Category: Programs

Many children experience the wonder of watching a monarch caterpillar grow and change into a beautiful butterfly. Raising monarch butterflies can be a valuable educational tool for teaching children about lifecycles and metamorphosis. It can even inspire a love and appreciation of butterfly species. However, the practice of rearing monarchs can actually be more harmful than helpful to monarch conservation.   

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

Now that the snow is flying, so too are Snowy Owls. This highly mobile species breeds and winters further north than any other owl. Most people encounter them only when the birds have dispersed far south of their arctic breeding range. Indeed, the causes and patterns of their movements are not understood with certainty, though decades of banding, telemetry, and satellite tracking efforts, in conjunction with environmental data, are shedding new light.

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.

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!  

Is The Ridges Haunted? It’s a question we hear often—especially in the fall. While The Ridges Sanctuary isn’t officially known for ghost stories, decades of strange experiences and whispered tales suggest there may be more to the story. From unexplained footsteps in the Kaye Cabin to ghostly laughter in the historic Upper Range Light, some believe the past is still very much present here. Curious? Read on and decide for yourself.

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.

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, […]

Reconnecting with the Natural World Throughout the Winter Season By Anna Foster Program Director Going outside in the winter can sometimes seem like more trouble than it’s worth. When the […]