may (or may not) be found. This one-hour walk of discovery may help the naturalists add species to their plant inventory. The one-hour walk will be gentle and is free and open to the public. Hikers should meet at the Astronomy Campus Parking Lot.

On June 4 at 1 pm, hikers are invited to hike along Lilac Ridge. A massive invasive species eradication effort last summer opened two new trails overlooking the Big Creek Valley. This hike will offer a new vista of the preserve and a look at the first stages of habitat recovery. The hike will last about an hour. Meet at the Astronomy Campus Parking Lot.

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor-supported facility made up of the Big Creek, the Cove, and the Ida Bay preserves. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan just east of the Highway 42/57 roundabout in Sturgeon Bay, is open 2-4 pm daily and during scheduled activities. Trails in all preserves are open 24/7 free of charge.

Parking lot construction is underway. If the parking lot is closed, park at the Maintenance Building or at the Astronomy Campus lot (turn left at the Utah Street/Cove Road intersection).