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

Staff

Steve Leonard, Executive Director – steve@ridgessanctuary.org

Drew Richmond, Dir. of Development and Marketing – drew@ridgessanctuary.org

Matt Peter, Land Manager – matt@ridgessanctuary.org

Katie Krouse, Program Manager- katie@ridgessanctuary.org

Sheryl Honig, Environmental Educator – sheryl@ridgessanctuary.org

Lori Kemmler, Environmental Educator – Lori@ridgessanctuary.org

Anna Foster, Environmental Interpreter – anna@ridgessanctuary.org

Sara Semling, Nature Store Coordinator – sara@ridgessanctuary.org

Lauri Smith, Development Assistant – info@ridgesasanctuary.org

Sara Hubner, Front Desk

Cecily Gray, Front Desk

Sally Hunter, Bookkeeper

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