Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary
2026-07-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Swales of the Sanctuary

Join a naturalist for an 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 guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary:

July: Swales of the Sanctuary

The wetlands of The Ridges are part of a RAMSAR Designated Wetland of International Importance. This hike will include opportunities to learn about critters that call these wetlands home and what makes them so special.

This 90-minute 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 | 16 & under free

Registration Required.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Free Fridays: Everybody Eats
2026-07-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Free Fridays: Everybody Eats

Free Fridays are back! Join us every Friday in June, July, and August for FREE admission to the Sanctuary. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the boardwalk and front lawn, exploring a different theme each week.

What do the smallest bacteria and the largest black bear have in common? They are all part of a food web! Join us to discover how each member of our ecosystem relies on each other.

Each week will include a Free Fridays themed Sanctuary Story Hour at 9:30 am!

Free Fridays are suitable for all ages.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Free program, outdoor program, daytime program, accessible parking available, some hiking and walking along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, wheelchairs available, restrooms available, some uneven and unpaved terrain.

Distance: >1 mi.

Naturalist Chats
2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Naturalist Chats

Have you ever wondered if a plant can be carnivorous or if there are any rare birds at The Ridges? Every week, a Ridges naturalist will be stationed along Hidden Brook Boardwalk with a mobile learning station to help you explore and learn something new about the Sanctuary. Our mobile learning stations will have cool animal and nature artifacts like bones, feathers, fur, and animal tracks. Stop by our Naturalist Chats to learn more! Suitable for all ages.

Rotating themes include:

Birds of The Ridges

Fossils and The Niagara Escarpment

Ridges and Swales

Pollinators of The Ridges

Omnivorous Mammals of The Ridges

Fee: Included with $5 trail fee. Donations appreciated!

Meet: Rotating positions along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, accessible parking available, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, restrooms available at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Distance: <0.5 miles

Naturalist Chats
2026-07-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-25 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Naturalist Chats

Have you ever wondered if a plant can be carnivorous or if there are any rare birds at The Ridges? Every week, a Ridges naturalist will be stationed along Hidden Brook Boardwalk with a mobile learning station to help you explore and learn something new about the Sanctuary. Our mobile learning stations will have cool animal and nature artifacts like bones, feathers, fur, and animal tracks. Stop by our Naturalist Chats to learn more! Suitable for all ages.

Rotating themes include:

Birds of The Ridges

Fossils and The Niagara Escarpment

Ridges and Swales

Pollinators of The Ridges

Omnivorous Mammals of The Ridges

Fee: Included with $5 trail fee. Donations appreciated!

Meet: Rotating positions along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk

Accessibility Considerations: Outdoor program, accessible parking available, daytime program, wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs available, restrooms available at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Distance: < 0.5 miles

Logan Creek Stewardship Workdays
2026-07-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Logan Creek, 5724 Loritz Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Logan Creek Stewardship Workdays

Join staff and volunteers to help with various projects at The Ridges’ Logan Creek Preserve located on the shore of Clark Lake. Assist staff and other volunteers with activities like trail and boardwalk work, invasive species control, and general site maintenance. Come dressed appropriately for moderate hiking and the potential of working in wet conditions. Tools provided. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Meet: Logan Creek Trailhead

For more information and to participate in volunteer workdays, contact Ridges Land Manager Sam Hoffman at sam@ridgessanctuary.org or call (920) 839-2802, ext. 108.

Tiny Trekkers | July (Thurs.) | Teeny Tadpoles
2026-07-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Tiny Trekkers | July (Thurs.) | Teeny Tadpoles

Take your Tiny Trekker to The Ridges to explore nature. Create a foundation of love and respect for the natural world through active play in nature between caregivers and children. Join a Ridges educator in gentle hiking, songs, and endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation.

Come explore what’s swimming around in the swales! Trekkers will learn all about the critters who call our wetlands home. Topics will include frogs, turtles, and other aquatic organisms!

This program is suitable for caregivers and children walking through 3 years old. Sign up for individual classes in advance or drop in! Limit of 12 Trekkers per class. Each month explores a different theme. This class is for children who are walking through age 3.

Fee: $8 per Trekker

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!

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

Register

Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Orchid Observations
2026-06-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Orchid Observations

Join a naturalist for an exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. 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 guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary.

June: Orchid Observations

See a few stars of the 29 species of documented orchids that bloom in the Sanctuary in June. In addition to learning about the Sanctuary, learn about why orchids love the ridge and swale habitats, and current research efforts at The Ridges.

These 90-minute guided hikes include 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 | 16 & under free

Registration Required.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Get to Know The Ridges
2026-06-29 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-22 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-06-20 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: Included with $5 trail fee. 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: About 0.5 miles to the Upper Range Light

Early Bird Hikes
2026-06-27 06:30 - 08:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Early Bird Hikes

Head out with The Ridges’ ornithologist to find migrating birds. In June, meet at The Ridges Sanctuary Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor. 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

Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Orchid Observations
2026-06-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Orchid Observations

Join a naturalist for an 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 guided hike follows a theme focusing on unique aspects of the Sanctuary.

June: Orchid Observations

A few stars of the 29 species of documented orchids bloom in the Sanctuary in June. In addition to learning about the Sanctuary, learn about blooming species, why orchids love the ridge and swale habitats, current research efforts at The Ridges.

This 90-minute 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 | 16 & under free

Registration Required

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Accessibility Considerations: On boardwalk and rustic trails, T-Loop system available, daytime program, accessible parking available, restrooms available prior to program starting.

Distance: About 1.5 miles

Register

Free Fridays: Life Below the Swales
2026-06-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Free Fridays: Life Below the Swales

Free Fridays are back! Join us every Friday in June, July, and August for FREE admission to the Sanctuary. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the boardwalk and front lawn, exploring a different theme each week.

Join us to learn more about macroinvertebrates, or some of the tiny critters that live under the swales. Explore their vital role in our wetland ecosystems.

Each week will include a Free Fridays themed Sanctuary Story Hour at 9:30 am!

Free Fridays are suitable for all ages.

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Free program, outdoor program, daytime program, accessible parking available, some hiking and walking along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk, wheelchairs available, restrooms available, some uneven and unpaved terrain.

Distance: >1 mi.

Tiny Trekkers | June (Thurs.) | Bouncing Bunnies
2026-06-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Tiny Trekkers | June (Thurs.) | Bouncing Bunnies

Take your Tiny Trekker to The Ridges to explore nature. Create a foundation of love and respect for the natural world through active play in nature between caregivers and children. Join a Ridges educator in gentle hiking, songs, and endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation.

Early summer is the time of year when baby animals come out to play! Trekkers will learn about baby animal behaviors and early life stages. Topics will include baby bunnies, fawns, baby birds, and more!

This program is suitable for caregivers and children walking through 3 years old. Sign up for individual classes in advance or drop in! Limit of 12 Trekkers per class. Each month explores a different theme. This class is for children who are walking through age 3.

Fee: $8 per Trekker

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!

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

Register

Barberry Pirates Workday
2026-06-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Barberry Pirates Workday

Join Ridges staff and other volunteers in helping to preserve our native biodiversity by assisting in invasive species removal projects in the Sanctuary! Work will involve digging, cutting, and bagging of invasive plants by hand. Please wear appropriate footwear, pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Tools provided. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

For more information and to participate in volunteer workdays, contact Ridges Land Manager Sam Hoffman at sam@ridgessanctuary.org or call (920) 839-2802, ext. 108.

Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team | June
2026-06-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Ridges Cabins, 8288 County Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202, United States
Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team | June

Each month, join us to explore a different aspect of research at The Ridges Applied Research Ecologist Victoria Holderer and Director of Research Tony Kiszonas will take you on an educational hike at various locations in The Ridges property. Please check the meeting location for each date. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Meet at the Cabins at The Ridges to stroll down the Range Light Corridor Boardwalk to discuss ongoing research initiatives, focusing on research for restoration work with the dwarf lake iris, the Orchid Restoration Project, and the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, along with other initiatives we are partnering on.

Fee: FREE program. Donations appreciated!

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: About 1 mile

Register

Storybook Trail Hike and Read
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Family Discovery Trail, Baileys Harbor, WI, United States
Storybook Trail Hike and Read

Explore our new Storybook Trail with local author Sally Collins! Her latest book, Sloane the Gnome Bakes a Cherry Pie, will be the first featured story on our brand-new trail. Listen to Sally read pages as you hike along, then join us for a Sloane the Gnome-themed activity.

Suitable for the whole family! No registration required!

Fee: FREE Program. Donations appreciated!

Accessibility Considerations: Rustic trail, accessible parking, daytime program, bathrooms available at Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center before the program, no modern restrooms available at Family Discovery Trail.

Distance: Approximately 1.5 mi
