Fall Drilling highlights upcoming Crossroads events

If you’re filming the movie Indiana Jones, trying to help uncover mosaics in Pompeii, or entering the secret crypts beneath cathedrals, an archaeological dig at the Crossroads Estuary Reserve might not be on your bucket list. But if you’ve always dreamed of working alongside professional archaeologists to help discover an important aspect of Door County’s history, you’re invited to be part of the 2023 Crossroads Fall Archaeological Experience.

The 2023 fall dig will run from September 25 through October 5, and this year, weather permitting, we expect to have a team of four to five archaeologists and field technicians on site each weekday.

Anytime you see activity happening at The Cove Estuary or Hanson Homestead, feel free to stop by, watch, ask questions, and even participate in the digging if you wish. No admission fee is charged (although we never refuse donations) and no reservations are necessary. We ask visitors to park in The Cove Estuary Preserve, 817 South 20th Place.

Where school groups are present, learners of all ages are welcome to watch, but the archaeologists will be too involved in educational outreach to interact with adults. Educational outreach was the original goal of this program.

What began as a second-grade field trip demonstration about twelve years ago has evolved into an important archaeological investigation—a true crossroads of the humanities, science, and environmental history.

The collaboration between Midwest Archaeological Consultants and Crossroads provided a field trip opportunity designed to provide middle school students with hands-on experience in skills such as developing research questions, recording data, reading (and creating) maps, and comparing and contrasting objects. The Crossroads Drill has now surpassed several thousand participants and has developed into a cherished tradition – a rite of passage for Door County students.

Over the course of the decade, under the supervision of Randy Dixon of Midwest Archaeological Consultants, students from TJ Walker Middle School, Sunrise, Sevastopol, Southern Door, Washington Island, and St. John’s Schools participated. Peter’s and homeschoolers in shoveling, digging and sorting test surveys. Through soil in a test unit, watch flint-making demonstrations, and participate in experimental archeology activities such as atlatl spear throwing.

The tradition has evolved further during the Covid years. During the days of social distancing, Dr. Robert Jeske, who was on the cusp of retirement as chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, began working on the Crossroads Dig, and by popular demand, we expanded the program to include families and interested adults.

Since that time, Dr. Bob has attracted several colleagues from the Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to the project. They are now volunteering their time and expertise to dig and provide outreach at The Cove Estuary Preserve.

If you see people near the mouth of a river, stop and learn. And across Utah Street, if the red door of Hans and Bertha Hanson’s house is open, come by. Free tours will be offered from 2:30pm to 4:30pm daily from September 26th through October 8th.

In recognition of World Astronomy Day, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) is adding another viewing night to the calendar. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, 2023 Utah Street in Sturgeon Bay.

On Tuesday, September 26, The Wild Ones of the Door Peninsula will hold their monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Wild Ones, Master Gardeners of the Door Peninsula and Crossroads, are co-sponsoring the free public lecture, “Tame Your Wildflower Garden.” There are countless landscaping benefits using native plants, but even desirable plants (we’re looking at you, milkweed! ) can go rogue. Using the Crossroads Bird and Butterfly Garden as an example, Jason Miller of Silver Creek Ecological Services will explain how to restore a native plant garden. He will also discuss the City of Sturgeon Bay’s new regulations regarding native landscaping within city limits.

Crossroads’ third annual Bread Pudding Night will be held on Wednesday, September 27th. The evening will begin at 4:30pm with a short walk from the main trail in the Collins Education Center to the Astronomy Campus. The 20-minute excursion will highlight last year’s restoration efforts and the new field station project. Participants will be welcomed at the end of the ride with a bonfire, hot cider, mulled wine and Bridge Up beer. Boxed dinners will include delicious Bread Pudding, Autumn Salad, and Door County Apple Crisp – all made as much as possible with local and organic ingredients! A starlit tour will direct participants to the parking lot. Please visit the Crossroads at Big Creek website www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/breadpuddingnight for costs and reservation information.

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to providing education, conducting research, restoring lands and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support.

Thursday 21 September

8:30 a.m., Pollinator Friends Planting Day

Crossroads is calling for volunteers to help plant native species in the Bird and Butterfly Garden at the entrance to the Collins Learning Center. Equipment and instructions provided. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay. Coffee and cookies are served.

Friday 22 September

2:30 – 4:30 PM Hanson House Tours

Enjoy a free tour of the home of Hans and Bertha Hanson to learn about life in the 1880s. Handmade activities for children. No need to book. To avoid detracting from the historic character of the area, please park on Utah Street in the Cove Estuary Preserve at 817 South 20th Place in Sturgeon Bay.

Saturday 23 September

9:00 AM Habitat Therapists

Help heal the Earth! Volunteers of all ages are invited to help in our land restoration efforts. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty and wet, and bring a water bottle with you. Instructions, equipment, and gloves are provided as well as cookies and lemonade at the end. No need to register in advance and all ages are welcome. We meet at the workshop at 2041 Michigan Avenue, Sturgeon Bay.

2:30 – 4:30 PM Hanson House Tours

Enjoy a free tour of the home of Hans and Bertha Hanson to learn about life in the 1880s. Handmade activities for children. No need to book. To avoid detracting from the historic character of the area, please park on Utah Street in the Cove Estuary Preserve at 817 South 20th Place in Sturgeon Bay.

7:30 DPAS International Astronomy Day presentation night

Join members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society at the Stoncipher Center for Astronomy and Leif Everson Observatory to explore the beauty of the night sky with DPAS members as you guide. Free and open to the public. They met at the Astronomy Campus, 2023 Utah Street in Sturgeon Bay.

Sunday 24 September

2:30-4:30pm Hanson House Tours

Enjoy a free tour of the home of Hans and Bertha Hanson to learn about life in the 1880s. Handmade activities for children. No need to book. To avoid detracting from the historic character of the area, please park on Utah Street in the Cove Estuary Preserve at 817 South 20th Place in Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday 26 September

2:30-4:30pm Hanson House Tours

Enjoy a free tour of the home of Hans and Bertha Hanson to learn about life in the 1880s. Handmade activities for children. No need to book. To avoid detracting from the historic character of the area, please park on Utah Street in the Cove Estuary Preserve at 817 South 20th Place in Sturgeon Bay.

5:30 Family pumpkin carving night

Help us carve a pumpkin for our 3rd Annual Bread Pudding Fundraiser. Pumpkins will be provided (while supplies last) or feel free to bring your own and join in the carving fun. We will use each pumpkin for decoration on September 27th, then you can pick up your pumpkins and take them home on September 28th! Please RSVP to save pumpkins on the Crossroads website www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org

6:30 PM Wild Encounter “Tame Your Wildflower Garden”

The program, co-sponsored by Master Gardeners and Crossroads of Big Creek, will be “Tame Your Wildflower Garden.” There are countless landscaping benefits using native plants, but even desirable plants (we’re looking at you, milkweed!) can get out of hand. Using the Crossroads Bird and Butterfly Garden as an example, Jason Miller of Silver Creek Ecological Services will explain how to restore a native plant garden. He will also discuss the City of Sturgeon Bay’s new regulations regarding local landscaping within city limits. Free and open to the public. Meet at Collins Education Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan in Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday 27 September

2:30 – 4:30 PM Hanson House Tours

Enjoy a free tour of the home of Hans and Bertha Hanson to learn about life in the 1880s. Handmade activities for children. No need to book. To avoid detracting from the historic character of the area, please park on Utah Street in the Cove Estuary Preserve at 817 South 20th Place in Sturgeon Bay.

4:30pm 3rd Annual Bread Pudding Night at the Crossroads

This annual fundraiser includes a hike, bonfire, great dinner, music, and a celebration of the progress of the restoration. Please visit www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/breadpuddingnight for more information and to book tickets. Funds were raised to support crossroads restoration efforts.