Nature Notes

As white-nose syndrome devastates bat populations, conservation efforts at The Ridges offer hope for the federally endangered northern long-eared bat.

“What makes an orchid an orchid?” is a question we hear often at The Ridges Sanctuary. There are several ways to answer it, depending on whether you approach the question through history, biology, or the emotional response these plants seem to inspire.

WisCorps Environmental Educator Placement Natalie Schnackenberg concludes the school year with a touching reflection on her time co-teaching Dragonfly Nature 4k

Walking in the woods is one of my favorite ways to slow down my mind and be present in the moment. With longer daylight hours and signs of new life, May is a wonderful time to go on an afternoon walk. Unique colors are always the first thing to catch my eye. In the winter it may be lichen, in the fall I notice mushrooms, and in the spring it's the new flowers! 

There is specific, restrained electricity in the air at The Ridges Sanctuary during these early weeks of spring. To the casual observer, the forest may still look dormant, but as Land Manager, I see a landscape in a state of high-tension readiness. Rarity, by its very definition, commands our attention—but here, it also commands our awe. At The Ridges, we aren't just protecting a static map of trees and water; we are stewards of a restless, prehistoric, and incredibly rare intersection of life. 

One of the few remaining U.S. populations of the Hine’s emerald dragonfly persists at The Ridges Sanctuary, where conservation and research support its future.

As the days grow longer and the sun feels a little warmer, it’s tempting to believe spring has finally arrived—until winter reminds us otherwise. Even so, the snow is melting quickly, the ground is beginning to thaw, and daytime temperatures are staying above freezing. Signs of the season are already here: water flowing beneath Hidden Brook, frogs calling on warm afternoons, and sandhill cranes returning overhead. Spring is on its way—winter just insists on one last dramatic goodbye.

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year of growth, connection, and inspiring moments at The Ridges. None of it would have been possible without the support of our incredible community. Before we share some highlights, we want to say thank you—for being part of our journey and making this year so memorable.

The Swale Tale: How an unusual Door County landscape is helping researchers learn how Great Lake water levels affect groundwater and forests in coastal areas. Because of the incredible diversity […]

The forest teaches us many things; we just need to know where to look and how to listen. The winter season brings the lesson of life and allows us to see movement of animals in a way that no other season can. While most animals are elusive and not always seen while hiking, the ground cover of snow allows us to understand activities of active, resident animals in our area through deer beds, middens, scat, and tracks.