Crossroads Nordik Challenge
December 27, 2002
by Stephen Kastner
STURGEON BAY, WI - With an eye on January 2003, volunteers led by Paul Anschutz began an extensive
amount of work on trail improvements at the Crossroads at Big Creek
in Sturgeon Bay. January 5, 2003 is the date set for this year's annual Crossroads Nordik Challenge, a series of
traditional and skate style cross-country ski races held on the nature center's extensive trail system.
Work started in mid May with the planting of 30 White
Pines varying in height from 20 - 30 feet. The large pines now act to reduce blowing and drifting of snow, providing
a wind block, which helps to retain snowfall. Before the trees were planted the trail bed was often a windswept
pea gravel path. After several days of intense work moving and placing these large pines, the first stage of the
trail upgrade was well underway. Throughout the summer abundant rainfall ensured the survival of all but one of
the large trees.
In late summer the second stage of Crossroads' trail system enhancement was underway. After careful planning and
consulting with Crossroads naturalist Coggin Heeringa, additional trails were planned to compliment the hiking
and snowshoe trails. In early October grass was planted on all sections of bare trail to protect ski bottoms and
provide a better base for snow to accumulate on.
Ski trail planners also sought to add a bit more challenging terrain to the existing Crossroads trail network.
Expanded ski trails now include a ridge, adding two new uphill/downhill sections. A wind blown trail that once
led from the ridge to the apple orchard has been rerouted to avoid problems in times of thin snow conditions.
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A TRAIL MAP
Volunteers spent over 200 hours on trail improvements, widening existing trails at the creek, crossing and filling
in corners in order to permit better track-setting for classical as well as skate skiers - all with an eye on January
2003. The business community, led by Door County Memorial Hospital, Pip Printing and the Sturgeon Bay Community
Development Center, among others has also joined in the effort to develop the trail system and promote a major
ski race at the Crossroads.
The motivation for all of this effort is only in part, the annual race, scheduled early in the season, at a time
when optimal snow conditions are risky. The Crossroads' mission includes a desire to facilitate people's healthy
enjoyment of the outdoors in all seasons. Early cold weather and snowfall in November were promising signs.
The UWGB ski team was even commuting to Crossroads to
practice on the few inches of snow covering the grassy trails that now permit acceptable ski conditions on a minimal
base. But a warming spell in December melted off what little snow there was and now Anschutz and company are left
with little but the ten-day forecast for a chance of light snow - not much hope of hosting a Jan. 5th ski race.
Crossroads at Big Creek remains uniquely committed to
outdoor recreation the year round, offering the finest groomed ski trails - snow permitting - and/or hiking trails.
The trails are maintained by volunteers and assisted by donations from area businesses like Baudhuin Incorporated,
Bay View Organics, Door County Co-Op, Murrocks Yard Maintenance, Therma- Tron X Inc., and Soil Specialists Ltd...
Users can find a donation box at the trailhead of which the funds are used for trail maintenance. The trail development
project also owes its success to planning assistance from the state forester.
You are invited to come to the Crossroads anytime to enjoy the trails, whether on skis, on snowshoes or on foot.
