Happening at the Crossroads
February 24, 2007
Quite a few year ago, a young graduate student contemplated going into the field of “outdoor education.” She had worked each summer as a camp counselor and enjoyed both children and nature. To test her resolve, her mentor arranged for her to help chaperon a winter camping trip with a group of high school ecology students.
The day before the group departed into the frigid wilds of Michigan’s Pigeon River Country, the wise mentor gave the women a copy of a small book of essays by Aldo Leopold called A Sand County Almanac. Wrapped in a down comforter in an over-sized rocking chair in front of a crackling wood fire, the reader was introduced to the concept of a “land ethic” and her life was changed forever. The book continues to influence her in her work at Crossroads at Big Creek.
So when Nancy Rafal suggested that Crossroads host the first Door County Aldo Leopold Weekend, it seemed appropriate, to say the least. Because so many environmentalists have been inspired by the works of this Wisconsin writer and because countless people read and re-read his essays to renew their commitment and dedication to the land, her idea of inviting volunteers to read the book aloud and to invite the community to stop by for a few minutes… for an hour… perhaps for the whole day seemed the perfect way to share Leopold’s legacy.
The first Aldo Leopold Weekend celebration in Door County will take place in the Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Big Creek on Saturday, March 3. Event organizer, Nancy Rafal is asking community members and visitors to come out and read sections from Leopold's most famous book. Dee Paulsen is helping to coordinate the event for Crossroads.
Beginning at 10 AM and continuing into the afternoon, readers may sign up for approximate times and read for five to fifteen-minute segments. There will be a lunch break from noon to 1:30 PM. Rafal explains, "There will be copies of the book available for readers to use and that the listener who stays the longest will be given a copy to keep."
A large print edition will be provided for the volunteer readers. People of all ages are encouraged to come out and read or drop by the Crossroads to share with like-minded people, the beauty, humor, and amazing relevance of A Sand County Almanac.
In 2004 Governor James Doyle designated the first weekend in March every year as Aldo Leopold Weekend in the State of Wisconsin. This year Door County can add its voice in commitment to Leopold's ideals. Contact Nancy Rafal at 920.839.2191 or e-mail mrsticket@dcwis.com to sign up as a reader. Events across the state are being funded by a major grant from the Boldt Company.
Saturday evening of Aldo Leopold Weekend will be special for astronomers in Europe, Africa and the eastern United States because they will experience a total lunar eclipse. West of Lake Michigan, we will see a partial eclipse which will be well underway when the moon rises around 5:30. The observatory will not be open, as this event is easily viewed with the naked eye from anywhere with an eastern horizon. Members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society recommend using binoculars to enjoy the partial eclipse for about an hour after moon rise.
If snow is adequate, the Friends of Crossroads will be loaning skis and snowshoes to families between 1:00 and 3:00 on Sunday afternoon. Whether or not the snow is deep enough for skiing, the naturalist will lead a hike at 3:00, starting at the Collins Learning Center.
Monday evening, March 5, at 6:30, the Friends of Crossroads will meet at the Ray & Ruthie Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Following a short business meeting, the group will tour SAC and the Observatory and learn about the astronomy program at Crossroads. Use the Utah Street Entrance. Visitors are welcome.
On Tuesday, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will hold its monthly meeting in the Collins Learning Center. The lecture “Alas, Poor Pluto” will discuss just what is meant by the term “dwarf planet” and explain how Planet X became an ex-planet. Refreshments (which, like dwarf planets, will be small, but numerous) will be served during the break.
When snow is adequate and wind chills are above -13 degrees F, Friends of Crossroads lend skis to families on Sunday afternoons. The trails are free and open to the public. We do ask the hikers avoid walking on groomed ski trails.
Crossroads at Big Creek in an environmental learning preserved dedicated to life long learning in science history and the environment. It is located in Sturgeon Bay at the crossroads of Michigan Street and Highway 42/57.
Saturday, February 10, 11:00 Family Program: Beaver Tales
Intended for children aged four through eight (but learners of all ages are welcome) this one hour multimedia presentation introduces young people to the beavers. The program includes a visit to the wildlife exhibit. Free.
Animals on the snow - January 1 News
Watching the skies at Christmas - December 17 News
Christmas presents for wildlife - December 3 News
Find out what Christmas trees wildlife prefer - November 22 News
Learn about middens - November 20 News
