Our Story
- In 1937, The Ridges Sanctuary became Wisconsin’s first land trust. For 80 years it has been an integral part of the rich, natural setting of the Baileys Harbor community and the Door County Peninsula. Founded to preserve the original 30 acre parcel, The Ridges has grown thoughtfully and strategically to ensure the protection of the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Wisconsin.
Visit Us
- The Cook-Albert Fuller Center, Hidden Brook Boardwalk, and nature trails are open year-round. Come and explore all The Ridges has to offer. From guided hikes to tours of the Range Lights, The Ridges offers adults, families, and tour groups a wide variety of options for their visit.
Education
- The Ridges is committed to providing education programs for both children and adults. Our goal is to increase the appreciation for our rich natural landscape and to foster connections with the natural world. We provide several programs, year-round, that are great for adults, children, and families. The Ridges strives to meet its mission of education and outreach.
Land Preservation
- The Ridges is named for its distinctive topography - a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1100 years. Today, The Ridges owns 1,600 acres in and around Baileys Harbor. In recognition of its rich diversity, The Ridges Sanctuary has been designated as a Wisconsin State Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, a National Audubon Important Bird Area and a Wisconsin Wetland Gem.
Research
- The Ridges and surrounding landscapes have been recognized as the most biologically diverse area in the State by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. To protect The Ridges, research initiatives must provide an understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics and connections to the larger landscapes or watersheds.
Publications
- The Ridges has a number of resources available to help you learn more about this amazing place.

The Ridges Sanctuary

Preservation, Education, and Research

Educational Programs

The Ridges offers several educational programs year-round. For a complete list of upcoming programs, please see the current Ridges Lites program guide or the calendar of events.

Lake Lessons – This series of 12 programs feature different topics with experts from around the Mid-west. Thursday evenings, June – August.

Workshops – Held throughout the year, The Ridges workshops are a hands-on opportunity to make bird boxes, art pieces, wreaths, and even grow mushrooms.

Main Themed Weekends – These weekends focus on one topic; from Owls to Bees. Several opportunities throughout the weekend to be immersed in the topic.

Educational Programs – A variety of topics led by expert instructors. They range from story hour for children, to reptiles, to bird counts.

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