Category: Fauna

We all have a process and routine for how to go about the transition from fall to the winter season. Animals and plants also go through a process - it just looks a little different. Learn about seasonal preparations we see in some of the animals and plants that we find here at The Ridges, and maybe in your own backyard too!  

Nature Notes: Helping Wisconsin Bats By Anna Foster, Program Director Imagine walking down a boardwalk by the light of the moon, feeling the cool breeze from Lake Michigan through the […]

As our planet warms and ecosystems shift, we must not go gentle into this climate crisis. Species like the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly face mounting threats, while invasive species spread into disrupted habitats. The Boreal and Temperate Mesic Forest Survivability Project shows how science and action can push back. Reforestation, research, and resilience matter. Climate change demands urgency—not resignation. Even uncertain efforts are better than none. Doing nothing is surrender. But together, we can still make a difference.

Collaborative research at The Ridges deepens our understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate—advancing science while protecting this unique natural sanctuary for future generations.

Summer brings back memories of barefoot adventures, backyard games, and family time in nature. Discover how outdoor experiences can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

Photo by Andrew Pirrung By Jackie Rath As we consider our roles as individuals and community members, there is a special sense of place that The Ridges Sanctuary and the […]

Discover the beauty of art in nature, where patterns meet unpredictability, and wildness coexists with calm. Explore the Fibonacci sequence, intricate textures of moss and lichen, and the quiet inspiration found in forests. Celebrate Earth Week with a student art exhibit at The Ridges Sanctuary, showcasing creative interpretations of nature’s wonders.

Nature Notes: Owl Prowling By Dan Scheiman, PhD, Staff Ornithologist/Visitor Engagement Specialist We’ve heard from some of our readers regarding concerns about the use of playback for calling owls. First, […]

Summer Project Spotlight: Butterflies of The Ridges Sanctuary By Heidi Williamson The following is a Summer Project completed by Heidi Williamson, 2024 Summer Naturalist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Heidi is […]

Nature Notes: Share the Shore – Protecting Shorebirds During Fall Migration By Dan Scheiman, Visitor Engagement Specialist Fall migration is in full swing. In addition to songbirds, shorebirds are also […]