There’s more than one way to help!
Volunteers are the backbone of The Ridges and the core of many of our important programs. Over 200 dedicated individuals assist our staff in a number of different areas including:
Ride for Nature
It’s no exaggeration to say that it takes a village to pull off an event of this size and importance. Volunteers – and lots of ‘em – are needed to staff the Ride for Nature as well as several areas for the Door County Beer Festival. See the accompanying list of dates, times and tasks here RFN – Volunteers – 2013 then contact Kate LeRoy 920-839-2802 or info@RidgesSanctuary.org to sign up.
Nature Center Staffing (Seasonal May – October)
If you like to work face-to-face with people, this is the job for you! Volunteers greet and orient visitors to the Sanctuary, collect trail fees, and staff the Nature Store. You’ll learn about the Sanctuary and meet lots of interesting people. Shifts are 9 AM-12:30 and 12:30-4 PM or Noon – 4 PM on Sundays.
Wednesday Crew
This dedicated group of men and women meets weekly throughout the year to work on a variety of projects: trail construction and maintenance, repair and upkeep of buildings and boardwalks, and many other duties necessary to keeping the Sanctuary’s properties and facilities in great shape.
Lighthouse Keepers
These volunteers do hands-on work refurbishing the aesthetic elements of The Ridges: gardens, some landscape design, inside painting and papering.
Barberry Pirates
Several species of unwanted, non-native plants threaten the ecological integrity of the Ridges and we need volunteers to help control them. Barberry Pirates can work independently or in small groups. No special skills are required – just a willingness to help and a love of natural areas.
Surveying & Monitoring
Are you interested in searching for and recording various species found in the Sanctuary? You can help us gather information for long-term studies on butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and plant species as well as water quality changes.
Youth Programs
Your love of the outdoors can be shared with dozens of children who attend our youth programs each summer. No teaching experience is necessary.
Special Events
If you have a flair for planning and conducting events, we have a place to apply your skills! Much volunteer help is needed for some of our most exciting events, including the Festival of Nature, Lighthouse Walk, Ride For Nature, our Annual Gathering, A Round for The Ridges and Volunteer Recognition.
Each year, volunteers donate thousands of hours to The Ridges Sanctuary. New and exciting projects are always developing, and your help is greatly appreciated.