Non-native earthworms, and the threats they pose to our native ecosystems, will be the topic of the monthly meeting of the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) on Monday, September 26. Invasive Species Specialist, Bernie Williams with the Wisconsin DNR, will present the program at 2 pm at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Scientists believe that the native earthworms in North America were literally pushed out by several glacial advances. After the glaciers, many ecosystems were naturally repopulated with plants, but not with earthworms. When European settlers arrived, they brought along plants – and soil and worms – from their homeland, which then spread from farmland into native forests and prairies. Once established, the earthworms can reduce the amount of leaf litter present and actually change the soil chemistry, making it unsuitable for some native plants.

The purpose of the Door County Invasive Species Team is to halt the invasion of exotic non-native plants by empowering citizens with the education, the tools and the skills necessary to control invasive species. Educational programs are held monthly. DCIST also runs an equipment loan program and coordinates work parties and educational workshops throughout the county. For more information, contact Marne Kaeske, DCIST Coordinator, at 920.839.2802.

From the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly to the rare Ram’s-head Lady Slipper orchid, the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor provides refuge for some of Door County’s rarest treasures and is home base for the DCIST. But the Sanctuary provides refuge for people as well – it was described by a visitor as “a spot of heaven on earth in the midst of the chaos going on in the outside world.” Over 5 miles of trails are open year-round for self-guided hiking. The Nature Store, featuring a wide selection of nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open daily from mid-May through mid-October.  The Sanctuary is located at 8288 Hwy Q, just off Hwy 57, in Baileys Harbor. For more information, call 920.839.2802 or visit http://RidgesSanctuary.org.

Naturalist Guided Hikes
September 1 through October 15, Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 am

Join one of the Ridges naturalists for a relaxed walk through the Sanctuary. Learn about the history of the Ridges, the Baileys Harbor Rangelights, and of course the diverse wildflowers of this unique natural area. Suitable for all ages. $5 per person Ridges members, $8 nonmembers, children under 18 free.

Tuesday, September 27
9 – 11 am – Barberry Pirates

The Barberry Pirates are a hearty crew of volunteers who work to control the exotic plants that threaten the Ridges. Each week they attack the dreaded barberry, the pernicious crown vetch, as well as swamp thistle and a host of others. New pirates are always welcome, and snacks are provided after the raid!

Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1
1 pm – Logan Creek Rambles

Enjoy a relaxing fall hike through the Ridges Sanctuary’s Logan Creek Property near Jacksonport. Fall colors should be nearing their peak, and some fall wildflowers will be in bloom as well. The same hike will be given each day. $5 per adult, no charge for children under 18.

Saturday, October 1
8:30 am – noon – Fall Clean Up Day

Help get the Sanctuary ready for winter by sprucing up trails, putting up storm windows, raking leaves and other large and small chores. Volunteers of all ages welcome! Come for a couple of hours or for the whole morning. Chili lunch provided for all volunteers.

Clark Lake Phragmites Workday:
For the 4th year now, the Clark Lake Association will be treating phragmites on the shoreline. We are still in need of help on Saturday September 10! Lunch will be provided. Meet at Schauer Park at 8 am. Contact Marne Kaeske for more information and sign-up by Thursday  September 8: 920.839.2802

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Phragmites at North Bay:
TNC is looking for help in treating phragmites on North Bay on September 6, 7, 9, 14 and 15. Meet at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall and then head to corner of Hwy Q and North Bay Drive. Contact Sam Lindquist for the time to meet: slindquist@tnc.org.

Buckthorn on Whitefish Dunes Creek:
Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) international students will be working at Whitefish Dunes State Park to curb the buckthorn that is expanding around Whitefish Creek. Come and join us Wednesday, September 14 from 5 – 7 pm. Meet at the gated parking lot on Cty WD. Snacks to follow! Contact Marne for more info: marne@ridgessanctuary.org

Barberry Pirates:
The Ridges Sanctuary’s weed crew meets every Tuesday morning at 9 am. In the next coming weeks we will be hiking out to Pickerel Pond to treat phragmites. Please, let us know if you would like to be added to our e-mail list to be informed about our weekly plans for where and when to meet and what to be prepared for. Pirate appropriate snacks! Contact Marne: marne@ridgessanctuary.org

Bjorklunden Phragmites:
If you have a few hours and are interested in helping us bundle phragmites at Bjorklunden, give us a jingle: Call Marne at 920.839.2802

While we may be impatient for the sucker run, our excitement can’t compare to that of the early loggers in Door County.

In 1881, a newspaper editor,  Charles I. Martin,  wrote a book called A Brief History of Door County. It indeed is brief, written so long ago, but it’s fascinating because it contains letters from area citizens.  A Jesse Kimber wrote of the life of logger/mill worker in Sturgeon Bay, “I have known the time when we had to make out on a meal of potatoes and salt. We used to spear suckers in the creeks in the spring, and then we lived high again.

“I once heard Bradley (of the Crandall & Bradley Sawmill in Sturgeon Bayonce located at the present site of Sunset Park) remark he had not a man about him that could get his shirt off, and when asked the reason, he said: ‘They had eaten suckers so long that the bones stuck through their skin, and their shirts were fast.’”

That may be one of those lumberjack tall tales, but all week, I have been hearing about folks eating suckers. Smoked suckers… Suckers, pressure-canned and put up in mason jars… I’ve even been offered a sample of pickled sucker, which apparently is a local delicacy.

According to Wisconsin Sea Grant: “Though the meat is firm and good tasting, white sucker seldom appears on a restaurant menu – perhaps because the name lacks market appeal. As a result, white sucker is processed in a variety of ways for the market, often under the name ‘mullet.’ They are good either fresh or smoked and can be prepared in fish sticks or soups and chowders.”

When the fish swim from the lake into  the creek, we again realize how connected our water bodies truly are.

That is why we are so excited about the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) meeting scheduled for Monday April 18 at 2:00. The meeting will focus on  issues facing the 300 miles of our celebrated shoreline. Dr. Val Klump with the Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science will give a brief overview of the large scale ecological impacts to the Great Lakes that can be witnessed at our beaches.

DNR Water Management Specialist Carrie Webb will present on beach grooming regulations and answer questions on what shoreline owners can do about invasive species created problems. Finally, DCIST will kick off a fascinating citizen science programwith USGS – researching beach conditions and wildlife health.

Coordinator Jenny Chipault will discuss how you can take part inAMBLE (Avian Monitoring for Botulism Lakeshore Events), part of a Lake Michigan-wide program. Shoreline landowners are encouraged to attend, but everyone is invited to learn with us and discuss these topics over provided snacks!

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor supported learning preserve located at 2041 Michigan just east of Sturgeon Bay. The Collins Learning Center is open daily 2:00-5:00 and during scheduled events. For more information, see www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org.

Tuesday, April 12, 7:00
Lecture: “Wings Over Door County”

The Door County Master Gardeners Association is pleased to sponsor “Wings Over Door County”, an illustrated lecture by Roy and Charlotte Lukes,   Stunning photographs of  birds and butterflies will make you feel like spring has arrived. Free and open to the public. Lecture Hall of the  Collins Learning Center.

Sunday, April 17, 1:00
Big Creek Observation Hike

Join the naturalist in a citizen science effort to determine what conditions trigger the annual sucker run. After a short slide show, the group will hike to Big Creek for observations. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Monday, April 18, 2;00
Meeting of DCIST (Door County Invasive Species Team)

This  meeting  will focus on  issues facing the 300 miles of our celebrated shoreline. Dr. Val Klump with the Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science will give a brief overview of the large scale ecological impacts to the Great Lakes that can be witnessed at our beaches. DNR Water Management Specialist Carrie Webb will present on beach grooming regulations and answer questions on what shoreline owners can do about invasive species created problems.  Finally, DCIST  will kick off a fascinating citizen science programwith USGS – researching beach conditions and wildlife health. Coordinator Jenny Chipault will discuss how you can take part inAMBLE (Avian Monitoring for Botulism Lakeshore Events), part of a Lake Michigan-wide program. Shoreline landowners are encouraged to attend, but everyone is invited to learn with us and discuss these topics over provided snacks. Lecture Hall of the Collins Learning Center.

Tuesday, April 18 , 1:00
Big Creek Observation Hike

Join the naturalist in a citizen science effort to determine what conditions trigger the annual sucker run. After a short slide show, the group will hike to Big Creek for observations. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

The chickadees and cardinals have been singing their spring songs, the sun is higher in the sky, the daylight lasts a little longer (which means our solar panels are making more electricity!) and the seeps are seeping into Big Creek. In the fall and winter, the name “Big Creek” is an exaggeration at best. By autumn, Big Creek has little or no current and is more like series of puddles than a stream. When the water table is low, it dries up completely. And, we all wonder how in the world there will be enough water for the annual pike and sucker runs.

As it turns out, our fractured bedrock solves that problem for us. In many parts of the world, streams are fed by runoff from melting snow and spring rains. That’s true in Door County to a point. But here, much of the melted snow percolates into the ground and enters cracks in the bedrock. Understand that some cracks are vertical and others are horizontal. Some water works its way into the horizontal cracks. Consequently, in places where the horizontal cracks intersect with the surface, water seeps out of the cracks. There are at least a dozen of these places – called seeps – on the Crossroads property. In spring, they form little pools which then empty into the creek.

Some of our seeps trickle all year, but after a heavy rain event or a warm, snow-melting spring day, the seeps burble enthusiastically and the creek fills with water.

If you want to understand more about our fractured bedrock, plan to attend the lecture “Geology of Door County” on Tuesday, Mary 15, at 7 pm when the Door County Master Gardeners bring Dr. Roger Kuhns to Crossroads. Dr. Kuhns is a geologist and environmental scientist with more than 30 years experience in natural resources, land use, geology, ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, remediation, renewable energy, strategy and planning, mineral exploration, river and coastal studies, economics, and communication. He has worked nationally and internationally on all types of resource projects, and designed sustainable practices for brownfield reuse, remediation of contaminated areas, conservation developments, and restoration of habitats. Besides all that, he’s a very entertaining speaker.

So, when do we expect the fish to be swimming up a much bigger Big Creek? How do the fish make the collective decision that “it’s time” and leave the bay and lake to return to their natal stream?

We don’t know when the fish will show up, but we hope to find out. This spring, Big Creek will be studied as a part of a research project out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Crossroads will be organizing a citizen science effort to monitor the sucker run. If you would like to watch fish or add to the body of scientific knowledge, call Coggin at 920.746.5895 for more information.

The Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) is also hoping conduct citizen science efforts. For a preview of the 2011 activities, attend the DCIST Community meeting on Monday, March 14, at 2 pm.

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor-supported learning preserve focused offering experience-based programs in science, history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan , just east of Sturgeon Bay, is open daily 2 – 5 pm and during scheduled activities.

Tuesday, March 8, 7:00
Master Gardener Lecture: “Landscape Design”

This program will emphasize the principles and rules a landscape designer applies to landscape design, whether working with a small, medium or large property. It will describe and illustrate all areas of landscape design, including flower gardens, trees and shrubs, paths, water features, and use of rocks. Participants will learn how to select flowers, shrubs and trees that grow well in Door County, The speaker will be Greg Meissner, co-owner of Meissner Landscape, Inc., a firm that has been providing high-quality landscape services in Door County since 1982. The program is free and open to the public. Lecture Hall of the Collins Learning Center.

Monday,March 14 , 2:00
Community Meeting : “DCIST in 2011″

DCIST coordinator representative, Marne Kaeske will present on DCIST plans for 2011 season. Information on existing local and state-wide projects, new county focuses, and program initiation will be discussed. We are hoping to receive some public input on local weed needs and encourage volunteer efforts throughout the county. Free and open to the public. Lecture Hall, Collins Learning Center.

Tuesday, March 15, 7:00
Master Gardener Lecture, “Geology of Door County”

The Door County Master Gardeners present a free public program featuring Dr. Roger Kuhns at the Crossroads in Sturgeon Bay on Tuesday March 15^th at 7:00pm. The program, “The Geology of Door County,” will examine the geological structure that supports plant and animal life in northeast Wisconsin. In particular, Dr. Kuhns will examine the variety of soil types and structures across the county. The program will feature ample time for questions and answers. Anyone interested in gardening or the geology of the county in general will find this program entertaining and enlightening.

We’ve all about experience-based learning here. From the Door County Historical Society’s “Deck the Village Party,” to the school field trips and family programs, we cut as many as a dozen small trees – which actually isn’t a bad thing in areas where they are over-crowded.

Invariably, the kids somehow end up with sticky hands and the stuff won’t wash off. How annoying! One young person actually said that the sticky was so icky, he prefered artificial trees. Understand, though, were it not for the exuding sap, we’d all have plastic trees, if we were here at all. Scientists are increasing convinced that trees are essential for life as we know it here on Earth.

For trees, sap is the defense.

Here in Packerland, the word “defense” hardly need explanation. In sports the defense is expected to plug the holes. When the military or government officials speak of defense, the word refers to strategies for keeping out invaders.

Tree sap does both. It plugs up the holes and it keeps invaders like bark beetles from entering a tree. Suppose a bark bettle tries to bore into a tree. If a tree is healthy, it “pitches out.” Sap flows to the point of entry and plugs up the hole. The invading insect is either repulsed or encapsulated.

Weak or injured tress often lack the vigor to repel an invasion. Once inside a tree, the female beetle lays a row (or gallery) of eggs just under the tree bark, which is precisely where the active cells of growth are located. Once hatched, the insect larvae start eating. This is problematic in itself, but also, because any break in the bark allows fungi to enter which can lead to rot.

When you cut or decorate a fresh evergreen and damage the bark, the tree reacts as it would when its bark is penetrated. It pitches out. Sap rushes to the surface to plug the hole. The bad news is that the sap is sticky. The good news is that the sap gives off one of the most wonderful scents of the season.

You can enjoy the scents of various evergreens if you join the naturalist on a “Hike to the Evergreen Forest” on Saturday at 1 pm or Sunday at 11 am. This one-hour hike will introduce you to some of the natural history of local conifers.

The DCIST (Door County Invasive Species Team) will hold its December meeting on Monday, December 13 at 3 pmj in the Collins Learning Center. During the meeting, eight individuals who have gone “above and beyond in education on and eradicating invasive species around the county” will be recognized for their hard work. Presenters and award winners will share information about their specific projects. Refreshments will be served and the public is encouraged to attend.

Again this year, Crossroads will participate in the Sturgeon Bay Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 18. Call Crossroads at 746-5895 if you are interested in participating in part or all of the traditional day’s events taking place in the various habititats of our preserve.

Crossroads is a donor supported learning preserve welcoming learners of all ages to experinece-based programs in science, history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center, located at 2041 Michigan just east of Sturgeon Bay is is open 2:00-5:00 daily.

Saturday, December 11, 1:00
Hike to the Evergreen Forest
Join the naturalist in answering the perenniel holiday question, “how fragrant are thy branches?’” During this one hour hike, participants will learn a bit about the natural history of conifers. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Sunday, December 12, 11:00
Hike to the Evergreen Forest
Join the naturalist in answering the perenniel holiday question, “how fragrant are thy branches?”
During this one hour hike, participants will learn a bit about the natural history of conifers. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Monday, December 13, 3: 00
Door County Invasive Species Team Meeting
DCIST will hold its December meeting on Monday, December 13 at 3:00 in the Collins Learning Center. During the meeting, eight individuals who have gone “above and beyond in education on and eradicating invasive species around the county” will be recognized for their hard work. Presenters and awardees will share information about their specific projects. Refreshments will be served and the public is encouraged to attend. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Saturday, December 18, 8:30 to sundown
Sturgeon Bay Christmas Bird Count
Call Crossroads to sign up to be a part of the bird count party or to get information about the activity, call 920-746-5895

As we enjoy our turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie, we will count the many blessings of Crossroads – our donors, our volunteers, our partnering organizations and countless others.

Hmm… “Turkeys” and “countless” in the same sentence. That seems appropriate, somehow. Have you noticed how the wild turkey population has exploded in Door County? These birds are more American than apple pie (apples actually are an introduced alien fruit.) But wild turkeys are becoming invasive. Invasive natives? Or perhaps, nuisance natives.

Unfortunately, turkeys aren’t called gobblers just for the sound of their calls. They gobble fruit, beechnuts and acorns, corn, soybeans, grasses, ferns and insects, reptiles, amphibians. One reference stated that more than 600 different species of plant and animals are consumed by wild turkeys.

Flocks of turkeys are working their way through our beautiful northern forests, scratching for food. They are like garden tillers with big tails. Consequently, they are destroying the forest floor. Not only are they tearing out the wildflowers we love, but they are preparing the soil for weeds to come in.

Native plants indeed are a blessing and because we are blessed, we are also responsible for our fields and forests. At a recent meeting of the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) one of the speakers emphasized that where land has been disturbed, whether by turkeys, by removing invasives, by machinery – it is most important that we fill the void with native plants. Otherwise an undesirable species will simply grow back and then some.

At Thanksgiving, I can’t help but reflect that European settlers were invasive aliens who out-competed the native populations and changed the landscape forever. For so many reasons, we can’t ever return to that pre-invasion landscape, but we need to do the best we can to live in harmony with our environment.

For better or worse, those European settlers did remarkable things with the tools they had. On Saturday at 1:00, a Crossroads Family Program will focus on “Pioneer Tools.” Families will gather in the Greene General Store to examine the “merchandise,” then move into the warmer Collins Learning Center for demonstrations and discussion. This program is free and open to all ages.

After looking at the past, on Thursday, December 2 at 7 pm we invite you to look to the future as Sustain Door, Inc. brings Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture to the Collins Learning Center presenting a lecture entitled, “Permaculture/Transition to a Post-oil Society.” A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Free and open to the Public.

Crossroads at Big Creek is a learning preserve offering programs in science, history and environment for learners of all ages. The Collins Learning Center and Historical Village at The Crossroads are located at 2041 Michigan Street just east of Sturgeon Bay. The learning center is open 2:00-5:00 daily, but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Trails will be open. Hunting is not permitted in the preserve.

Saturday, November 27, 1:00
Family Program: Pioneer Tools
Families will meet in the Greene General Store in the Historical Village to examine
“the merchandise”. Then then move into the warmer Collins Learning Center for demonstrations and discussions. This program is free and open to all ages.

Monday, November 29, 10:00
Nature Hike
Join the naturalist for a brisk walk in through the preserve. If there is snow, we will use the designated hiking trails. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. About an hour.

Wednesday, December 1, 9:00
Weather permitting Buckthorn Party
If it is at all possible, we will continue to remove buckthorn from the preserve.
Call 746-5895 to make sure the party is on. Wear warm clothes that can be soiled or stained.

Thursday, December 2, 7:00 PM
Lecture: “Permaculture/Transition to a Post-oil Society.”
Sustain Door, Inc brings Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture to the Collins Learning Center to present discuss “Permaculture/Transition to a Post-oil Society.” A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public.

As a science center, we appreciate the upcoming presentations by Ruth Norton ,RN, CDE and CarmenSchroeder RD,CD, CDE  because they share the findings of recent medical research. For most of the audience, the topic “Discover your management plan and put it into action” will be of the most interest.

Even without knowing what the health care professionals are planning to cover, we know that the recommendations will include moderate exercise. And we want to offer our trails to the community because many studies indicate that exercising in nature results in improved physical and mental health.

Alas, just when the days are getting shorter (and daylight savings time ends) so the mood elevating benefits of hiking are most needed, many people curtail their outdoor time. True,  it is getting cooler. And sometimes it is windy. And during hunting season, wandering around in a buff colored coat could be a poor choice.

But hunting is not permitted at Crossroads. And dog walking is, as long as the dog is on a leash and under control.

Once we have useful snow, many of our trails will be groomed for environmentally friendly recreation. We offer cross-country skiing ( traditional and skate) and also, groom designated trails for hikers and dog walkers. We  permit snowshoeing throughout the preserve–except on the  ski trails.  Best of all, when snow is adequate,  we loan skis free of charge on Sunday afternoons to encourage people to get in touch with nature and to encourage healthy family fun.

So what will you see in November? Our flowers have gone to seed, but they are still lovely. Berries and the remaining fall foliage add more color than you might expect.  Small migrating birds use the preserve for feeding and resting.  Remarkably, Big Creek is still flowing–a treat to the eyes and the ears. Unfortunately, in increasingly large patches, you may see the dried remains of spotted knapweed.

Spotted Knapweed can be pretty (at a distance)  in mid-summer. Some people call it ”Door County heather”  because it turns a field  into a lavender haze,  but  knapweed is a particularly aggressive weed that successfully out-competes native plants.. Pulling it by hand would be an overwhelming task.

On Monday,  November 15, at 2:00,  the Door County Invasive Specis Team will meet at Crossroads to learn about “BioControls” DNR Biologists Brock Woods and Wade Oehmicken will describe the successes of  purple loosestrife-feeding weevil releases and the possibility of instating a spotted knapweed bio-control program. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Short days are an advantage to stargazers. When darkness comes early and the days are crisp, thenight skies can be spectacular. The members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society invite the public to a free  ”Introduction to the Winter Sky” program on Wednesday, November 17 at the reasonable hour of 7:00 PM at the Ray and Ruthie Stonecipher Center.. After a short orientation and lesson in reading a SkyMap, the group will go outside to welcome the winter constellations. If weather prevents outdoor activities, participants will view the constellations in our planetarium.

Crossroads is a donor-supported preserve welcoming learners of all ages for activities relating to science, history, and the environment. The Collins Learning Center, open daily from 2:00=5:00 is located a 2041 Michigan just east of Sturgeon Bay. The Stonecipher Astronomy Center 

Saturday, November 13, 10:00-12:00
Diabetes Update
Ruth Norton ,RN, CDE and Carmen Schroeder RD,CD, CDE  of Ministry Door County Medical Center will present “Discover your management plan and put it into action” This program is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Sunday, November 14, 1:00
Nature Hike
Join the naturalist in a walk through the preserve. We’ll visit Big Creek and some of the evergreen forests.Free.  Meet at the Collins Learning Center.About an hour.

Monday, November 15, 2::00
DCIST Meeting and Program: “Bio-Control”
The Door County Invasive Species Team will hold their monthly meeting.DNR Biologists Brock Woods and Wade Oehmicken will describe  the successes of  purple loosestrife-feeding weevil releases and the possibility of instating a spotted knapweed bio-control program. This meeting is free and open to the public. 

Wednesday, November 17, 7:00
Introduction to the Winter Constellations

After a short orientation and lesson in reading a SkyMap, the group will go outside to welcome the winter constellations. If weather prevents outdoor activities, participants will view the constellations in our planetarium. Meet at the Ray and Ruthie Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Please use the Utah Street Entrance to Crossroads.

Friday, November 18, 6:30-7:30
Family Astronomy Night
Families are invited to the Collins Learning Center for an evening of hands-on activities designed to introduce basic concepts of astronomy. Appropriate for grades 1-5 but all are welcome. Free.

For the next two weeks, we are foucssing on all of those inhabitants of the night sky. While not actually ghosts, the costumed members of the Door County Historical Society might certainly appear like visions from the past as they bring the Historical Village at The Crossroads to life every Sunday of “the season.”  This year, the Historical Society is extending  that season through this weekend:

• Blacksmiths will be in the Blacksmith Shop,
• Civil War re-enactor Joe Knaapen, like Civil War vets at the turn of the last century, will reminisce about the life of a common soldier,
• The Greene General Store will be open with our storekeeper typically eager to sell his penny candy, items from the forge or early Christmas gifts,
• The womenfolk of  the Warren House will be selling popcorn and hot cranberry/apple cider. Their little pioneer  parties have quickly become a popular feature of Historic Village Sundays.

Bats are supposed to fly in the night sky and roost in our caves by day, but bats may be in trouble. At the Monday, October 20 meeting of the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) at 2 pm,  caver and environmentalist Bob Bultman and Rich Novy of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will present a program on”The Ecology of Bats.” They will discuss the issue and spread of the bat malady known as “white-nose” and how the state and feds plan to deal with it.

According the Mike Lynch, author of Wisconsin STARWATCH,  “Autumn is great for stargazing because it brings primo constellations like Pegasus the Winged Horse and Andromeda the Princess. Also, the humid summer air – and the mosquitoes – are on the retreat. Drier air means clearer skies. Plus, darkness falls earlier every night. ”

There  also are dragons and sea monsters among the autumn constellations, and we are delighted to announce that author and statgazing instructor, Mike Lynch will return to Crossroads over Halloween weekend (which is also Teacher Convention Weekend.).

Astronomy is a serious science, so it may seem  a bit odd that astronomers learn and remember myths and legends. But the “pictures in the sky,” named by the ancients, are reference points for finding and discussing locations in the night sky.

For example, a friend writes, “Have you seen Comet Hartley 2?  It’s in Perseus now but it will be in Gemini by the end of the month,”  and I know where to look because I recall  the stories about Persius the Hero and Gemini, The Twins.

Mike Lynch says, “Through the years of putting on stargazing shows, I have grown to love telling the stories about how constellation got into the sky. Not all of the all of the celestial soap operas are exactly family friendly, so I clean them up, but not too squeaky clean.”

Because Wisconsin schools are out Thursday and Friday (October 28  and 29), two Cross-Generational Classes have been scheduled. Cross-Gen Classes, designed for one adult and one youth (aged 7-13) to learn together, are free thanks to a generous grant from the Door County Community Foundation. However, pre-registration is absolutely necessary and space is limited to eight pairs of learners.

Owls will be the topic for the Friday class, which will be held at the Collins Learning Center at 2 pm. Mike Lynch will present the Saturday class “Monsters in the Sky” at 4 pm in the Stonecipher Center.

Lynch will also present a program for the general public called “Myths of the Autumn Constellations” on Saturday evening. Following the program, the group will go out into the StarGarden to see the sea monsters, dragons, and bears (oh, my)  in the sky.

Lynch explains, “My goal is to make stars your old friends. I want you to be excited about  looking into the night sky and making sense of it.”

But you do not have to wait till Halloween Eve to see stars. Members of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) will hold a “Introduction to the Autumn Sky” on Wednesday October 20, at 7 pm. DPAS members will help you read a sky map and then, using a green laser pointer, help participants find the autumn constellations. They’ll take a stab at finding  the  fuzzy little smudge that is Comet Hartley 2. Cloudy? Participants will enjoy stargazing in our inflatable planetarium.

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor-supported preserve welcoming learners of all ages to participate in science, historical, and environmental programs. The Collins Learning Center is open daily 2:00-5:00. This Sunday, the Historical Village at The Crossroads will close for the season. Crossroads is located at 2041 Michigan Street, just east of Sturgeon Bay.

Sunday, October 17, 1:30-3:30
Open House at The Histoircal Village
Hot cranberry/apple cider and popcorn will be sold;  a Civil War program, blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the village buildings will be offered on this final day of the season.Free and open to the public.

Monday, October 18, 2:00
DCIST Meeting/Lecture: The Ecology of Bats”
A short meeting of the Door County Invasive Species Team will be followed by a timely program. Caver and environmentalist Bob Bultman and Rich Novy of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will present a program on”The Ecology of Bats”in which they will discuss the issue and spread of white-nose, and explain  how the state and feds plan to deal with it.  Lecture Hall of the Collins Learning Center.

Wednesday, October 20, 7:00
“Introduction to the Autumn Sky”
Door Peninusla Astronomical Society  members will help you read a sky map and then take participants outside to show them  the fall constellations using a green laser pointer. We’ll take a stab at finding the  fuzzy little smudge that is Comet Hartley 2. Cloudy? Participants will enjoy stargazing in our inflatable planetarium. Free and open to the public. Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Please use the Utah Street Entrance to Crossroads. 

Friday, October 29, 2:00
Cross-Generational Class on “Owls”
This program is offered so one adult and one youth (age 7-13) can learn together. Learn about owls through videos, games and activities.  Participation and materials are free, but pre-registration is required. Call 746-5895 for more informatin or to register.

Saturday, October 30, 4:00
Cross-Generational Class “Monsters in the Sky”
This program is offered so one adult and one youth (age 7-13) can learn together.Wisconsin STARWATCH author Mike Lynch will present this interactive program on the mythology of constellations. A great introduction to the night sky.  Participation and materials are free, but pre-registration is required.  Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Call 746-5895 for more informatin or to register.

7:00
Astronomy Program: “Myths of the Autumn Constellations”
The general public is invited to meet Mike Lynch and hear his stories about constellations before going outside to view the sky through “Big Daddy”–a very large Dobsonian telescope.Program will be offered whatever the weather.Free and open to the public. Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Please use the Utah Street Entrance to Crossroads.

Wikipedia explains it clearly: “The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth when and where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible by anyone with a GPS receiver.”

On Tuesday Aug 24, beginning at 9 am you can learn how to map invasive populations using a GPS device and share that information with others over the Internet. Marne Kaeske, Ridges’ Stewardship Coordinator, will spend the morning teaching and taking participants out to do field work at The Ridges, so bring boots and a GPS device if you have them. She will also have some boots and a few GPS units to share.

The Ridges Sanctuary is now heading up the Door County Invasive Species Team and has a created a model program that meets each Tuesday to fight invasives. They are fighting off the invasion as a team, known to many as the Barberry Pirates.

They say, “The Sanctuary is UNDER ATTACK! In the swales and on the ridges, new infestations of invasives are popping up. The Barberry Pirates remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the invasion. But we need MORE Pirates to be pro-active with the new threats to the Sanctuary!”

“Please let us know if you can make it so we can plan our attack!” Marne adds, “Lemonade and snacks after the fray! …to fight of the scurvy.”

There is no charge to participate and you are asked to meet at the Upper Rangelight at The Ridges in Baileys Harbor. Please, call 920.839.2802 to RSVP.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a 1,600 acre pristine natural area located in Door County, Wisconsin. Formed in 1937, it’s the oldest private nature preserve in the state. The Ridges is designated as a State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark, an Audubon Important Birding Area, and a Wisconsin Wetland Gem.

May 11 • Tuesday at The Ridges Sanctuary 9:30 AM – Noon. Meet at the Upper Rangelight. We will pull invasive forget-me-nots. Burgers hot off the grill afterward.

May 11, 19, 25 • Tuesdays in May  at Peninsula State Park from 1 PM – 2 PM. Call Invasive species Coordinator Paula Olig at 920.854.5976 for more information.

May 14  • Friday at Whitefish Dunes State Park 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM Meet at the Nature Center. Water, gloves and snack provided. (Volunteers receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker)

May 21 • Friday at Whitefish Dunes State Park •  1:30 PM Meet at the Nature Center. Water, gloves and snack provided. (Volunteers receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker)

May 22 • Saturday at Potawatomi State Park •  9 AM and 2 PM  Meet at the Picnic shelter at Parking lot 2.  Suitable tasks for everyone. Rain or shine. For information: Peter Sigmann (920) 824-5193. (Volunteers receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker). The friends of Potawatomi State Park are attempting to remove invasive Eurasian Honeysuckle along the shoreline to allow recovery of native vegetation and restore the view of the bay.

May 25 • Tuesday at Sawyer Elementary School. From 8 AM – 10 AM. Help the second graders pull garlic mustard at Woodside Park in Sturgeon Bay.

May 25 • Tuesday at Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Presentation and field trip • 2-3 PM A Success Story: Phragmites in Moonlight Bay. Field trip to Moonlight Bay will follow presentation. Carpool to field site. Waterproof boots recommended.

May 28 • Friday at Whitefish Dunes State Park 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM Meet at the Nature Center. Water, gloves and snack provided. (Volunteers receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker)

June 1, 15, 22, 29 • Tuesdays in June at Peninsula State Park from 1 PM – 2 PM. Call Invasive species Coordinator Paula Olig at (920) 854-5976 for more information.

June 4, 5, & 6 • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at The Rushes on Logerquist road in Jacksonport. Tackling barberry. Call Marne Kaeske for more information marne@ridgessanctuary.org or 920.839.2802.

Reminders & Notes

Log your Hours! Whether at home or out with a crew, your volunteer time controlling invasives is valuable. Please try to send these signed hard copies in to The Ridges each month. (The state requires hard copies – but we are working on an electronic version – maybe next year) The Ridges Sanctuary • PO Box 152 • Baileys Harbor WI 54202.

Landowner Visits! Staff and volunteers are available for landowner visits to provide a brief survey of vegetation and suggestions of options for noxious weed control.  Call to schedule a visit: marne@ridgessanctuary.org or 920.839.2802.

Project RED! Coming June 14. Learn to identify 15 aquatic invasive species while doing what you love – paddling! Grab your friends and paddles. Laura MacFarland of the River Alliance of Wisconsin will present on opportunistic monitoring for exotic species of concern while enjoying your local waters. Cal: 920.839.2802 or email: marne@ridgessanctuary.org.

Let’s do this together! Please let us know about interest in invasive education development, growing threats and work parties in you neighborhood!

If you wish to receive emails from The Ridges and DCIST regarding upcoming opportunities, please call The Ridges at 920.839.2802 or email carol@RidgesSanctuary.org and they will add you to the list.