Crosswoods: A hidden gem

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

Everyone knows how hard the Stone family works to keep Crosswoods Golf Course one of the most welcoming places for golfers in the area to play. What you might not know is that they work just as hard to make sure wildlife feels just at home, too.

“We are in a unique area here,” Mike Stone says of the location of Crosswoods. “We are in the heart of Crosslake but about twothirds of our 250 acre course is located within a state wildlife refuge. We have minimal housing around the course. You can see a whole host of wildlife out here. The idea for us is to preserve north woods habitat for an abundance of native species. We have had golfers come in that have reported seeing black bears, wild turkeys and even an occasional moose. Once in a while someone will see a wolf, usually in the early morning. We know they are out there, but they are very secretive.”

Mike says, growing up in the area, he enjoyed watching a beautiful palette of butterflies living in the area. However, over the last 40 years, he noticed an overall decline in the butterfly populations, especially the monarch, and wanted to do something about it. “We have close to five acres dedicated to monarch milkweed habitat, the plant necessary for them to thrive. We do not spray herbicides or pesticides in that area to protect the butterflies and other pollinators.” Mike’s wife, Kelly, is from Oregon and shares his appreciation for keeping the wildlife that live there, Kelly says, “Everything from tree frogs to walking sticks. We try to keep a watch out for and work to preserve.”

Trumpeter swans are also found around the course and a keen eye will spot ladyslippers growing.

Mike keeps a spreadsheet of the animal sightings around the Crosswoods course. “Every time someone sees something new, we add it to the list. We like to hear what golfers have seen while enjoying the course.”

This year Crosswoods has become a true family operation with daughter Alexandra stepping in to work at the course in food service and bookkeeping. She joins sister Savannah, a PGA certified golf professional who directs the course’s junior program and gives lessons.

While running one of the most successful golf courses in the area, many of the everyday details in running

Crosswoods are based with an eye to conservation. “A few years ago, we converted to lithium battery-powered carts to limit the emissions we are creating,” says Stone, “We are very judicious in how we maintain the course. We take the responsibility of preserving the area and all it has to offer, seriously.”

While there are 27 holes of pristine greens available for challenging play, Stone hopes one of the many reasons golfers enjoy the course is its connection to nature. It has been rewarding for him to create a haven for golfers and wildlife alike. Because he enjoys both.