The Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s oldest member-based nature preserve, celebrates over 72 years of connecting the Door County community with nature! Founded by pioneers in Wisconsin’s conservation movement, the 1600-acre wildflower preserve is a Door County treasure, harboring one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest.
The Ridges is also recognized as:
- The most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin, with over 475 plant species
- National Natural Landmark
- Wisconsin State Natural Area
- Location of 25 of the 40 orchid species in Wisconsin
- National Audubon Society Important Bird Area
- Wisconsin Wetland Gem designation
Visit our 5 miles of sanctuary trails daily, from dawn to dusk. It is a great place to hike or participate in one of our programs.
- Self-guided or naturalist-led hikes
- Children’s programs
- Thursday evening programs
- Workshops and outings
June 19, 2010
Door County’s
22nd Annual Ride for Nature
adds a new CENTURY ride
100 mile century | 50 mile | 25 mile | 15 mile family ride
Enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of Door County as you help support The Ridges Sanctuary’s education programs
To sign up or find more information go to: RideForNature.com
READING
THE RIDGES
An Invitational Exhibit of Door County Artists reflecting the natural wonders of The Ridges Sanctuary
Opening Reception
Sunday February 28
1-3 PM
The Link Gallery • Fish Creek
Door Community Auditorium
Works will be on display through April 12, 2010
Weekdays
10 AM-2 PM
and during evening events at the Door Community Auditorium
Sponsors:
Main Street Market-Egg Harbor, Hide-Side Corner Store-Fish Creek, Espresso Lane-Baileys Harbor, Ecology Sports-Sister Bay & Homestead Suites-Fish Creek
Image above is from a 22″x 30″ acrylic by William Roberts (www.williamrobertsart.com)
Here is the latest issue of the Ridges Lites, our monthly bulletin, with updates on ongoing programs and activities.
The Ridges Sanctuary recently closed on 3 additional parcels of land, totaling 53 acres. All are adjacent to property already owned by the Sanctuary, and will help to protect the watershed which feeds into the swales and Lake Michigan. Funding for these purchases was provided through the Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Wetland grant program. Ridges members, through their generous contributions to our Land Fund, also helped to make these acquisitions possible.
Do you remember your childhood experiences with nature? Maybe you had a creek or pond that you could stomp around in, catching frogs and crayfish and getting muddy. Perhaps you and your best friend made dandelion chains in the field behind your school. You may remember catching fireflies in the backyard, or imagining shapes in the clouds while lying in a grassy field. The Ridges is partnering with the Door County YMCA to offer “No Family Left Inside” a series of programs designed to provide these same experiences, and many more, to parents and children who want to explore Door County. Each month, we will offer fun activities to give your family more “outdoor time” and learn some things about nature, too!
All programs will be held at The Ridges Sanctuary, but please register with the Northern Door YMCA in Fish Creek (920-868-3660). Fee for each program is $10 per family.
Geocaching
Saturday, February 13, 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Geocaching has been described as a “high-tech treasure hunt.” After discussing what geocaching is, how it got started, and some of the tips and tricks, you’ll head into the woods to seek out a cache hidden within The Ridges Sanctuary. A few GPS units will be available for use during the session, but bring yours along if you have one.
Wander the Woods After Dark
Friday, March 12, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Have you ever explored the outdoors at night? Too scary? On this hike, you’ll discover that night explorations can be great fun, and not at all frightening. We’ll learn about nighttime animals and their adaptations, call owls, and finish with a bonfire and s’mores. Bring a small flashlight if you’d like.
Signs of Spring Birds, Bugs and Buds
Saturday, April 17, 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Be the first to find a sign of Spring. Look high and low and in-between to catch the creatures and plants as they come out of their winter sleep. Watch for the first birds, listen for the quack of the first wood frogs, or dig in the leaf litter for scurrying bugs as they welcome warmer weather.
