Our online Nature Store is now open! Shop the collection here.

The Ridges Sanctuary Celebrates Year-Round Upgrades and Looks Ahead to New Volunteer Workshop

“Phase Zero” demonstrates The Ridges’ commitment and capacity to implement its award-winning Master Plan.

by Andy Gill, Assistant Director

In May 2023, The Ridges Sanctuary (TRS or The Ridges) Board of Directors unanimously approved a Master Plan to guide the organization’s next 20 years. The Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable organizational growth, with a clear focus on advancing The Ridges’ mission. Ridges members, staff, board members, and partners shaped it through extensive input. Nearly two and a half years later, implementation is well underway.

Phase Zero: Implementing The Ridges Sanctuary Master Plan

Over the past year, TRS has taken major steps to implement key elements of its Master Plan. These efforts support sustainable organizational management, including updating the organizational chart, aligning board committees, and implementing recommended capital improvement projects. The Ridges identified a set of projects to fund and complete ahead of a major capital campaign, collectively known as Phase Zero. These projects address immediate infrastructure needs, support growing education programming, and expand the capacity of The Ridges’ current facilities.

These projects are:

  1. Renovating the rustic restroom to become a year-round facility
  2. Renovating the historic Kaye and Marshall Cabins for year-round use, while adding indoor/outdoor classroom space
  3. Constructing a new volunteer workshop

Phase Zero Projects Fully Funded and Underway

TRS is pleased to announce that grants, generous private donations, and its own Master Plan Implementation Fund have fully funded these projects. The Community Investment Fund, administered by the Door County Community Foundation and funded through room tax dollars, provided grant funds. The Raibrook Foundation also provided grant funding to support completion of Phase Zero. Even better, these projects are well underway, with construction expected to be completed this year. Local contractor Peil Construction is leading work on the restroom and new workshop, while Ahnapee Construction completed enhancements to the historic Cabins.

Infrastructure Improvements at The Ridges Sanctuary

Kaye and Marshall Cabin Renovations

The Kaye and Marshall Cabins now have new windows, insulation, and roofs. New mini-split units provide air conditioning and heat. The second floor of the Kaye Cabin has been updated to provide valuable teacher office and prep space. Both Cabins also feature new overhangs that provide covered outdoor space. These strategic upgrades will provide year-round programming space and immediately relieve pressure on existing facilities.

Year-Round Restroom Renovations

The new restroom is nearly unrecognizable, with new siding and clerestory windows. The mechanical systems were rerouted and insulated to protect against freezing, and a mini-split provides conditioned air. The reconfigured floor plan provides restrooms to support year-round educational programs, summer camp, and the beloved event Natural Christmas. While restroom improvements may not sound particularly exciting, these upgrades unlock the entire area, currently referred to as North Campus, for new opportunities. As envisioned in the site plan, this work lays the groundwork to transform North Campus into an official Education Campus.

Construction of a New Volunteer Workshop

In mid-September, we broke ground on a new volunteer workshop. Volunteerism is critical to supporting operations at The Ridges. In 2025, more than 200 volunteers contributed over 7,500 hours, representing more than $250,000 in value to The Ridges through their various activities. As the organization continues to grow, it will place greater emphasis on volunteer operations and will need more volunteers. A new workshop will accommodate increased capacity while honoring the vital contributions of Ridges volunteers.

Looking Ahead: Phase One of The Ridges Master Plan

Phase Zero shows Ridges members, donors, and partners that the organization is committed to, and capable of, implementing its Master Plan. At the same time, it lays the foundation for major capital investments through a capital campaign. Phase One implementation will include renovations to the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center to address growing staff and program needs, construction of a new Education Center to expand and enhance year-round educational programming, and the adaptive reuse of the former Ridges Inn & Suites to provide lodging for research partners and space for citizen science programs.

Through Phase One, The Ridges will invest in the infrastructure needed to support and expand its mission areas of research, education, and preservation. For more information about these projects or the campaign to support them, please contact Executive Director Katie Krouse at katie@ridgessanctuary.org or by calling 920-839-2802 ext 101.