The changing season makes October an ideal time to explore the outdoors and observe these natural phenomena firsthand. Crossroads at Big Creek offers several opportunities for community members to connect with nature throughout the month.
Winnie-Pooh-Looza, a month-long countywide celebration of A.A. Milne's beloved bear presented by Friends of Door County Libraries continues throughout October. As a community partner, Crossroads is bringing a touch of Hundred Acre Wood magic to the preserve with self-guided activities, indoor and outdoor discoveries, and a special Winnie-the-Pooh Trail Tale inspired by Pooh and friends.
You are also invited to participate in Wandering Wednesday hikes at 1:30 p.m., where naturalists lead easy walks through the preserve, highlighting seasonal changes and the wonders of the natural world, from colorful foliage and forest ecology to weather patterns and signs of approaching winter.
For those fascinated by both science and storytelling, Lasers and Lightsabers: From Fusion Energy to Movie Magic on October 22 and 23 blends cutting-edge science with behind-the-scenes insights from the world of filmmaking in a dynamic and visually engaging presentation.
Families looking to make the most of a school holiday can join the School's Out Excursion: Bees & Bears on October 23. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy self-guided games, and visit the special Winnie-the-Pooh and Hundred Acre Wood Trail Tale while discovering connections between nature, pollinators, and beloved storybook characters.
The celebration of pollinators continues on October 24 during the Bee's Knees Honey Workshop: Inside the Hive. Participants can meet local beekeepers, learn how honey is made, discover why pollinators are so important, and even try on a real beekeeper suit during this family-friendly event.
Garden lovers won't want to miss Tales (and Tails) of the Secret Garden on October 27 presented by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones - Door Peninsula. Door County musician Colin Welford will share the story of creating his three-quarter-acre Secret Garden in Ephraim, discussing the hardscaping, plant selection, and pollinator-friendly practices that transformed the space into a place of beauty and tranquility.
Crossroads at Big Creek encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the wonders of autumn. From the chemistry behind vibrant fall colors to the work of decomposers on the forest floor, the season offers countless opportunities to witness the remarkable processes that shape our natural world every day.
Upcoming Programs
Month of October
Winnie-Pooh-Looza
Join us for Winnie-Pooh-Looza, a month-long celebration honoring A.A. Milne’s beloved bear! As a community partner in this countywide event brought to you by Friends of Door County Libraries, Crossroads at Big Creek is bringing a little Hundred Acre Wood magic to the preserve throughout October. Please visit crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/winnie-pooh-looza/ to learn more. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Wednesday, October 21
10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session
Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week outdoor adventure designed for preschool-aged children and their families to discover, explore, and connect with the natural world. Please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike through the preserve. Enjoy easy walking and seasonal discoveries during this approximately one-hour outing. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.
Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Thursday, October 22
1:00 p.m. | Nature Club: Fall Session
Nature Club is a free, six-week program for children ages 6-8 who love to discover, investigate, and learn about the outdoors. Each week, kids will connect with nature through hands-on activities that encourage movement, friendship, and a lifelong sense of wonder. Class is full; contact us to join the wait list.
5:00 p.m. | Lasers and Lightsabers: From Fusion Energy to Movie Magic
Join us for a dynamic, visually rich presentation blending cutting-edge science with behind?the?scenes storytelling from the world of filmmaking. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Friday, October 23
9:30-1:00 p.m. | School's Out Excursion: Bees & Bears
Gather your family and friends and make the most of your day off with a day of nature, learning, and adventure at Crossroads! Explore interactive exhibits, enjoy self-guided games, explore our special Winnie-the-Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood Trail Tale. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
1:00 p.m. | Lasers and Lightsabers: From Fusion Energy to Movie Magic
Join us for a dynamic, visually rich presentation blending cutting-edge science with behind?the?scenes storytelling from the world of filmmaking. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Saturday, October 24
10:00 a.m. | Bee's Knees Honey Workshop: Inside the Hive
Get the buzz on bees! Meet members of the Door County Beekeepers Club and learn how honey is made, why pollinators are important, and what it takes to care for a hive. Try on a real beekeeper suit and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities throughout the event. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Tuesday, October 27
10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session
Junior Nature Club is a free, six-week outdoor adventure designed for preschool-aged children and their families to discover, explore, and connect with the natural world. Please register. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
6:30 p.m. | DCMGA & Wild Ones: Tales (and Tails) of the Secret Garden
Popular Door County Musician Colin Welford will discuss how, with help from friends, he created a ¾ acre Secret Garden in Ephraim. He will share stories of how, through hardscaping and careful plant selection, he created a pollinator haven and a place of beauty and tranquility. Free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
