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The Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s oldest member-based nature preserve, celebrates over 72 years of connecting the Door County community with nature! Founded by pioneers in Wisconsin’s conservation movement, the 1600-acre wildflower preserve is a Door County treasure, harboring one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest.
The Ridges is also recognized as:
- The most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin, with over 475 plant species
- National Natural Landmark
- Wisconsin State Natural Area
- Location of 25 of the 40 orchid species in Wisconsin
- National Audubon Society Important Bird Area
- Wisconsin Wetland Gem designation
Visit our 5 miles of sanctuary trails daily, from dawn to dusk. It is a great place to hike or participate in one of our programs.
- Self-guided or naturalist-led hikes
- Children’s programs
- Thursday evening programs
- Workshops and outings
Here is the latest issue of the Ridges Lites, our monthly bulletin, with updates on ongoing programs and activities.
The Ridges Sanctuary recently closed on 3 additional parcels of land, totaling 53 acres. All are adjacent to property already owned by the Sanctuary, and will help to protect the watershed which feeds into the swales and Lake Michigan. Funding for these purchases was provided through the Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Wetland grant program. Ridges members, through their generous contributions to our Land Fund, also helped to make these acquisitions possible.
 Do you remember your childhood experiences with nature? Maybe you had a creek or pond that you could stomp around in, catching frogs and crayfish and getting muddy. Perhaps you and your best friend made dandelion chains in the field behind your school. You may remember catching fireflies in the backyard, or imagining shapes in the clouds while lying in a grassy field. The Ridges is partnering with the Door County YMCA to offer “No Family Left Inside” a series of programs designed to provide these same experiences, and many more, to parents and children who want to explore Door County. Each month, we will offer fun activities to give your family more “outdoor time” and learn some things about nature, too!
All programs will be held at The Ridges Sanctuary, but please register with the Northern Door YMCA in Fish Creek (920-868-3660). Fee for each program is $10 per family.
Geocaching
Saturday, February 13, 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Geocaching has been described as a “high-tech treasure hunt.” After discussing what geocaching is, how it got started, and some of the tips and tricks, you’ll head into the woods to seek out a cache hidden within The Ridges Sanctuary. A few GPS units will be available for use during the session, but bring yours along if you have one.
 Wander the Woods After Dark
Friday, March 12, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Have you ever explored the outdoors at night? Too scary? On this hike, you’ll discover that night explorations can be great fun, and not at all frightening. We’ll learn about nighttime animals and their adaptations, call owls, and finish with a bonfire and s’mores. Bring a small flashlight if you’d like.
Signs of Spring Birds, Bugs and Buds
Saturday, April 17, 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Be the first to find a sign of Spring. Look high and low and in-between to catch the creatures and plants as they come out of their winter sleep. Watch for the first birds, listen for the quack of the first wood frogs, or dig in the leaf litter for scurrying bugs as they welcome warmer weather.
Please visit the new Our Donors page for a current listing of donors. The list will be updated monthly.
Thank you for supporting The Ridges Sanctuary!
Winter Programs
For more information or to register for any of these programs, call 920-839-2802 or email. See you there!
Snowshoe Fridays
January 8, 15, 22, and 29
February 5, 12, 19, and 26
1:00 p.m.
Check the calendar for last minute changes!
 Snowshoe group on trail Meet at Marshal Cabin, next to Nature Center (8288 Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor)
It’s amazing how much is going in nature this time of year! Join Naturalist Karen Newbern as we explore the frozen tundra of The Ridges on snowshoes. New sites each week. Some loaner snowshoes are available; call ahead to reserve. Dress for the weather. If there’s no snow, we’ll hike anyway. $5/adult, no charge for children under 18.
The Chicago Sun-Times (December 6, 2009) included an article on Snowshoeing in Door County and specifically at The Ridges! Click here to read the full article.
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