Category: Stewardship

If you are a wanderer of The Ridges trail systems, particularly in the ridges and swales, you've probably noted the relatively high number of boardwalks (roughly 25 in total), and the recent progress staff and volunteers have made on replacing ones that have shown their age. Much time and effort are invested in maintaining our network of trails and bridges for a multitude of reasons...

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

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.

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.

Learning through stewardship and storytelling, our summer interns explored nurse logs, plant connections, and the human stories that bring The Ridges to life.

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

Discover how The Ridges Sanctuary is using science-based restoration to protect native orchids and the threatened dwarf lake iris from environmental change.

Nature Notes: Powered by Passion—Community efforts to preserve the Boreal Forest  By Katie Krouse, Executive Director When we dreamed up the Boreal Climate Survivability Project in collaboration with the Climate […]