Winter Solstice Walk at Crossroads

December 20 marks the day for the annual Sturgeon Bay Christmas Bird Count. Crossroads at Big Creek staff will participate sunrise to sunset, but novice birders who have never done a count (or people who can’t commit to a whole day) can participate in hour-long field trips to various parts of the preserve.

The group hikes begin at 10 am and 2 pm. Those wanting to continue to count are welcome to do so. Participants should dress warmly and bring binoculars if they have a good pair. Otherwise, Crossroads has loaner binoculars. Each field trip will be followed by a hot chocolate or coffee break by the fire in the Collins Learning Center.

Saturday activities will not end at sundown. At 6:30 pm the Door County Astronomical Society (DPAS) will hold a viewing night at StarGarden and Leif Everson Observatory at the Crossroads Astronomy Campus. DPAS members will be on hand to help others explore the night sky of Door County. They will offer an indoor program in the Stonecipher Astronomy Center if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The Winter Solstice will occur at 5:03 pm on Dec. 21. Join the naturalist for a night hike at 5:03 pm and lasting about 45 minutes. This is an opportunity to enjoy Crossroads during the longest night of the year. Dress warmly and meet at the Collins Learning Center.

The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan in Sturgeon Bay, will be open to the public 2 – 4:30 pm beginning Dec. 19. Trails are open, but while snow is on the ground, designated ski trails are reserved for skiers only. Walking, biking and snowshoeing should be done on designated trails.