Happening at the Crossroads
December 17, 2006
If there should be a midnight clear at Crossroads at Big Creek, or better yet, a 7 PM clear sky on Saturday, December 23, members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will be abiding in the field, keeping watch over their telescopes by night. And, they invite the community to join them for an evening of observing at the Leif Everson Observatory if the stars are brightly shining.
In August of 2003, most of the east coast experienced a power outage. People were astounded at the brilliant stars and the silent night. Even here on our isolated peninsula, it's hard to imagine a night sky without light pollution of any kind. Imagine absolute silence. Ancient shepherds and wise men knew a night sky far darker than ours, and they undoubtedly could see more stars.
Speaking of midnight, there is a charming legend that on Christmas Eve, animals are able to speak at midnight. If that is true of the animals in the Crossroads Wildlife Exhibit, we shall never know.
During the holiday school vacation, a number of Family Programs are scheduled. Participation is free - our gift to the community. And in answer to a commonly asked question, yes! Yes!! Please come even without a family!
For the European settlers of the Door County, Christmas was a wonderful time, but festivities usually began on Christmas Eve... which was the day most families put up their tree. The week following Christmas was filled with joyful festivities and visiting. This was a special time for families.
Members of the Door County Historical Society recreate some of those simple pleasures of a pioneer Christmas with a gathering in the Green General Store in the Historical Village. Simple crafts, music and games will recall Christmas past.
"Christmas presents" for wildlife in December 3 News
Find out what "Christmas trees" wildlife prefer in November 22 News
Learn about middens in November 20 News
Crossroads at Big Creek is a mission-driven,
donor-support learning preserve focusing on science, history and the environment. Naturalist programs and lecture
are free unless otherwise noted. The trails of Crossroads are free and open to the public. Pets (on leash and under
control) are permitted but owners are encouraged to help keep the trails clean. Once snow is on the ground, hikers are asked to use designated trails and to avoid the groomed ski trails. The Collins Learning Center is
open Monday, Thursday and Sunday, 1:30 - 5:00, and Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, 11:00 - 3:00 and during scheduled
events. Crossroads at Big Creek is located at the intersection of Highway 42/57 and Michigan Street in Sturgeon
Bay. For more information, call 920.746.5895.
