The Ridges Sanctuary

Crane Nest Habitat Hike
2026-04-18 13:30 - 15:15, 2026-04-19 10:00 - 11:45 (America/Chicago) | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Crane Nest Habitat Hike

*Crane Symposium*

Join Naturalists Jane Whitney and Julie Knox on a hike to a potential crane nesting habitat to learn more about what makes the wetlands of Door County the perfect crane nesting habitat. Suitable for ages 12 & Up.

Meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center. Will carpool to hike location.

Accessibility Considerations: Crane Nest Habitat Hikes take place on rustic trails and conditions in early April can be snowy, muddy, and on uneven surfaces. These hikes require carpooling to an offsite location. Hike location will not have bathrooms available.

Distance: 1+ miles

Fee: Public $15 | Members receive 20% discount

Registration Required

Register

Crane Symposium Keynote Presentation - Cranes: A True Wetland Wonder *Virtual*
2026-04-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Crane Symposium Keynote Presentation – Cranes: A True Wetland Wonder *Virtual*

*Crane Symposium*

Join us for our annual Crane Symposium Keynote Presentation at The Ridges! In this presentation we will introduce the two crane species found here in Wisconsin: the sandhill crane and the endangered whooping crane. The International Crane Foundation will discuss their life history, the threats they face, the habitats they depend on, and how you can help protect these beloved birds.

This is a VIRTUAL presentation! Link will be emailed out prior to program.

FREE program. Donations appreciated!

Registration Required

Register

Chick Chats Story Hour
2026-04-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Chick Chats Story Hour

*Crane Symposium*

Bring your budding birders and naturalists to a Chick Chats Story Hour! Join Ridges staff to read stories and learn about why sandhill cranes make the long journey north each spring, and how they do it. This program includes information about cranes and fun activities to excite kids about this special family of birds. At the end of the story, you can make a fun nature craft. Suitable for families with young children.

FREE event. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Program takes place outdoors, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, accessible parking available, bathrooms available, free event.

Kids Birding 101 Hike
2026-04-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Kids Birding 101 Hike

*Crane Symposium*

Interested in birding as a family? Join us for a fun program where kids will learn the basics of bird watching, including how to identify some common birds found in Door County! We’ll begin at the Nature Center for a brief introduction before heading down the Hidden Brook Boardwalk to see what birds we can spot. Suitable for families with young children.

FREE program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Program takes place outdoors, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, accessible parking available, bathrooms available, free event.

Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team
2026-04-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team

Join Applied Research Ecologist, Victoria Holderer and Director of Research, Tony Kiszonas, on an educational hike highlighting different focuses of research at The Ridges. We will take a stroll down Hidden Brook Boardwalk to discuss ongoing research initiatives, including research for restoration work with the Dwarf Like Iris, Orchid Restoration Project, and the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, along with other initiatives we are partnering on. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Accessibility Considerations: Daytime program, outdoor program, portions of hike on boardwalk and rustic trails (uneven surfaces), standing for long periods of time, restrooms available at Nature Center, accessible parking available at Nature Center.

Distance (if applicable): About 1 mile

Registration Required

Register

Gibraltar Sustainable Fashion Show
2026-04-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Gibraltar Sustainable Fashion Show

Join Gibraltar Students for their Sustainable Fashion Show at The Ridges for Earth Week! The students will be speaking about their displayed pieces at The Ridges. There will also be written statements for each piece. Stop by to support them and their creations. Pieces will continue to be displayed after Earth Week.

Range Light Corridor Workday
2026-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Range Light Corridor Workday

Come help us clean up our Range Light Corridor during Earth Week and save some trees! Due to management requirements for the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, The Ridges must keep the corridor between the two lighthouses free of trees and other tall vegetation. Volunteers will assist with transplanting tree saplings to different parts of the Sanctuary and clearing other vegetation in the area. Suitable for all ages.

Email Sam Hoffman at sam@ridgessanctuary.org to participate or for more information.

Accessibility Considerations: outdoor, daytime program, lifting and carrying materials over distances for program, digging, and standing for long periods of time, restrooms available at Nature Center, uneven terrain.

Distance: 0.5 – 1 miles

Stewardship Workshop: Small Actions Add Up
2026-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Stewardship Workshop: Small Actions Add Up

Learn to become your own land steward through our kickoff Stewardship Workshop at The Ridges during Earth Week! Join Land Manager Sam Hoffman in the Sanctuary, who will lead discussions on local ecological issues and demonstrate small steps that landowners can take to better manage and protect the health of their land. No matter your knowledge or skill level, anyone can take actions that collectively add up to a big environmental impact. Participants will receive take home materials to help them practice stewardship on their properties. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Fee: $25 | Members receive 20% Discount

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, daytime program, hiking on uneven terrain/rustic trails, accessible parking available, bathrooms available at Nature Center prior to program, standing for long periods of time.

Distance: 1+ mile

Registration Required

Register

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
2026-04-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

Stop by the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center to pick up your very own native evergreen trees! We’ll help you decide which species is best suited for your needs.

Trees are available for pick up while supplies last!

Tiny Trekkers | May (Tues) | Wildflower Wonder
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:15 | Ridges Cabins, 8288 County Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Tiny Trekkers | May (Tues) | Wildflower Wonder

Tiny Trekkers classes are designed to create a foundation of love and respect for the natural world. Active play in nature between caregivers and children provides lasting impressions. Join a Ridges Sanctuary educator in gentle hiking, songs, and endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation.

This program is suitable for caregivers and children walking-3 years old. Programs are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10-11:15AM. There is a new session each month consisting of 3 or 4 programs depending on holiday schedules.

Class will meet at different locations on The Ridges properties each week, allowing trekkers and caregivers to explore new habitats. Every week, the teacher will email all families registered for the class with the meeting location. Please check your email regularly for updates from Ridges teachers!

Cost per caregiver and child duo is $10 per class (must register for entire session). Siblings are welcome to join as long as they are not disruptive of the Trekkers class. If an additional child will be joining you, an additional $5 fee per class applies. Please register all additional children (siblings) over the age of 1!

The Tuesday May session of Tiny Trekkers explores the wonders of spring wildflowers. This session is offered on Tuesdays from 4/28-5/12.

Please contact Amy Shook at amy@ridgessanctuary.org with any questions regarding the Tiny Trekker program.

Register

Tiny Trekkers | May (Fri) | Wildflower Wonder
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:15 | Ridges Cabins, 8288 County Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Tiny Trekkers | May (Fri) | Wildflower Wonder

Tiny Trekkers classes are designed to create a foundation of love and respect for the natural world. Active play in nature between caregivers and children provides lasting impressions. Join a Ridges Sanctuary educator in gentle hiking, songs, and endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation.

This program is suitable for caregivers and children walking-3 years old. Programs are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10-11:15AM. There is a new session each month consisting of 3 or 4 programs depending on holiday schedules.

Class will meet at different locations on The Ridges properties each week, allowing trekkers and caregivers to explore new habitats. Every week, the teacher will email all families registered for the class with the meeting location. Please check your email regularly for updates from Ridges teachers!

Cost per caregiver and child duo is $10 per class (must register for entire session). Siblings are welcome to join as long as they are not disruptive of the Trekkers class. If an additional child will be joining you, an additional $5 fee per class applies. Please register all additional children (siblings) over the age of 1!

The Friday May session of Tiny Trekkers explores the wonders of spring wildflowers. This session is offered on Fridays from 5/1-5/15.

Please contact Amy Shook at amy@ridgessanctuary.org with any questions regarding the Tiny Trekker program.

Register

Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Spring in the Sanctuary
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Spring in the Sanctuary

Join a naturalist for an in-depth exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of The Ridges, the unique features of the Sanctuary habitats, and what makes the Sanctuary the most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin!

Each month’s Sanctuary Guided Hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary. May is a magical time to hike through the Sanctuary! May Guided Hikes will feature sightings of awakening critters such as noisy frogs and spring ephemerals like the dwarf lake iris, blooming in late May.

This 90-minute, in-depth guided hike includes a tour of our Upper Range Light, which has been restored to the period of the last Range Light Keeper. Suitable for all ages.

Fee: Public $10 | Members receive 20% discount

Accessibility Considerations: Outside program on boardwalk and rustic trails, accessible parking available, daytime program, restrooms available prior to hike, t-coil system available.

Distance: Approximately 1 mile

Registration Required

Register

Photography Workshop - Looking Up: A Slightly Serious, Mostly Fun Bird Photography Adventure
2026-05-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Looking Up: A Slightly Serious, Mostly Fun Bird Photography Adventure

This May, life is literally looking up—we’ll be staring at Door County skies for early spring migrants and the locals who never left. (Yes, birds.)

Join Len Villano, a man who has spent more hours hiding in bushes than most wildlife. He’ll reveal his top-secret bird photography tips, including how to sneak up on birds, how not to fall over while sneaking up on birds, and how to pan, focus, and otherwise convince your camera to cooperate. Birds will be our main stars, but if a curious squirrel, deer, or photogenic plant wanders into view, we won’t say no.

If you love birds—or just want an excuse to wander the woods with a camera, this rare opportunity is for you. Learn how to take the kind of photos that make friends say, “Wait, you took that?” Don’t miss out on this chance to join Len and other bird lovers for a fun, hands-on experience in one of the most scenic spots in Wisconsin! Suitable for ages 18 & up.

A tripod is recommended. We will carpool to photography locations.

This program is part of a NEW series at The Ridges to capture the beauty of Door County throughout the seasons.

Fee: $30 | Members receive 20% Discount

Accessibility Considerations: Evening program, low light, uneven terrain, cold temperatures, outdoor program, carpooling required, restrooms not available.

Distance: 0.5 – 1 mile

Register

Early Bird Hikes
2026-05-02 06:30 - 08:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Early Bird Hikes

*SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT MEETING LOCATION ON SATURDAY, MAY 2*

Saturday, May 2 Early Bird Hike will meet at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center due to road construction at Peninsula State Park.

Head out with The Ridges’ ornithologist to find migrating birds. Bring binoculars; a limited quantity will be available. Spring is an exciting time to be birding! Suitable for ages 12 & up.

FREE program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, early morning program, no chairs available, no restrooms available, uneven terrain.

Distance (if applicable): <0.5 miles

Registration Required.

Register

Get to Know The Ridges
2026-05-02 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-04 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-11 10:00 - 10:45 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Get to Know The Ridges

Are you interested in learning about The Ridges, but don’t have time for a 90-minute guided hike? Get an introduction to the Sanctuary from one of our Guided Hike leaders! Get a taste of the history and ecology of the Sanctuary on a stroll down Hidden Brook Boardwalk.

Fee: FREE program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: This hike starts on the front lawn of the Nature Center (uneven/ unpaved surfaces), then continues down Hidden Brook Boardwalk, daytime program, restrooms available prior to hike, accessible parking available.

Distance (if applicable): About 0.5 miles to the Upper Range Light

Spring Frog Chorus
2026-05-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Spring Frog Chorus

Twilight inspires a frog chorus at The Ridges Sanctuary! After a short indoor program to learn about Door County frogs and their life cycles, we will hike into The Ridges to listen for frogs. Suitable for ages 8 & up.

Accessibility Considerations: Evening program, indoor and outdoor portions of the program, seating available for indoor portion, restrooms available at Nature Center, hiking in the dark required, accessible parking available, may be muddy, hiking on rustic trails with uneven surfaces.

Distance: ~ 1 mile

This program is offered through the Natural Resources Foundation. To learn more and to register, click the button below.

Natural Resources Foundation

Early Bird Hikes
2026-05-09 06:30 - 08:00 | Weborg Point Peninsula State Park
Early Bird Hikes

Head out with The Ridges’ ornithologist to find migrating birds. In May, meet at Peninsula State Park’s Weborg Point (by the restrooms); a daily/annual park pass is required. Bring binoculars; a limited quantity will be available. Spring is an exciting time to be birding! Suitable for ages 12 & up.

FREE program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, early morning program, no chairs available, no restrooms available, uneven terrain.

Distance (if applicable): <0.5 miles

Registration Required.

Register

Spring Workday
2026-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Spring Workday

Spend time outdoors while supporting The Ridges! Our volunteer spring workday is open to volunteers of all abilities, ages, and skill sets. Typical tasks include cleaning up around the Nature Center, reorganizing storage spaces, and preparing the front perennial gardens, and other preparations for the summer season.

The workday will begin at 9 am and end with a lunch provided at noon.

Contact Sam Hoffman: sam@ridgessanctuary.org or call (920) 839-2802 for more information.

Woodcock Watch at The Ridges Sanctuary
2026-05-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Woodcock Watch at The Ridges Sanctuary

Enjoy a chance to experience firsthand what Aldo Leopold described as the “sky dance”. After a short indoor presentation to learn about woodcocks, head into the field to watch them engage in their ethereal courtship display.

Suitable for ages 10 & up

Accessibility Considerations: Evening program, indoor and outdoor portions of the program, seating available for indoor portion, restrooms not available, hiking in the dark required, accessible parking available, may be muddy, hiking on rustic trails with uneven surfaces.

Distance: About 0.5 miles

This program is offered through the Natural Resources Foundation. To learn more and to register, click the button below.

Natural Resources Foundation
