Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles

Our Mission

The mission of The Ridges Sanctuary is to promote positive environmental behaviors through impactful educational experiences, land protection and management, and ecological research.


Our vision is to inspire the conservation of Nature

Our Guiding Principles

icon of an acorn and oak leaf.

Heritage

We honor our land and our heritage. Our lands are a unique place, a sanctuary, upon which all our actions are based. Our organizational heritage is recognized as well as the cultural histories of all those who lived on these lands before us.

Inclusivity

All persons are welcome at The Ridges, are treated equally and with respect. We are dedicated to inclusiveness and accessibility. The Sanctuary is a place for all that supports personal reflection and wellness.

Icon of planet Earth.

Commitment to Science

We work as a reliable partner and voice for conservation action based on science. We proceed with integrity, honesty and objectivity rooted in the scientific process.

An illustration of pine trees.

Community

Board, staff, members, donors, volunteers, neighbors, partners, and visitors are all part of The Ridges family. We recognize the contributions of all people and work in a collaborative manner to achieve the vision of The Ridges. Through responsible stewardship, educational experiences, and ecological research, we build strong connections between nature and the community.

An illustration of a hand holding a sprout.

Accountability

We are accountable to our community and our heritage. We innovate to deliver on our mission for future generations.

A group of volunteers working in a field with shovels.

“As a Ridges volunteer, I have met many wonderful people over the years, and some have become good friends. The volunteers are all so passionate about The Ridges and want to help in any way they can. They give so much of their time and energy to support our mission – it’s gratifying to be a part of it.”

Sandy Miller, Board Director Secretary

“Being a member of The Ridges allows me to maximize my impact and support an organization that helps ensure that my grandchildren will be able to admire the Sanctuary as I do today.”

Ridges Member

A mom and young son walk down the boardwalk on a sunny day.
Monarch butterfly landed on a leaf of milkweed.

“The Ridges is a confluence of history, ecology and education. There are so many opportunities for the organization to be a state and national leader in areas such as research, education, accessibility and conservation.”

Ridges Member