Wisconsin’s 2025 Gun Deer Hunting Season runs Nov. 22–30. All hunters and trappers must complete and return a registration form to The Ridges before hunting or trapping on our property. Access the 2025 form here.

Our Focus

An illustration of a dragonfly.

Preservation

When The Ridges Sanctuary was established in 1937, our founders had a clear vision: To preserve the land through acquisition and stewardship and ensure that people could enjoy it forever. Today, this goal is more important than ever. We strive to safeguard the Sanctuary’s boreal forest. It is home to 11 species of conifers, over 60 species of birds, 475 vascular plants, and 29 species of orchids. With intensifying challenges due to climate change, it is crucial to preserve The Ridges in its natural condition with little human disturbance.

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Education

Education is at the heart of everything we do at The Ridges Sanctuary. We believe that embedding learning and engagement in each of our core mission areas is essential to inspiring the conservation of Nature. In addition, our growth in early childhood and elementary programming, as well as our expanding partnerships with local public schools, have established The Ridges as a leader in environmental education.

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An illustration of a purple orchid.

Research

The Ridges and surrounding landscapes represent one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Midwest. To protect The Ridges, research initiatives must provide an understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Plus, we strive to understand connections to the larger landscapes and watersheds. We are committed to working as a voice for conservation action based on science. We serve as a reliable partner with other research groups and by refining our research protocols. The Ridges conducts research with integrity, honesty and objectivity rooted in the scientific process.

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