Photo by Andrew Pirrung
More than a walk in the woods
Experience one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, where kids hike for free, and trails are open from dawn til dusk.
Always something to do
All Events-
Natural Dye Workshop
April 10, 2026 -
Crane Symposium
April 18, 2026 -
Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team
April 20, 2026 -
Earth Week
April 21, 2026 -
Tiny Trekkers
April 28, 2026 -
Sanctuary Guided Hike
May 01, 2026 -
Photography Workshop – Looking Up: A Slightly Serious, Mostly Fun Bird Photography Adventure
May 01, 2026 -
Early Bird Hikes
May 02, 2026 -
Get to Know The Ridges
May 02, 2026 -
Natural Resources Foundation
May 08, 2026 -
Wildflower Hikes
May 14, 2026 -
Spring Mushroom Workshop
May 15, 2026
There’s magic when land preservation, education, and research come together.
What started as 30 acres has grown from a local gem to a national treasure – with international appeal and members in all 50 states.
1,700+
Acres preserved
2,600
Boardwalk feet (ft.)
30
Ridges and swales
29
Unique orchid species
News from the Ridges & Swales
Nature Notes: Spring is Coming!
As the days grow longer and the sun feels a little warmer, it’s tempting to believe spring has finally arrived—until winter reminds us otherwise. Even so, the snow is melting quickly, the ground is beginning to thaw, and daytime temperatures are staying above freezing. Signs of the season are already here: water flowing beneath Hidden Brook, frogs calling on warm afternoons, and sandhill cranes returning overhead. Spring is on its way—winter just insists on one last dramatic goodbye.
Nature Notes: Lessons from the Forest
Nature Notes: Snowy Owls on the Prowl
The Swale Tale
