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  • Let's Explore
    • Nature Trails >
      • 116th Street - Oak Leaf Trail - West Allis, WI
      • Bald Bluff Nature Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Belle Reynolds Nature Trail - Oakfield, WI
      • Eagle Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Emma Carlin Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Glacial Drumlin State Trail - Lake Mills, WI
      • Ice Age Visitor Center Nature Trail - Campbellsport, WI
      • Kettle Moraine Low Prairie Natural Area - Eagle, WI
      • W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway - Milwaukee, WI
      • Kohl Park Hiking Trail - Milwaukee, WI
      • Paradise Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Rice Lake Nature Trail - Whitewater, WI
      • Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Seminary Woods - St. Francis, WI
      • Stony Ridge Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Stute Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Washington Avenue Nature Trail - Sheboygan, WI
      • White River State Trail - Elkhorn to Dover, WI
      • Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Riverwalk - Delafield, WI
    • Local Parks >
      • Anclam Park - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • Astico County Park - Columbus, WI
      • Asylum Point Park & Lighthouse - Oshkosh, WI
      • Beckman Mill County Park - Beloit, WI
      • Big Hill Park - Beloit, WI
      • Bluhm Farm Park - Muskego, WI
      • Bratt Woods - Grafton, WI
      • Brown Deer Park - Brown Deer, WI
      • Calhoun Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Carlin-Weld Park - Palmyra, WI
      • Dorothy Carnes Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Carver-Roehl County Park - Clinton, WI
      • Case Eagle Park - Burlington, WI
      • Cave Point County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Cherney Maribel Caves County Park - Maribel, WI
      • Cliffside Park - Caledonia, WI
      • Copernicus Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Creekwood Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Cudahy Woods - Cudahy, WI
      • Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum - Brookfield, WI
      • Ellison Bay Bluff County Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Elm Grove Village Park - Elm Grove, WI
      • Endicott Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Estabrook Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Euclid Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Falk Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Frame Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Franklin Woods - Franklin, WI
      • Froemming Park - Franklin, WI
      • Frontier Park - Butler, WI
      • George K. Pinney County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI -
      • Glacier Hills County Park - Hubertus, WI
      • Grant Park - South Milwaukee
      • Greenfield Park - West Allis
      • Grobschmidt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hales Corners Park, Ben Hunt Prairie and Cabin, Seneca Hale Summer Kitchen, Cobb Park - Hales Corners, WI
      • Harnischfeger Park - Ixonia, WI
      • Hartung Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hidden Lake Park - Brookfield, WI
      • High Grove Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Hika Bay Park - Cleveland, WI
      • Hobbs Woods Nature Area - Fond Du Lac, WI
      • Homestead Hollow County Park - Germantown, WI
      • Honey Creek Park - West Allis, WI
      • Hoyt Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Humboldt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Indian Mounds County Park - Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds and Trail - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Indianhead Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Jackson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Jacobus Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Johnstone Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Kiekhaefer Park - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Kinsey Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Korth Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Krueger Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kurth Park - Muskego, WI
      • Alan Kulwicki Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Ledge County Park - Horicon, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Grafton, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Lincoln Park - Glendale, WI
      • Lions Legend Park I & II - Franklin, WI
      • Lion's Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Lisbon Community Park - Hartland, WI
      • Lyons Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Magnolia Bluff County Park - Evansville, WI
      • Malone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Manchester Hill Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mangan Woods - Greendale, WI
      • Mary Knoll Park - Brookfield, WI
      • McCarty Park - West Allis, WI
      • Mitchell Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Monarch Trail / County Grounds Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Mound Zion Park - Brookfield, WI
      • John Muir Memorial County Park - Town of Buffalo, WI
      • Mush Ko Se Day Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - Muskego, WI
      • Muskego Park - Muskego, WI
      • Nashotah Park - Nashotah, WI
      • Natureland County Park - Whitewater, WI
      • New Berlin Historical Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Nitschke Mounds County Park - Burnett, WI
      • Nixon Park - Hartland, WI
      • North Point Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Oerding Park - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Petrifying Springs Park - Kenosha, WI
      • Pleasant Valley Parks & Trails - Town of Cedarburg, WI
      • Pondview Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Prairie Springs Park - Pleasant Prairie, WI
      • ProHealth Care Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Pulaski Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Richfield Historical Park - Richfield, WI
      • Ridge Run Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rivers Edge Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Riverside Park - Watertown, WI
      • Riverside Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rock River Heritage County Park - Janesville, WI
      • Rotary Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Sandy Knoll County Park - Town of Trenton, WI
      • Saveland Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Schoen Laufen Park - Germantown, WI
      • Schoetz Park - Village of Hales Corners, WI
      • Schoolhouse Beach - Washington Island, WI
      • Scout Lake Park - Greendale, WI
      • Sheboygan Indian Mound Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Simmons Woods Park - Pewaukee, WI
      • South Shore Park - Bayview, WI
      • Spassland Park - Germantown, WI
      • Springs Park - Delavan, WI
      • Sunset Beach County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Three Bridges Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Turtle Creek Parkway / Tiffany Bridge - Clinton, WI
      • Tyranena Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Valley View Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Veterans Memorial Park - Grafton, WI
      • Viking County Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Virmond Park - Mequon, WI
      • Warnimont Park - Cudahy, WI
      • Weatherstone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Wequiock Falls Park - Green Bay, WI
      • Wilson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Washington Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Weston Antique Apple Orchard & Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail - New Berlin, WI
      • White River County Park - Walworth County
      • Whitnall Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wind Point Lighthouse - Racine, WI
    • Nature Preserves >
      • Adam Birding Conservancy - Whitewater, WI
      • Badertscher Preserve - Muskego, WI
      • Joyce M. Baer & George J. Socha Conservancy - Marshall, WI
      • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary - Green Bay, WI
      • Beulah Bog - East Troy, WI
      • Blue Heron Wildlife Sanctuary - Saukville, WI
      • Burlington School Forest - Burlington, WI
      • Calhoun Creek Prairie - New Berlin, WI
      • Cedarburg Bog - Saukville, WI
      • Chiwaukee Prairie - Kenosha, WI
      • Conservancy For Healing And Heritage - Franklin, WI
      • Robert O Cook Arboretum - Janesville, WI
      • Crooked Creek Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Crossroads At Big Creek - Sturgeon Bay
      • Deer Creek Sanctuary - New Berlin, WI
      • Delavan Memorial Arboretum - Delavan, WI
      • Donges Bay Gorge - Mequon, WI
      • Emerald Preserve - Oak Creek, WI
      • Engel Conservation Area - Muskego, WI
      • Faville Grove Sanctuary - Lake Mills, WI
      • Fellenz Woods - West Bend, WI
      • Flowing Well - Whitewater, WI
      • Forest Beach Migratory Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Forest Exploration Center - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Fox River Sanctuary - Waukesha, WI
      • John S. Garman Nature Preserve - Waterloo, WI
      • Garrison's Glen - Mequon, WI
      • Genesee Oak Opening and Fen - Mukwonago, North Prairie WI
      • Gordon Tabor Memorial Woods - Caledonia, WI
      • Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grasslyn Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Greenway Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grootemaat Nature Preserve - Greendale, WI
      • Hartland Marsh Preserve - Village of Hartland, WI
      • Hawthorn Glen - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum - Kenosha, WI
      • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon, WI
      • Huiras Lake Natural Area - Fredonia, WI
      • Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - Williams Bay, WI
      • Kurtz Woods State Natural Area - Grafton, WI
      • Lac Lawrann Conservancy - West Bend, WI
      • Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Madison, WI
      • Ledge View Nature Center - Chilton, WI
      • Lion's Den Nature Preserve - Grafton, WI
      • Lois Jensen Nature Preserve - Delafield, WI
      • Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Maywood Environmental Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha, WI
      • Mequon Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Moely Prairie - Prairie Du Sac, WI
      • Nature Hill Nature Center - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy - Delavan, WI
      • Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preservel - Eagle, WI
      • Nicholson Wildlife Refuge - Franksville, WI
      • Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area - Oakfield, WI
      • Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park - Merton, WI
      • Parry Spring - Dousman, WI
      • Petersen Island Woods Preserve - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy - Middleton, WI
      • Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Pope Farm Conservancy - Verona, WI
      • Price Park Conservancy - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pukaite Woods Nature Preserve / Mequon Rotary Park - Mequon, WI
      • Retzer Nature Center - Waukesha, WI
      • The Ridges Sanctuary - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • River Bend Nature Center - Racine, WI
      • Riveredge Nature Center - Saukville, WI
      • Saller Woods - Rochester, WI
      • Sanctuary Woods - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Schlitz Audubon Nature Center - Milwaukee, WI
      • Seno Woodland Center - Burlington, WI
      • Spirit Lake Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Spruce Lake Bog - Campbellsport, WI
      • Stigler Nature Preserve - New Berlin, WI
      • Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Mequon, WI
      • UW-Waukesha Field Station - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Van der Brohe Arboretum - Two Rivers, WI
      • Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area - Mukwonago, WI
      • Vernon Wildlife Area - Waterford, WI
      • Wadewitz Nature Camp - Village of Rochester, WI
      • Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve - Burlington, WI
      • Wehr Nature Center - Franklin, WI
      • Whitnall School Forest - Greenfield, WI
      • Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve - Two Rivers, WI
      • Zeloski Marsh - Cambridge, WI
    • State Parks >
      • Aztalan State Park - Aztalan, WI
      • Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area - Sauk City, WI
      • Big Foot Beach State Park - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Bong State Recreation Area - Kansasville, WI
      • C. D. Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area - Kewaunee, WI
      • Cadiz Springs State Park - New Glarus, WI
      • Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI
      • Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium, WI
      • Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee, WI
      • High Cliff State Park - Sherwood, WI
      • Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • La Budde State Natural Area - Ice Age Trail Segment - Plymouth, WI
      • Lake Kegonsa State Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Lakeshore State Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Lapham Peak State Park - Delafield, WI
      • Lizard Mound State Park - Farmington, WI
      • Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area - Campbellsport, WI
      • Mukwonago River Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mukwonago, WI
      • Natural Bridge State Park - North Freedom, WI
      • Newport State Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek, WI
      • Pike Lake State Park - Hartford, WI
      • Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers, WI
      • Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
    • Sculpture Gardens and Conservancies >
      • Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden - Colgate, WI
      • Boerner Botanical Gardens - Hales Corners, WI
      • Nick Engelbert's Grandview - Hollandale, WI
      • Franconia Sculpture Park - Shafer, MN
      • The Garden Door - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Greendale Children's Garden - Greendale, WI
      • Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture - West Bend, WI
      • Margie's Garden - Hales Corners, WI
      • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm - Baraboo, WI
      • Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Madison, WI
      • M. Schettl Sales - Sculpture and Oddities
      • Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville, WI
      • Stavkirke - Washington Island, WI
      • Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Stevens Point, WI
      • James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Town of Wilson, WI
      • West Of The Lake Gardens - Manitowoc, WI
    • Cemeteries >
      • Calvary Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Forest Home Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Highland Memorial Park Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • La Belle Cemetery - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Mount Olivet Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Berlin Center Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • Oak Hill Cemetery - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Riverside Cemetery - Oshkosh, WI
      • St. Adalbert Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
  • Gardening for Wildlife
    • The Eco-Friendly Lawn
    • Welcome to the Firefly Show
    • Birdbaths in the Habitat
  • Detours, Links & More
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THE BLOG @ THE PARK NEXT DOOR

Summer Blooms Heading Into Fall

8/31/2023

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It's the last day of August. Not the last day of summer. Fall doesn't officially begin until September 22. Three weeks from now. But the past few days have been on the cooler side, and some of the blooms are starting to fade. It's hard not to jump on the autumn train. Out on some of my most recent nature walks I've started to notice a few colorful leaves here and there. 

But there's plenty of summer left to behold as well. The temps are expected to rise this Labor Day weekend, so it's going to feel like summer again. And, finally, some of the seeds I sowed late in the season are teasing me with buds ready to burst into flower any day now. The anticipation!

There's still so much green everywhere. I've enjoyed making bouquets from what's growing in my garden. Something new for me. It's become quite addictive. A fun challenge to go out most days and create a vase of color to enjoy or share. If what's coming really does bloom, it will be a feast for these novice gardener's eyes. 
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Just a bit of fall color peeking through...


This has been a summer with a little less adventure, and more experimentation. We have been working on our garden since we bought this house nearly five years ago, and I have made a lot of  planting mistakes. Our neighbor has a very large black walnut tree, and it bears a good deal of fruit in the fall. The neighborhood squirrels love it.  As do we.  But, I recently learned that many plants and flowers  do not survive when planted within 50-75 feet of a black walnut tree. There's a natural compound called juglone that the black walnut tree produces. There are many plants, shrubs, and other trees that are sensitive to this compound and struggle to survive. This at least solves some of the mystery as to why so many of my plantings never return after one summer.  Who knew? Well, not me, obviously. But now I do, and I intend to do some research and find the right plants for that garden spot for next year. Maybe I'll even do some seed sowing this fall. Not something I've ever considered before. 

​So, a bit of online research, pouring over gardening books and magazines, and a lot of YouTube videos have kept me occupied many nights this summer. And I'm looking forward to putting to use what I have learned for next spring.  
But it's a long time until spring. Sure, we get to travel through the beauty of fall. And winter has its beauty, too. But who am I kidding? Winter lasts a long time here in Wisconsin.

​So, I'm going to have to find a way to keep my spirits up. Nature walks will help, of course. And I'm going to try to forage for some colorful alternatives to fresh flowers for arrangements to brighten the days.  Fall leaves will definitely fit the bill. I'm kind of excited, actually, to take on the challenge. Looking out at the garden I can see plenty of things that might bring some cold season beauty indoors.

And, since I planted so many of my flowers late, perhaps I'll have blooms into October, maybe beyond. Unless... 

Of course, there are other things to do. Perhaps all of the things I should have gotten done inside over the summer will take priority as the cooler days settle in. I'm liking the idea of forcing blooms  inside, too. Not something I would have considered even just a year ago.

​In the meantime, I'm going to try and enjoy these last days of summer. Savor them as best I can. Because once fall truly arrives, I can tell you, I'm all in.
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Sowed late, and finally starting to bloom!
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Welcome Winged Ones

8/25/2023

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A female green darner dragonfly takes a rest in our summer garden.

PictureA green darner dragonfly blending in with garden foliage.
I noticed them last evening. Once the extreme heatwave had passed, brought on in part by a quick moving storm, the temperature dropped and the sky cleared. I went out to survey the backyard garden habitat, looked up, and there they were. Swarms of green darner dragonflies, swirling overhead. Back and forth over the backyard. Skimming the treetops, then swooping down lower over the garden patches, and birdbaths.  No doubt feasting on the bugs brought out by the summer rain. 

Earlier this summer one of these beauties surprised me as I was watering one of the raised bed flower gardens. I nearly watered the dragonfly itself, it was blending in so well. But the glistening of its wings caught my eye, and I stopped short. I greeted it, and asked it to "just wait there". Quick grabbed my phone and camera to take a few photos.  It was resting, and seemed in no hurry to move on.  Once I had taken a few photos I went back to watering the thirsty  blooms, checking back periodically to see if it was still there.  It hung around awhile. But, eventually, it moved on. Yesterday, I think it returned. With friends. Today, under cloudy, but cooler skies, they are back again. Swirling in and out of view.  Rather calming to watch.

A couple years back, after our first summer in this house, we were outside working in the yard, and looked up to see thousands of green darners flying overhead. They were deep into fall migration, and we were lucky enough to witness it.  I've been hoping for another opportunity ever since. Maybe their recent visits are a good sign.

​I haven't been out in the parks and on the trails as much as I'd like this summer. I've had other responsibilities, and have dedicated a good portion of my time to cultivating our yard into a lively wildlife  habitat.  I'm going to take the dragonfly sightings as a sign that we are having some success.


There's a bit of magic in the winged creatures that visit our backyard. Although spring migration visitors were scarce this year, we have had regular visitors over the summer. Along with an occasional warbler or two.

There is a female ruby-throated hummingbird who has been a regular for the past several summers, and she has been back this year. Once in a while another hummingbird stops by, but she doesn't much like to share.  She is a beauty, and I plant a lot of flowers in an attempt to make her happy. 

Once in a while, I will be out watering the garden, or photographing some of the blooms, and I will hear a buzz nearby.  More than a few times I have turned to see her within inches of my face, just hovering in front of me.  "Hi!" I exclaim. I'm not sure what I expect her to say in return. 

​In any case, every time, every single time, she visits, it's like the first time. A complete, breathless thrill.  They were my mom's favorite bird. She always put out hummingbird feeders at her apartment, and little hummingbird trinkets and ornaments. Ever since she passed away, anytime I see a hummingbird, I feel as if she is sending a greeting. Fleeting though it might be. It's a bit of magic in the everyday.
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A female ruby-throated hummingbird is a regular summer visitor in our garden.

The good news is our little ecosystem is expanding. This year we have had lots of butterflies, bumbles and other bees, fireflies, and crickets. Even grasshoppers, a first for us.

And the sounds...Cicadas buzzing on a hot day, crickets singing at night, robins calling at sunrise, chickadees, too. Splendid examples of nature's tune. Proof that if you plant it, they will come. 

No matter how difficult my day, if I am able to sit outside on the patio in the evening, and absorb the sounds and sights of the garden, I can find a sense of calm. And a sense of accomplishment, too.

What I'm hoping for now, is that my late-planted flowers bloom. That our faded flowers provide plenty of food for the birds as they migrate this fall, and that they stop by to visit this time. We really missed them in the spring. 

In the meantime, I wonder who else might show up for a visit?  Only time will tell.
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A fledgling robin exploring the habitat.
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Hello, Grasshopper!
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Welcome to the habitat, Swallowtail.
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A sweat bee gathering pollen on a blooming dahlia.

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Last But Not Least

6/23/2023

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A Return To Door County - Day 4
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A welcoming bench along the east trailhead of Crossroads at Big Creek.

My time in Door County was coming to an end.  In search of coffee and something simple for breakfast, I made a few stops: first at Scaturo's, a nearby restaurant and bakery, for a fresh-baked chocolate croissant. Followed by a quick stop at two different coffee shops in downtown Sturgeon Bay - Pinky Promise Coffee, and Lawlss Coffee Roasting. They were within a block of each other, so I had to sneak a peek at each. Both have character, and great coffee. 

Caffeine in hand, it was time to depart Door County, but I had one final exploration to make before heading back to Milwaukee. Crossroads at Big Creek, in Sturgeon Bay.  This 200-acre Nature Preserve, Learning Center, and Heritage Village caught my eye when researching the area last fall. I didn't have a chance to visit then, so I wasn't leaving this time without checking it out.
The preserve includes four main habitat trails: Field, meadow, forest, and creek. Wildflowers, birds, bees and other pollinators make their home here. There are easy boardwalks, and moderate natural trails as well. Two additional nature preserves reside across from the southern end of the campus: The Cove Preserve, and Ida Bay Preserve.

I wandered a bit of each trail, as they overlap. I was hoping to see some migrant birds, and could hear them call from the surrounding trees and bushes. Eventually, I got lucky and spotted a blue grosbeak. My first-ever sighting of this beautiful bird. My photo wasn't a prize capture, but I was thrilled to get to see it in person just the same. 

Location: 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Trails are open every day, no charge
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A blue grosbeak spotted along the field trail on the east side of Crossroads at Big Creek.

Note: Dogs are allowed, but must be on-leash.

Collins Learning Center:
Monday-Friday: 10am - 4pm, Saturday: 1-4pm
​Sunday: Closed

The main campus also includes an Astronomy Center and the Star Garden dark sky viewing area, including a planet walk and observatory. 

Since the moon was nearly full during my visit, there weren't any dark sky viewing events. I had trouble figuring out where the dark sky viewing area was along the trail when I visited a couple nights earlier, so I was glad to find it during my daytime visit. 

​The trail leading to the viewing area features signage along the way about the planets in the Milky Way Galaxy.

​Viewing events are held on-site by the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society. Viewing nights are free and open to the public.

​Locatioon: 2200 Utah St.,
​Sturgeon Bay
​
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Signs along the planet walk depict different planets in the Milky Way Galaxy.
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The Leif Everson Observatory at the Astronomy Campus of Crossroads at Big Creek.

Also on-site is a bit of history, by way of the Heritage Village at Big Creek.  This historical park includes 11 prominent buildings that depict the life and times of early settlers to Door County.

Buildings include a general store, a one-room schoolhouse, a village chapel, blacksmith shop and more.  Some of the buildings were moved to this location and refurbished or reconstructed.

​They include many original furnishings and artifacts, and provide historical information of the buildings and their inhabitants. I particularly found the one-room schoolhouse interesting. Special events are held at the historical park throughout the year.

Location: 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
Tours are self-guided, Admission is Free
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm (Closed Monday/Tuesday)

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The Vignes Schoolhouse is one of 11 Door County historical buildings on view at Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

This last bit of exploration of my summer Door County trip was a great way to end my adventure. A bit of history, a bit of nature, a relaxing walk. There is much more to the Crossroads at Big Creek. More to explore another time. If you're interested, take a look at the map of the campus. There's much to do here all year through.  In the meantime, I was homeward bound. Until next time...
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It's All An Illusion

6/20/2023

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Colorful calibrachoa enjoying some sun in our container garden area.

I do not have a green thumb. Much as I try to connect with my inner garden goddess, she remains elusive. Looking back to 2002, when I moved in with my now-husband, Joe, I recall being excited to try my hand at planting flowers and further developing the garden that he had already started. 

During our early dating days, we emailed. And he told me about planting ferns on the side of his house. About the peonies his sister gave him when he had moved in, and how they were growing. In my mind, he was an avid gardener. Certainly his sister was, she was breeding her own peony species! 

​Then I met his parents, and witnessed the garden his father had planted and cultivated in their yard. I was surrounded by gardeners.  They were inspiring. I wanted to be one.  
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My father-in-law, Gabe, with one of the roses he cultivated in his home garden.

After a couple years, I came up with an idea for the tiny backyard we had. I would divide the backyard lawn in half, by a river shaped garden. Then remove the back end of the grass and put in a pea gravel patio.  It was a lot of work, but it worked out fairly well.  I can honestly say I did most of the work myself, with the use of a manual kick plow to remove sections of grass, and shoveling a half-ton of pea gravel in.  I would pick out plants to install, and Joe would caution me if he thought I'd made a bad choice. But, sometimes, I did it anyway, and paid the price later on when it either died, or ran amok, spreading everywhere. 

The worst part was the pea gravel patio.  While it was initially a wonderful place to hang out on a warm summer evening, after several years, the weeds cropping up in the gravel drove me insane. It was exhausting trying to keep up with them. So, I finally shoveled up all the pea gravel, and put down new landscape fabric. There! I thought. That should do it!  But it didn't. And they came back as strong as ever.  Turns out I should have replaced the pea gravel entirely, or washed it, to rid it of invasive seeds. I had no idea that was even possible. I won't even reminisce about the mistakes I made in the front garden, which the preceding homeowners of the house promptly removed and replaced with grass.

I aspire to be a good gardener, but I also expect it to naturally come to me. I'll just clear my mind and let the inner organic nature of gardening happen.  No can do.
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My first garden design - a riverbend shape with mostly perennials, and a pea gravel patio.
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Some of my early plant choices worked, some didn't. The pea gravel was great, until the weeds showed up in droves a few years later.

When we moved to the house we live in now, just a short distance from the first house, it came with a much bigger backyard, and a semi-established garden.  Some good stuff, some not so good. Plenty of creeping charlie, clover, and mint. 

But there was also lots of native purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, solomon's seal, virginia waterleaf, purple phlox, and eastern bluestar. Wildlife and pollinator friendly, blooms into autumn, seedheads as food for the birds all winter. 

There was plenty of room for more. And our goal was to create a certified wildlife habitat in the backyard. So one by one we added plants. I would keep the tags that came with the plants, and put them on a large o-ring for reference.

​The ring filled up. And a good half of the plants that I added to our garden made their way through the growing season. Then never returned.
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The west (right side) of the garden bed has some natives, going strong.
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The east (left) side of the raised garden bed, where new plants grow, then vanish forever...

Early in the new year, with the advent of spring on the horizon, I start to envision changes and additions to the garden. I have all kinds of ideas, Pinterest boards, bookmarked tips and tricks for native planting. I also have no memory of what is what. I don't know how anyone can look at a seedling leaf and tell you just what plant is coming up. 

​We have a lot of the same things that come up each year, good and annoying. You would think I would recall what they look like, so I know first-off in the next growing season to just pluck those annoyances out the second I spot them rising from the soil. But I always end up taking photos and using a plant identification app to determine what they are, and whether or not they can stay.  Usually it's still too early to get a good read on the leaves and stalk, so they grow further and I try again.  
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Purple coneflower, one of the natives we can count on returning each year. The birds and pollinators love it.

Our first spring in the new yard we watched as the second tier of the garden started filling up. Things grew taller and taller. We were able to identify a few things. But some of the others we weren't sure, so we let them continue a while.

Then my husband's sister came to visit and told us we had a lot of ragweed out there. Ragweed?! Although it is a native plant, it can be very invasive, very large, and outcompetes other plants. It's also a major allergen source. 

​I pulled for what seemed like days, trying to remove it all before it went to seed. The following couple springs I did the same. So far it doesn't seem to have as strong of a hold.
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Some days the gloves go on, and the weeding begins.

Some days the dramas and necessities of life take over, and tending the garden, working on those projects, falls by the wayside. Just trying to keep up at all is difficult. This spring the migrant birds did not show up in our backyard habitat like they usually do.  That week or so when the migrants fill up our backyard never happened, and it saddens me. I was so looking forward to it. 

So, s
ome days I avoid the garden altogether. I become overwhelmed by my lack of expertise. By my mistakes in choosing plants, or not choosing just the right spot for planting them. There is a growing movement to plant native, to garden for wildlife, and we are on board with that. We have planted many natives. But we have to work with what we have and go from there. And some days it just seems like it will never come together. 

​We attended a Wild Ones Native Gardening Tour event last summer, and it was extremely helpful to talk to other folks who have been through the process. We heard much of the same advice from all the gardens/gardeners we visited - be patient. Even if we had an unlimited budget, developing a natural habitat doesn't happen overnight. 
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Building a garden takes time. Native plant gardening is no different. Patience is key.

So, we're trying to be patient. Breaking it down into smaller projects. Container gardening on the patio, a good spot for annuals and satisfying with seasonal color. I'm mixing in some annual seeds, too, within the containers. So they will be hearty and full through fall.

​Again, there goes that false sense of natural connection to nature I keep pretending I have. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't. But a packet of annual seeds is a bargain investment, so...
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Container gardening with some colorful, pollinator friendly annuals does provide some low-risk satisfaction.

I've been cleaning up two of the in-ground gardens next to the patio. Not a lot of natives in those, but we will add some in.

The hostas are doing well, and the native coreopsis are happy. We've started adding some tree stumps into the garden vignettes for design and function. They also provide a good source of insects for the birds. 

I have several of these garden vignettes to attend to, and a lot of weeding in my immediate future. I'm hoping that as each project moves forward I'll feel more positive vibes, and a sense of accomplishment. Something good to reflect on while I'm soaking my weary muscles after weeding and planting all day.

​And maybe, as summer progresses, the blooms of my labor will appear. And maybe, come fall, so will the southbound migrant birds as well.
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Framing out one of the gardens with fallen tree branches has an organic, interesting look.

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Holding out hope that the spring migrants that missed our habitat pay us a visit in the fall.
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Art, History, & Nature In Door County

6/16/2023

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A Return To Door County - Day 3
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The Hardy Gallery in Ephraim invites visitors to leave their mark in ink and paint.

My third day exploring Door County had a forecast of art, nature trails, lighthouses, and a wee bit of shopping. The first stop was brief, but scenic - taking in the view of the lake from George K. Pinney County Park. 

Located along Sturgeon Bay, the park features an open-air shelter with picnic tables, multiple parking spaces for gazing out at the lake, a public boat launch, fishing pier, and restrooms. 

At one time, beginning in the 1890's, the largest limestone and gravel quarry operated on the property, and featured the largest dock in the county as well. Today large limestone walls remain in the landscape, looking strong and sturdy against a bright blue sky.  The park is a notable location for watching the sunset, too.

Location: 4879 Bay Shore Drive, Sturgeon Bay
​Open Daily: 6am - 9pm
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George K. Pinney County Park resides within the remains of one of Door County's historic limestone quarries along the shore of Sturgeon Bay.

Next up: a little late breakfast/early lunch on the go.  I headed north again, and stopped at the Door County Coffee & Tea Cafe and Shop. 

If you're into brewing coffee at home, they have lots of Door County Coffee flavors ready to take with you. If you're doing some gift or souvenir shopping, they've got you covered. And if you're hungry, the cafe has a delicious menu to choose from. Dine in or get it to go. Under blue skies you can enjoy your meal out on the patio. 

I ordered an iced latte and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich to go. Both were quite tasty.  Note: they even have a drive-thru!

Location: 5773 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay
Open Daily: 7:30am - 4pm
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Door County Coffee & Tea - after 30 years, what started as a means of living in Door County, has become a Door County destination.

Post-latte, I was in search of art. If you're looking for art galleries, Door County has plenty to choose from. I had heard about Plumb Bottom Gallery a few times over the last year or so.  They have three locations in Door County. I opted to check out their original location, situated on 20 acres at 4999 Plum Bottom Road, in Egg Harbor.

The natural setting is so peaceful, and displays many of their outdoor art pieces beautifully. Near the entrance is a gorgeous pond and water fountain. Upon my arrival I watched an American Redstart, American Robin, and a Cedar Waxwing take turns in the  pond waterfall.

A few cafe tables and chairs are scattered around the pond, so I took a seat for a few minutes just to absorb the atmosphere. Art and nature. Works for me. 

​Turns out there is a rental property on the premises as well. So, if you're looking for a unique location to stay while visiting Door County, check it out.

Stepping inside the gallery, there is a wide variety of art. Original paintings, jewelry, pottery, glass designs, many with birds and other nature themes. Lots of artful inspiration to be found here.

Locations are also open in Fish Creek and Downtown, Egg Harbor.
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Open Daily, though hours vary by location. 
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The art is the thing at Plum Bottom Gallery - but the beauty of nature shines, too.
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The pond at Plum Bottom Gallery is a favorite of birds from the surrounding area.

I had plans to check out the writers nature trail at Write-On Door County in Fish Creek, but on the way I got sidetracked for a short time at the Wood Orchard Market.

Souvenirs, garden decor, local produce, wine, cheese, homemade jams and other tasty treats can be found here. I browsed around for a bit, picked up a couple garden art items, and headed on my way. 

The market appears to be a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. I highly recommend it.

Location: 8112 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor
Open Daily: 9am - 5pm
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Fresh local produce, sweet treats, and unique gift items can be found at Wood Orchard Market in Egg Harbor.

After so much driving, it was time for a walk. I finally arrived at the Write-On, Door County writing center and campus in Fish Creek. The center officially opened in October, 2020, though the concept of the center began as far back as 2011. Over the next decade writers workshops, retreats, and conferences developed. The center is open to all visitors. Reservations are required for workshops, classes, or readings. Events are scheduled throughout the year.

I was there to check out the 1-mile looped nature trail behind the center, and to do so incorporating the "Hike & Write" booklets provided by the center. There are five different booklets/themes available at the start of the trail. Each contain writing prompts to draw you in to the natural surroundings with an observant eye.  I chose books I and V, and filled them out as I walked along the trail. 

The trail itself is an easy one, and so lovely. I, however, should have heeded the presence of a can of insect repellent in the booklet kiosk, and used it.  The mosquitoes were ferocious! So, fair warning. Even so, it was still a beautiful walk. I hope one day to be able to attend one of their workshops or retreats. 

Location: 4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek
​Walking trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.
The writing center is open 10am - 3pm, but closed on Tuesdays
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A home to both writers and readers, the Write On, Door County campus is open to all visitors.
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When walking the trails at the Write-On, Door County campus, take along one of the "Hike & Write" booklets .

Last November I toured nearby Peninsula State Park, checking out several of the iconic views throughout. However, I somehow missed a stop at the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. 

With plenty of sunshine left in the day, I drove to the park to check it out.  Stepping out of the car, the fragrant perfume of lilacs filled the air. There is a big lilac tree next to the lighthouse. Every bit of breeze carried the scent. It was heavenly!  

The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is constructed of cream city brick, and was first operational in 1868. Although it is no longer occupied, the beacon of light it provides to travelers on the waters of Green Bay shines on to this day. Every day of the year.

It resides on a bluff 76 feet above the sometimes voracious waters below. Unfortunately, the museum was closed during my visit. However, it is the only lighthouse in Door County open to visitors.  If you are interested in touring the inside of the lighthouse, check the schedule to be sure it is open when you plan to visit.
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Overlooking the waters of Green Bay, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, though no longer occupied, is an actual working historical lighthouse. It is located within Peninsula State Park.

True to form, I was too late to view the artworks inside The Hardy Gallery in Ephraim. I did, however, get to see the iconic building it calls home. Historically known as the Anderson Warehouse, the gallery building has been in use as an art gallery since 1962, when it was founded by the Peninsula Arts Association.

The gallery was named for Francis Hardy, a summer resident of Ephraim for 30 years, who had a passion to develop an appreciation for the arts within the community. It has since been an inclusive staple in the art community of Door County.

The warehouse, as it stands, is the third incarnation, as the first two buildings were destroyed by storm, and by fire, respectively. The tradition of writing visitor names on the exterior walls of the gallery reaches back to the early days, when steamers would arrive to the dock, and sailors would commemorate their arrival (or survival at sea) to Ephraim by signing their names and ship numbers on the walls of the building. This graffiti tradition continued through generations, and the different versions of the building, and continues today. An ongoing art project, and visitors are welcome to be a part of it!  

The gallery also encourages the public to participate in the annual Community Mosaic Project. A mosaic is created inside the gallery with approximately 300 6x6 canvases, created by members of the community.

The canvases are provided free of charge. Once on exhibit, the canvases are sold for a donation of $35 each. Sales will help to fund the non-profit Hardy Gallery, a public charity. This year the exhibit will run from July 14 to August 27.  

Location: 3083 Anderson Lane, Ephraim
Admission is Free.
The gallery is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
​
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm (In Season)
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The Hardy Gallery is an iconic art gallery in Ephraim that first opened in 1962.
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The graffiti on The Hardy Gallery building is as much a work of art as the works on exhibit inside.

After absorbing all this hiking, history and art, I was hungry!  I decided to visit the aptly named Summer Kitchen Restaurant, just outside of downtown Ephraim.

Walking up the steps to the restaurant is like entering a botanical garden. There were flowers blooming everywhere. I took a seat on the open-air porch, and enjoyed one of the days special entrees, chicken chimichangas. I washed it down with a non-alcoholic brew. I was hungry, and thirsty, and then I was full.

Location: 10425 N. Water Street (Hwy 42), Ephraim  
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 7am - 8pm,
​Sunday 7am - 3pm
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The Summer Kitchen in Ephraim features old-fashioned, homemade cooking, amidst summer blooms everywhere.

I knew it would be hard to improve upon the sunset at Ellison Bluff, from Day 2, but there was still daylight left, and I wanted to relax and enjoy a bit of sunset before retiring to my room for the night. I remembered seeing a lakeside park in Sturgeon Bay as I traveled through town, so I headed back that way.

​Sunset Park is a 41-acre park along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Amenities include a half-mile walking/jogging/biking trail, pickleball courts, a basketball court, two tennis courts, a swimming beach, boat launch, 9-hole frisbee golf, and two children's playground areas.

​I was mostly interested in the park benches facing the bay, and the oncoming sunset.  I took a few photos of the surrounding area, and then had a seat and watched the seagulls bicker and fly, and then enjoyed watching the sun as it settled down to rest. Not as much drama as the night before at Ellison Bluff, but lovely and peaceful just the same. 

​When it was done, I packed up my things and headed back to the motel. Where I settled down to rest, too.

Location: 747 N. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay
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Sunset Park, in Sturgeon Bay, is aptly named. Take a seat and enjoy the sunset on the bay.
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From Gardens to Shore to Sky

6/13/2023

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A Return To Door County - Day 2
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Sunset over Ellison Bay in Door County is a spectacular sight to see.

Heading north, just ten minutes from Motel57, in Sturgeon Bay, you will find a blooming sanctuary of birds, flowers, and plants: The Garden Door.

It was the perfect place to start my adventures on day 2 of this Door County trip.  These beautiful gardens are designed and maintained by members of the Door County Master Gardeners Association and reside on land owned and operated by the University of Wisconsin Peninsular Agricultural Research Station. 

From the charming wooden gated entrance, I stepped through into meandering brick and crushed gravel paths, to view more than 15 different gardens. A wide variety of garden species are covered including: a cactus garden, pollinator garden, peony garden, grass garden, herb garden, and a faerie garden, just to name a few.

I was surprised, this early in the season, how much blooming was going on.  Being the first weekend in June, after a less than stellar spring, I didn't expect to see so much in flower.  I can imagine how brightly this garden will shine in the heart of summer.

There are art displays tucked in throughout, including mosaic benches created by local artists, a garden kaleidoscope by Door County artist R.C. Anderson, and a memorial garden that sits at either end of an open air tunnel decorated with blown glass artworks. 

As  I wandered the garden paths, I watched as a song sparrow sang from tree branches, swooped down to gather insects and seeds, and disappeared into an evergreen where calls from sparrow fledglings rang out.  They suddenly grew quiet, then mama sparrow emerged once again to forage for her young.  For a time I was the sole human walking through the garden. A bit of paradise to start my day. 

Location: 4312 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay.
​The gardens are open daily, dawn to dusk.
Admission is free, donations are happily accepted.
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The charming gated entrance to The Garden Door.
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Art + bench = great place to sit and take in the views.
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Bold in color, flowers are blooming at The Garden Door.

A short photo gallery of the many garden displays at The Garden Door.

Some things are worth repeating. Leaving The Garden Door, headed to my afternoon destinations, I stopped for an iced latte and some freshly made beignets at The Big Easy.  I had a delicious breakfast there when I traveled The Door back in November (2022), and looked forward to enjoying those tasty beignets again.

They did not disappoint. Whether you want a full breakfast, or some pastry and a bit of caffeine, The Big Easy is definitely worth a stop.  A word of caution: beignets aren't the easiest treat to eat while driving. You will end up with powdered sugar everywhere. But it's worth it.

The Big Easy is located at 7755 Hwy 42 in Egg Harbor. Open 8-2, closed Tuesdays.
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Freshly made beignets from The Big Easy, in Egg Harbor, are a tasty treat.

Next up, I was island bound.  Washington Island, that is.  A remote island of natural beauty, local businesses, and year-round residents, Washington Island is only reachable by ferry. The Washington Island Ferry will carry you, and your vehicle or bicycle, across "Death's Door" to the island in about 30 minutes. 

I arrived just in time for the 3pm ferry. Where did the day go? No matter, I would soon reach one of the top items on my Door County wish list. My first ever trip on the Washington Island Ferry with my car, and they had me parallel park on deck!  A deep breath or two and it was done. Then I got out of the car to watch the many surrounding islands go by as we crossed the lake to Washington Island. 

I wandered back and forth along the deck, spotting cormorants, seagulls, and pelicans flying over the lake. From the ferry I could see, just barely, across the waves, Pilot Island. It looked  desolate, almost barren, from a hazy distance.

I was told by a fellow passenger that it is mainly inhabited these days by wildlife, particularly migratory birds, gulls and cormorants.  It is part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. An old lighthouse, and brick fog signal building, are the only two standing buildings left on the island. It is not open to the public at this time, but is the subject of differing opinions.

Some want migratory birds to remain protected on the island, others want to revive the island for its historical context, and have concerns about the number of cormorants on the island and the effect on the local fishing industry. Presently it looks like the USFWS (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) is looking into doing a study on the cormorants and their affect on the habitat.

There are about 35 islands in the surrounding Door County peninsula, however only a handful are currently open to the public. 
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The Washington Island Ferry crossing Death's Door.
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Sighting a pelican on Lake Michigan is just part of the experience, while sailing to Washington Island.
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Pilot Island, somewhat ghostly from a distance, is currently part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
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A lone cormorant keeping watch from a signal buoy in Lake Michigan, Door County.

Once docked, the cars drive off the ferry and go on their way.  My first stop was for something cold to drink at The Red Cup Coffee House. Inside you'll find a variety of coffeehouse drinks, snacks, and ample shopping of artfully crafted, locally made items. 

Right next door is Fair Isle Books, a charming local book shop that features many local (Wisconsin) authors, and a variety of fair trade jewelry and other gift items. The staff at Fair Isle Books were so welcoming! I could imagine spending a great deal of time browsing their offerings. Should I return to Washington Island, I'll definitely go back. They have an online store as well.

​Located at 1885 Detroit Harbor Road
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Red Cup Coffee House and Fair Isle Books were my first two stops on Washington Island.

Although I had several spots on the island on my list, I had just over an hour before I had to board the last ferry of the day for the return trip. Better planning next time...in any case, two of my top destinations were the Stavkirke, a church built on the island as both a replica and tribute to the island's Scandinavian heritage; and Schoolhouse Beach Park.

The development of the intriguing Stavkirke began in 1991, and was a project undertaken by the men and women of nearby Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. The name of the church refers to the style of construction, using vertical posts (or masts) throughout the church, and ship-like construction throughout the entire structure. Be sure to step inside to take in the beauty of its interior design.

The church is fully operational, offering services for many occasions to local members. It is open 24 hours a day for public visitation and meditation as well. You can attend an evening service on Wednesdays, at 7:30pm in July and August.

​Location: 1763 Townline Road
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The Stavkirke on Washington Island was built in tribute to the Scandinavian heritage of the island.
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Stavkirke: a church of medieval Nordic origin.

The first thing I noticed entering Schoolhouse Beach Park is that it's surrounded by woodlands. Reaching the parking lot, I looked out to see Lake Michigan and the scenic beach through a grove of cedar trees, with picnic benches and standing grills scattered about. The shade of the trees should be a blessing on hot summer days.

Reaching the beach the scene is unique. Instead of a typical sandy beach, layers and layers of smooth, white, limestone rock make up the landscape. A result of glaciers thousands of years ago, these smooth, polished rocks are a rarity.

As I scanned the shoreline, up and down the beach, towels and blankets were scattered on the rocks, along with beach chairs, picnic lunches, and more. The water beyond the rocks is an inviting color palette of greens and blues, and dotted with swimmers.

There may be a compulsion to take home a few rock souvenirs from a day at Schoolhouse Beach. Best think twice, as it is illegal, and will result in a hefty fine. If you find one you admire, a photo is free.

Location: 1860 Schoolhouse Beach Road
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The entrance sign at Schoolhouse Beach reminds you not to remove the naturally polished, smooth limestone rocks.
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A heart made of stone on Schoolhouse Beach.

I made it back to the ferry just in time to catch the last mainland-bound trip of the day. Once across the water, I headed to Newport Beach State Park.

A prime dark sky viewing location, I had hoped to experience the nighttime beauty.  But I was hours early, and the full moon would diminish the galaxy viewing.

​So, instead, I walked down to the beach, took in the view, and did a little wandering along the shore, bare feet in sand.  It was a very warm, sunny day, and the water felt so good!  And it was so peaceful!

​I watched as families arrived for late afternoon picnics, and headed toward the beach, kids excited to swim. 

Location: 475 Cty Hwy NP, Ellison Bay
Wisconsin State Park sticker required.
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Newport Beach State Park is a prime dark sky viewing area. The beach is stunning and a great place to spend an afternoon playing in sand and shore.

This Wisconsin State Park offers hiking, swimming, night sky viewing, backpacking, camping sites, and more.

Where to next? Leaving Newport State Park there was about 90 minutes of daylight left. How I appreciate the extended daylight of the spring and summer seasons!  I headed back south along Hwy 42, towards Sturgeon Bay.  But I didn't get far. Earlier in the day I had passed a sign at a crossroads directed to Ellison Bluff County Park.  Returning, I passed the sign again.

​About a mile down the road I made a u-turn and headed back. Here was the perfect opportunity to witness a sunset on Ellison Bay.  In my day to day life, sunset viewing usually clashes with other responsibilities. Today I would take advantage, and make it count!

I took the turn and headed towards the park along the bay. Entering the park I oohed and aahed to myself, how lovely the drive in. How green. How lush. I followed the road until I came to a sign directing me to the scenic overlook, pulled in and parked.
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On the road into Ellison Bluff County Park.
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This way to Scenic Overlook.

It was quiet. One other car and myself. I took a quick scan of the grounds, noted the restrooms were open (good to know), grabbed my camera gear, and took the wooden steps towards the lookout.

Below I spied a young couple parked on a blanket, awaiting the sunset show, and said a quick hello. Then I took the stairs all the way down to the wire fence lookout. This looks out over the water, with a side view of the bluff, Niagara Escarpment. 

I couldn't have asked for a better night to view the sunset over the bay. The sky was mostly clear, there was barely a breeze, the weather was cooling some, and even the mosquitoes were shy.

Normally, I feel the need to keep moving, exploring. I'll be honest, it was a challenge to just relax and take in the view, absorb the minute by minute changes in the sky.

As time went on more people were arriving. Some, obviously locals who knew just where to go to view a perfect sunset, some with guests in tow. Others, like me, tourists from other parts of the state, or other states or countries altogether. 
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A view of the bay and Niagara Escarpment from the lower viewing deck at Ellison Bluff County Park.

All gathered, one by one, along the wooden viewing deck, down the stairs, on park benches, and on the wire fenced viewing deck below.

There we were, in the quiet, peaceful dusk, witnessing the sun go down on another day.

​A grand finale to a sunset, and to an adventuresome day in Door County.
​

Location: 12050 Ellison Bluff Rd.
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We gathered together, some strangers, some friends, for a sunset view from the overlook at Ellison Bluff County Park.

A brief photo gallery of a magnificent sunset over Ellison Bay, from Ellison Bluff County Park.
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A Return To Door County - Day 1

6/8/2023

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Lush, green ferns along the boardwalk trail at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor.

My first trip to Door County, last November, was a quick journey through some of the most popular nature spots in the area. In the rain. My second, most recent trip, was a very different experience. The weather was warm and sunny, and more features and amenities were open for business.

This time out I also had a wish list, and I also had a great deal more daylight to work with. So, from morning to dusk I spent three days traveling up and down Highways 42 and 57, and enjoying a hefty serving of what Door County has to offer.
If you've never been to Door County, know that Highways 42 and 57 are the two main roads you can travel to get just about anywhere. Hwy 42 leads you to Sturgeon Bay, in southern Door County, where it splits off, with Hwy 42 following the west side of the mainland, and Hwy 57 the east.  Both sides look out on water - Green Bay to the west, Lake Michigan to the east. 
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A short, winding stretch of road on Hwy 42 between Gils Rock and Northport, Door County.

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Evening views are lovely along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk trail at Ridges Sanctuary.
First on my wish list this trip was The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Founded in 1937, as Wisconsin's first land trust, the Ridges features one of the states most biologically diverse ecosystems. Home to a rich variety of plants, birds, and insects, the topography ranges from open beach to forest, and features an amazing boardwalk experience. If you're looking for peace and beauty, this is a good place to start.

I arrived early evening, but after closing time, so I was not able to visit the nature center. The trails, however, are open daily, dawn to dusk. A $5 trail fee is requested. A donation box is available at the trail entrance.

​For the most part, at this time of day, I had the Hidden Brook Boardwalk pretty much to myself. Just me, the mosquitoes, and the calls of frogs in the wetlands, and woodpeckers and songbirds resonating from the treetops. The light through the trees was lovely, and the boardwalk was a  winding, easy trek.

A short gallery of images from The Ridges Sanctuary.

After a long day of travel, and a peaceful walk along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, I headed to the Blue Ox, in Baileys Harbor.  A friend recommended it to me as a dinner option.

​True to form, I arrived after the kitchen had closed, so I had an appetizer of tasty, fresh Wisconsin cheese curds, and a cold pint of Spotted Cow from a seat on the outdoor patio, watching the swallows trace swirls in the sky with their wings, and enjoyed the quirky ambience of a spot favored by the locals. 
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Fresh cheese curds and local ambience at The Blue Ox, in Bailey's Harbor.

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Anclam Park and Beach in Baileys Harbor is a perfect spot for an evening stroll along the lake.
Heading out after my quick dinner break, I spotted an intriguing view from the road, off towards the lake.  I made a quick u-turn and went back to  explore Anclam Park and Beach. 

​This quaint Baileys Harbor park features a cozy, sandy beach, and a short peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan. 

​The drama of sunset had passed, but the twilight views were lovely, and it was a quiet and scenic view along the shore. A perfect spot for an easy evening stroll.

Dark sky viewing is to be spectacular in Door County. Within Sturgeon Bay there is a dark sky area within the Crossroads at Big Creek nature complex. 

The Leif Everson Observatory is located there, and offers free events for night sky viewing. Though there was a nearly full moon, and galaxy viewing would be limited because of the brighter sky, I decided to try and find the observatory anyway. Maybe I would get lucky.

I did find it. Though I couldn't locate the Star Garden area for dark sky viewing. I would have to come back during daylight hours to get a better feel for the layout.  Since there was a bright moon, there weren't any stargazing events going on that night, so I was the lone person there.

​In the mostly dark. I took a few minutes to admire the moon, then headed to the motel for the night.

Two very popular spots for dark sky viewing within Door County are the Star Garden at the Leif Everson Observatory, and Newport Beach State Park. Viewing is best when there is no moon.
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The Leif Everson Observatory features dark sky viewing events throughout the year.
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Nearly full, the moon shines bright above the Leif Everson Observatory and dark sky viewing area.

Lodgings this trip were at the same Motel57 I stayed in last November.

Located in Sturgeon Bay, it made sense to stay where I was comfortable, prices were reasonable, and it was easy to navigate from each day.

​I thought the writers theme of the room was rather fun, and the retro vibe of the motel overall just works for me.
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Motel57 in Sturgeon Bay. Retro vibes, clean, and affordable.
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I enjoyed all the spots I made it to on my first day back to Door County. But I'd have to say The Ridges Sanctuary boardwalk trail was my favorite. It's definitely a place I want to return to.  Put it on your list, you won't regret it. Stay tuned for Day 2...
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Turning The Page On A Trail Restoration

5/22/2023

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A view from a park bench along the woodland trail at Eagle Nature Trail.

When I took my first wander through the Eagle Nature Trail I was impressed with the small community preserve. It resides behind the Alice Baker Memorial Library, and the trail leads the way to Eagle Elementary School.  After my first afternoon on the trail, I stopped in to the library to see if there was any information available about it.  As luck would have it, I spoke with Alli Chase, Library Director, and she filled me in on the history of the trail, and to how the local community came together to turn a dumping ground into native prairie and prime natural habitat for humans and animals alike.
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A welcome sign to the Eagle Nature Trail.

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Author Laurie Lawlor with a copy of RESTORING: Prairie, Woods, and Pond. How A Small Trail Can Make A Big Difference.
Since that first day, I've been back several times. To celebrate the addition of a kaleidoscope art installation, take a nature journal writing workshop with author Laurie Lawlor, and, recently, to celebrate the publishing release of Laurie Lawlor's book on the true story of how the trail came to be–RESTORING: Prairie, Woods, and Pond. How A Small Trail Can Make A Big Difference.  
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Laurie Lawlor, author, and Dawn-Marie Staccia, photographer, signed books at the event.

The event was well attended, and Laurie's reading of one of her favorite sections of the book was captivating. Dawn-Marie Staccia, a local photographer whose photos appear throughout the book, joined Laurie to personally sign copies.

​The book, written for children 10-14 years of age (and naturalists of any age), explores the history of the area as far back as the glacial age onward, and tells the tale of restoration from the beginning to current days. Along the way Lawlor  introduces the many local residents, including teachers and school children, who played a large part in the restoration. 

The trail serves as an outdoor classroom for students of the school, and the children are eager to participate in weed pulls, and planting of new plants and trees.

​Their discoveries of local wildlife include frogs, salamanders, and deer. They also enjoy snacking on the tasty wild raspberries that grow along the edge of the woods.
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Laurie Lawlor reads a favorite excerpt from her new book about the Eagle Nature Trail.

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Students from Eagle Elementary School participate in planting projects along the trail and woodlands.

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Wild raspberries are a tasty treat along the Eagle Nature Trail.
​Lawlor expressed in her talk how important local community projects like the Eagle Nature Trail are, particularly in this time of climate change. Collectively working for change that benefits the natural environment is good for us all, humans and wildlife.

​Working together locally we can see the differences first-hand, enjoy the beauty of our surroundings, and taste the fruits of our labor - like wild raspberries.

PictureNative wild lupine is a spring bloomer in the prairie along the Eagle Nature Trail.



​

"Native plants have been around for thousands of years. They require very little care because they take care of themselves."
                               - Jean Weedman

Copies of the book were for sale at the event, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the upkeep and ongoing projects of the trail. One recent project was adding signposts to the entrance of the woodland walking trail.

Those purchasing a copy of the book also received a packet of native plant seeds from the Prairie Moon Nursery, for creating their own pollinator garden, and the opportunity to speak with both Laurie and Dawn while having their books signed.
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A new signpost directs you to the entrance of the woodland walk along the trail.

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Attendees holding their signed copies of the new book.
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Community members line up to meet Laurie and Dawn-Marie, and to purchase signed copies of the book.

Copies of RESTORING: Prairie, Woods, and Pond. How A Small Trail Can Make A Big Difference can be purchased from local booksellers, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
"Nature is a powerful healing tool, if we look for it."
The Eagle Nature Trail is located next to the Alice Baker Memorial Library at 820 E. Main Street, in Eagle. The trail is open to the public daily.
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A bench with a view along the woodland trail.

All photos in this feature by: Kimberly Mackowski / TheParkNextDoor
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Was It Something I Said?

5/19/2023

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A female American Redstart enjoying a birdbath in our backyard habitat.

Every spring for the past four years, since we moved into our current house, spring migration has brought large numbers of spring migrants to our backyard habitat.

In fact, for the past four years May 10, specifically, was the day migrants arrived in big numbers.

​About 15 or more species, and multiples of each species.  Baltimore Orioles, Orchard Orioles, Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, female American Redstarts, Great Crested Flycatchers, White-crowned Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, a Chestnut Sided Warbler, a Nashville Warbler, and more.

Even in years when the weather on that date was less than desirable, they showed up.  Huzzah!
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Baltimore and Orchard Orioles flocked to the habitat in 2022.

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A handsome male Rose-breasted Grosbeak visited our birdbath during spring migration in May, 2022.
I've been following the migration forecast every day (Birdcast.info), and my hopes would rise whenever I would see a big forecast of birds headed this way.  On the night of May 9 through early morning of May 10, over 2 million birds migrated over Milwaukee County! That's a lot of birds, folks! 

​But this year, though there were a few early season migrants that trickled in for a quick stop on their way north, May 10 was a very quiet day in the habitat. And an emotional letdown for me.  It's been a difficult spring, lots going on. And I was so looking forward to the bright spot the birds bring to my world. ​

Don't get me wrong, the backyard wasn't empty on May 10. But it was pretty darn quiet. Normally, on May 10, I open the blinds in the morning to the sight of Baltimore Orioles scattered throughout the yard, feasting on fresh orange slices, different groups of migrants arguing over who gets to monopolize the birdbath, Gray Catbirds climbing through the backyard lilac tree, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks feasting on black-oil sunflower seeds, Northern Flickers poking through the grass looking for bugs to eat, and so much flight back and forth we could bring in an air traffic controller! 

​Then, over the next few days, new arrivals, some departures, then over the course of about a week most would move on to summer nesting grounds.  One or two might stick around longer, or return once in a while over the summer.
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A Gray Catbird exploring our backyard habitat during spring migration, 2022.

I'm not sure what to make of it this year. We did have an unusual, very scattered weather pattern this  spring. Now, a week past May 10, the migration numbers have increased again. Last night nearly two million crossed over Milwaukee County. But I'll be damned if any of them stopped off in my yard. Perhaps they are late this year, and are opting to continue onward, skipping our bird-friendly backyard diner, and heading straight to nesting territories up north. Or the winds caused them to veer further west, and head north from there. The central and western part of Wisconsin has seen very high migration numbers in recent days, as seen in Birdcast.info readings from May 10 shown here.


I'm trying not to take the absence of migrant visits personally. I have talked to others who have seen smaller numbers of visitors in their backyards this year.

On the positive side, I've seen photos of lots of bird activity in local birding hotspots, so they are out there. Hopefully, when the opportunity presents itself, I'll be able to get out there and see them. 

But it does make me wonder. With the changing climate, the unusual weather patterns across the country, are the numbers declining faster?  There is much we can do to help with bird conservation, so I'm trying not to panic. I'm trying to maintain hope. And I'm going to add more native plants and shrubs to our habitat.

​Maybe they'll have time to stop by on their way back south in the fall.
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A Downy Woodpecker stopping by our habitat during fall migration, 2022.
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Flocking Together On The Trail

5/12/2023

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Red-winged blackbirds are some of the first spring migrants to return to the Forest Exploration Center.

Nine times out of ten, I'm out on the nature trail solo.  My husband often joins me on the weekends, but during the week, I generally explore on my own. 

​So, when the opportunity to join a guided bird hike at Forest Exploration Center on May 6 came up, I signed us up.  I'm so glad I did. A birdwatching hike at Forest Exploration Center is always worth the effort, and a guided hike is even more so.
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Take advantage when guided bird hikes are offered at Forest Exploration Center.

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Bird collision solution demonstration, sample bird skeleton, bird strike evidence demonstration.
The day, as it turned out, was cloudy and gray, drizzly. But not too cold. And, fortunately, the rain subsided just shortly before we started. Danielle Pahlisch, a local artist and naturalist, was our guide for the day.

​She began the program with a short introduction to the SOS Save Our Songbirds organization. The group is an initiative between the Natural Resources Foundation and the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership. They sponsored the days Bird Migration Celebration by providing lots of information on how to locally, personally, contribute to the conservation of birds and their habitat.

Danielle presented demonstrations of simple ways to avoid bird window strikes, which result in the preventable deaths of a billion birds each year in North America. A factor in the frightening decline of our songbirds. 

The evidence of the decline of bird populations is disheartening, and overwhelming. Especially to those of us who love to watch them, photograph them, and listen to their songs. Not to mention they are a major factor in the biodiversity of the planet. 

SOS Save Our Songbirds have a mission to bring solutions to the general public. Simple acts and changes can make a huge difference to the birds in our midst, and well beyond.

​From window collision prevention, to adding native plants into our gardens and habitats, and drinking bird-friendly coffee.

​For more details on what you can do in your own home, visit their website for a wealth of useful information. 
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It's up to us to help reduce the decline of our songbirds.

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Birding essentials include a pair of binoculars, and a notepad and pen.
Danielle explained some of the tools of the birdwatching world: binoculars, a bird identification guide, a notepad or phone for making a checklist of birds seen; and the benefits of being citizen scientists and reporting checklists of the birds seen in a specific area (or "hotspot") to Ebird.org (online or via app).

When witnessing a bird, sound counts, too.  You may not actually see clearly (or at all) a bird, but if you have heard its call or song, you can identify it that way. By ear, or by recording it and using the recording to identify it via apps designed to do just that (Merlin). How cool is that?

Of course, a camera is a welcome tool, too, especially if you enjoy photographing the birds that you see. Though sometimes the photos are just a blur of action. But that's the challenge. :)

Next, we hit the trail. The main trail at Forest Exploration Center is a 1-mile, all accessible, crushed gravel loop. A mostly easy walk, with a slight slope. Once within the the forest we are surrounded by trees: large oak, maple, ash, and basswood trees, along with a dozen or so other species native to the region.

The large oaks are king when it comes to supporting the biodiversity of the forest. Even the stems of an oak leaf are longer than other leaves, and can serve as a sturdy perch for resident and migratory birds.

​They support more moths, butterflies, and insects than any other tree species. In turn, providing shelter and food sources for more birds and animals than any other tree species. They also have been known to live upwards of 200 years, some to a ripe old age of 400 years!

Danielle explained that a portion of the outer perimeter of the Forest Exploration Center is in the process of being turned into an arboretum, which includes some trees not native to the area.

​An experiment due to climate change, with the installation of some trees that are native to warmer regions of the United States.  With monitoring over time they will be able to track whether or not the non-native trees might thrive in, and benefit, the changing ecoregion.
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Walking the trail, surrounded by oaks, maples, ash, basswood trees and more.
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Oak trees are king. Even their leaf stems are beneficial to resident and migrating birds.

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Danielle Pahlisch introduces us to the educational kiosks that can be found along the walking trails throughout the forest.
Moving through the forest, Danielle pointed out the beautiful educational kiosks that line the walking trail. The signs are updated throughout the year to highlight various seasonal changes, wildlife visitors, trees, and plant life.

​If you're walking the trail, take some time to appreciate the wealth of interesting information the displays provide. Walking through the forest in spring, you'll find many highlights about the birds that can be found within the habitat. 
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Walking the Forest Exploration Center trail, on the lookout for migratory birds.

Birds can often be found skirting across the forest floor, in search of insects and seeds for food. Fallen trees may no longer be living, but they are filled with life. Fungus, insects, nooks and crannies where small critters can perch or take shelter.

We took some time to search among the brush piles, and fallen trees and shrubs for tiny, feathered beauties. Danielle introduced one of the younger birders to a birds-eye view of a cardinal with a pair of binoculars.
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Scoping out treasured birds among the brush and branches with a pair of binoculars.

In early spring, before all the trees have fully leafed out, you can spot last years nesting spots. Danielle pointed out one such bird nest, way up high in a tree branch along the trail.

​And then a few other highlights, including spring woodland plants like jack-in-the-pulpit, and great white trillium blooms, one of springs first woodland flowers. 

​And, hidden, up high on a tree, a flying squirrel nesting box. Did you even know we had flying squirrels here? We do!
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Danielle points to a previous season bird nest in the tree branches high above us.
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Jack-in-the-pulpit, an early spring native plant.
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Great white trillium blooming along the trail.
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A flying squirrel nest box affixed to a tree, and sitting high above the forest floor.

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A yellow-rumped warbler is a spring migratory favorite.
Arriving at the end of our hike, we had spotted several birds, some migratory, some resident. By ear we had discovered a great crested flycatcher, in the brush pile a red cardinal, and a hermit thrush. Overhead a red bellied woodpecker was spotted, a yellow-rumped warbler, an American goldfinch, a chickadee, and a blue jay. For a late afternoon hike, and a gray day, it was a good list. And a walk in the forest can't be beat, at any time.

​Thanks to Danielle, and the rest of her crew, for an excellent hike! We'll be back!
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    A nature lover, bird watcher, wildlife fan,  amateur  photographer,   humane gardener,   traveler, and singer of songs. I've been keeping closer to home these days, and truly discovering the beauty that lies in TheParkNextDoor.

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    • Nature Trails >
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    • Local Parks >
      • Anclam Park - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • Astico County Park - Columbus, WI
      • Asylum Point Park & Lighthouse - Oshkosh, WI
      • Beckman Mill County Park - Beloit, WI
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      • Bluhm Farm Park - Muskego, WI
      • Bratt Woods - Grafton, WI
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      • Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum - Brookfield, WI
      • Ellison Bay Bluff County Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Elm Grove Village Park - Elm Grove, WI
      • Endicott Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Estabrook Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Euclid Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Falk Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Frame Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Franklin Woods - Franklin, WI
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      • Frontier Park - Butler, WI
      • George K. Pinney County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI -
      • Glacier Hills County Park - Hubertus, WI
      • Grant Park - South Milwaukee
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      • Hales Corners Park, Ben Hunt Prairie and Cabin, Seneca Hale Summer Kitchen, Cobb Park - Hales Corners, WI
      • Harnischfeger Park - Ixonia, WI
      • Hartung Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hidden Lake Park - Brookfield, WI
      • High Grove Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Hika Bay Park - Cleveland, WI
      • Hobbs Woods Nature Area - Fond Du Lac, WI
      • Homestead Hollow County Park - Germantown, WI
      • Honey Creek Park - West Allis, WI
      • Hoyt Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Humboldt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Indian Mounds County Park - Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds and Trail - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Indianhead Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Jackson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Jacobus Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Johnstone Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Kiekhaefer Park - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Kinsey Park - Brookfield, WI
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      • Krueger Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kurth Park - Muskego, WI
      • Alan Kulwicki Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Ledge County Park - Horicon, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Grafton, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Lincoln Park - Glendale, WI
      • Lions Legend Park I & II - Franklin, WI
      • Lion's Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Lisbon Community Park - Hartland, WI
      • Lyons Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Magnolia Bluff County Park - Evansville, WI
      • Malone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Manchester Hill Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mangan Woods - Greendale, WI
      • Mary Knoll Park - Brookfield, WI
      • McCarty Park - West Allis, WI
      • Mitchell Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Monarch Trail / County Grounds Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Mound Zion Park - Brookfield, WI
      • John Muir Memorial County Park - Town of Buffalo, WI
      • Mush Ko Se Day Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - Muskego, WI
      • Muskego Park - Muskego, WI
      • Nashotah Park - Nashotah, WI
      • Natureland County Park - Whitewater, WI
      • New Berlin Historical Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Nitschke Mounds County Park - Burnett, WI
      • Nixon Park - Hartland, WI
      • North Point Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Oerding Park - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Petrifying Springs Park - Kenosha, WI
      • Pleasant Valley Parks & Trails - Town of Cedarburg, WI
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      • Schoetz Park - Village of Hales Corners, WI
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      • Simmons Woods Park - Pewaukee, WI
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      • Springs Park - Delavan, WI
      • Sunset Beach County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Three Bridges Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Turtle Creek Parkway / Tiffany Bridge - Clinton, WI
      • Tyranena Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Valley View Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Veterans Memorial Park - Grafton, WI
      • Viking County Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Virmond Park - Mequon, WI
      • Warnimont Park - Cudahy, WI
      • Weatherstone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Wequiock Falls Park - Green Bay, WI
      • Wilson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Washington Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Weston Antique Apple Orchard & Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail - New Berlin, WI
      • White River County Park - Walworth County
      • Whitnall Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wind Point Lighthouse - Racine, WI
    • Nature Preserves >
      • Adam Birding Conservancy - Whitewater, WI
      • Badertscher Preserve - Muskego, WI
      • Joyce M. Baer & George J. Socha Conservancy - Marshall, WI
      • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary - Green Bay, WI
      • Beulah Bog - East Troy, WI
      • Blue Heron Wildlife Sanctuary - Saukville, WI
      • Burlington School Forest - Burlington, WI
      • Calhoun Creek Prairie - New Berlin, WI
      • Cedarburg Bog - Saukville, WI
      • Chiwaukee Prairie - Kenosha, WI
      • Conservancy For Healing And Heritage - Franklin, WI
      • Robert O Cook Arboretum - Janesville, WI
      • Crooked Creek Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Crossroads At Big Creek - Sturgeon Bay
      • Deer Creek Sanctuary - New Berlin, WI
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      • Donges Bay Gorge - Mequon, WI
      • Emerald Preserve - Oak Creek, WI
      • Engel Conservation Area - Muskego, WI
      • Faville Grove Sanctuary - Lake Mills, WI
      • Fellenz Woods - West Bend, WI
      • Flowing Well - Whitewater, WI
      • Forest Beach Migratory Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Forest Exploration Center - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Fox River Sanctuary - Waukesha, WI
      • John S. Garman Nature Preserve - Waterloo, WI
      • Garrison's Glen - Mequon, WI
      • Genesee Oak Opening and Fen - Mukwonago, North Prairie WI
      • Gordon Tabor Memorial Woods - Caledonia, WI
      • Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grasslyn Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Greenway Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grootemaat Nature Preserve - Greendale, WI
      • Hartland Marsh Preserve - Village of Hartland, WI
      • Hawthorn Glen - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum - Kenosha, WI
      • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon, WI
      • Huiras Lake Natural Area - Fredonia, WI
      • Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - Williams Bay, WI
      • Kurtz Woods State Natural Area - Grafton, WI
      • Lac Lawrann Conservancy - West Bend, WI
      • Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Madison, WI
      • Ledge View Nature Center - Chilton, WI
      • Lion's Den Nature Preserve - Grafton, WI
      • Lois Jensen Nature Preserve - Delafield, WI
      • Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Maywood Environmental Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha, WI
      • Mequon Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Moely Prairie - Prairie Du Sac, WI
      • Nature Hill Nature Center - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy - Delavan, WI
      • Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preservel - Eagle, WI
      • Nicholson Wildlife Refuge - Franksville, WI
      • Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area - Oakfield, WI
      • Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park - Merton, WI
      • Parry Spring - Dousman, WI
      • Petersen Island Woods Preserve - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy - Middleton, WI
      • Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Pope Farm Conservancy - Verona, WI
      • Price Park Conservancy - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pukaite Woods Nature Preserve / Mequon Rotary Park - Mequon, WI
      • Retzer Nature Center - Waukesha, WI
      • The Ridges Sanctuary - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • River Bend Nature Center - Racine, WI
      • Riveredge Nature Center - Saukville, WI
      • Saller Woods - Rochester, WI
      • Sanctuary Woods - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Schlitz Audubon Nature Center - Milwaukee, WI
      • Seno Woodland Center - Burlington, WI
      • Spirit Lake Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Spruce Lake Bog - Campbellsport, WI
      • Stigler Nature Preserve - New Berlin, WI
      • Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Mequon, WI
      • UW-Waukesha Field Station - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Van der Brohe Arboretum - Two Rivers, WI
      • Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area - Mukwonago, WI
      • Vernon Wildlife Area - Waterford, WI
      • Wadewitz Nature Camp - Village of Rochester, WI
      • Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve - Burlington, WI
      • Wehr Nature Center - Franklin, WI
      • Whitnall School Forest - Greenfield, WI
      • Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve - Two Rivers, WI
      • Zeloski Marsh - Cambridge, WI
    • State Parks >
      • Aztalan State Park - Aztalan, WI
      • Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area - Sauk City, WI
      • Big Foot Beach State Park - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Bong State Recreation Area - Kansasville, WI
      • C. D. Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area - Kewaunee, WI
      • Cadiz Springs State Park - New Glarus, WI
      • Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI
      • Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium, WI
      • Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee, WI
      • High Cliff State Park - Sherwood, WI
      • Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • La Budde State Natural Area - Ice Age Trail Segment - Plymouth, WI
      • Lake Kegonsa State Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Lakeshore State Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Lapham Peak State Park - Delafield, WI
      • Lizard Mound State Park - Farmington, WI
      • Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area - Campbellsport, WI
      • Mukwonago River Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mukwonago, WI
      • Natural Bridge State Park - North Freedom, WI
      • Newport State Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek, WI
      • Pike Lake State Park - Hartford, WI
      • Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers, WI
      • Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
    • Sculpture Gardens and Conservancies >
      • Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden - Colgate, WI
      • Boerner Botanical Gardens - Hales Corners, WI
      • Nick Engelbert's Grandview - Hollandale, WI
      • Franconia Sculpture Park - Shafer, MN
      • The Garden Door - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Greendale Children's Garden - Greendale, WI
      • Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture - West Bend, WI
      • Margie's Garden - Hales Corners, WI
      • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm - Baraboo, WI
      • Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Madison, WI
      • M. Schettl Sales - Sculpture and Oddities
      • Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville, WI
      • Stavkirke - Washington Island, WI
      • Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Stevens Point, WI
      • James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Town of Wilson, WI
      • West Of The Lake Gardens - Manitowoc, WI
    • Cemeteries >
      • Calvary Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Forest Home Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Highland Memorial Park Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • La Belle Cemetery - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Mount Olivet Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Berlin Center Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • Oak Hill Cemetery - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Riverside Cemetery - Oshkosh, WI
      • St. Adalbert Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
  • Gardening for Wildlife
    • The Eco-Friendly Lawn
    • Welcome to the Firefly Show
    • Birdbaths in the Habitat
  • Detours, Links & More