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.