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-
Get to Know The Ridges
Mondays and Saturdays starting in May -
Naturalist Chats
August 08, 2026 -
Sanctuary Guided Hike
August 11, 2026 -
Free Fridays
August 14, 2026 -
Evening Hikes
August 14, 2026 -
Night Hikes
August 14, 2026 -
Walk & Talk with Ridges Research Team | August
August 17, 2026 -
Monarch Madness
August 17, 2026 -
Barberry Pirates Workday
August 18, 2026 -
Rocks & Ledges: Appel’s Bluff Geology Hike
August 19, 2026 -
Logan Creek Stewardship Workdays
August 20, 2026 -
Lake Lessons
August 20, 2026
There’s magic when land preservation, education, and research come together.
What started as 30 acres has grown from a local gem in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin 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: To Rear or Not to Rear?
Many children experience the wonder of watching a monarch caterpillar grow and change into a beautiful butterfly. Raising monarch butterflies can be a valuable educational tool for teaching children about lifecycles and metamorphosis. It can even inspire a love and appreciation of butterfly species. However, the practice of rearing monarchs can actually be more harmful than helpful to monarch conservation.
Nature Notes: Why Boardwalks Matter – Protecting Fragile Habitats
Nature Notes: What Makes an Orchid an Orchid?
In The News: The Northern Long-Eared Bat
