Membership

By joining one of these member-exclusive add-on groups with a designated donation, you are both directly supporting one of our Preservation, Research, or Education mission pillars, as well as letting us know where your interests lie and how to better engage with you throughout the year. Join to receive themed swag, mission-focused updates, and special program invites to events catered specifically for your group.

BoREAL Friends of the Forest
preserving the forest one cone at a time

Boreal Friends of the Forest is meant for members who are excited about our work to protect and preserve land through acquisition and stewardship. Maybe you even want to apply some of our hard-earned knowledge to your own properties!  Get an up-close view of our management strategies and learn the reasoning behind them from our team. Join this group to support our land preservation efforts, from boardwalk and trail maintenance to invasive species treatment, and take home some applicable practices along the way. 

Orchid Lovers
a blooming bonus for our biggest fans

Orchid Lovers is for the members who want an intimate look at the science behind everything that happens at The Ridges. Our research initiatives provide an understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and connections to larger landscapes and watersheds. From protecting our dwarf lake iris and vulnerable orchid species, launching the boreal climate survivability project, to studying hydrology and ants… Join this group to dig deeper while supporting our research projects, plus be the first to hear about any new discoveries!

Sprout Scouts
sowing the seeds of conservation

Sprout Scouts geared towards members who are committed to lifelong learning and are passionate about passing down their love for The Ridges to the next generations. Our youth education programs are designed to nurture deep relationships between children and the natural world, and you can get an inside look into how they are developed and run. Join this group to support our education efforts and get behind-the-scenes access to some of our classes and programming. 

*These are available for purchase in our online membership forms or at the front desk.

What

Lifetime membership for one individual and their spouse.

Includes

• Free admission to Ridges trails
• Member rates on programs
• Early access to programs like Festival of Nature and Backpack Adventure Camp
• 10% Nature Store discount (excluding food and books)
• ANCA reciprocal program: free admission to dozens of nature centers around the country
• Invitation to the Annual Meeting
• Digital program guides and newsletters (or opt-in to mailed publications)
• Member decal

Lifetime Memberships can now be purchased online. If you plan on purchasing a Lifetime Membership, we would love to talk with you about your interest in The Ridges. Please contact our Director of Growth Initiatives, Eliza Banjanac, at eliza@ridgessanctuary.org or by calling 920-839-2802 x 107.

New in 2026: Three Enhanced Membership Levels

• Community Partner: Annual membership ideal for businesses who want visibility and connection.
  • Cost: $175 tax-deductible contribution
• Ecosystem Sustainer: Annual membership ideal for businesses looking for collaborative promotion, greater visibility, and staff engagement.
  • Cost: $350 tax-deductible contribution
• Signature Steward: Annual membership ideal for businesses passionate about the outdoors, community visibility, and local conservation.
  • Cost: $1,000 tax-deductible contribution

Includes

See the below image for general, shared benefits, as well as those specific to each tier.

NEW: We are now offering a 20% military discount for active military members and veterans. This discount can be applied to any membership level. Please be prepared to show a valid ID.

Please contact our Director of Growth Initiatives, Eliza Banjanac, with any questions at eliza@ridgessanctuary.org or by calling 920-839-2802 x 107.