This summer, the Ridges welcomed Summer Naturalists Anna Gossard, Ben Epley and Sydney Rushing to assist with children’s Backpack Adventure Camps, lead nature hikes and other projects in operations and research. We were happy to talk with these three talented individuals as they wrapped up their internships about their experiences and what’s next: How did [..Read more]
By Anna Foster The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) symbolizes summertime, appearing year after year in meadows, gardens, and front yards of houses. As of July 21st, this once abundant butterfly is now listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as an endangered species. Populations across the United States have been in [..Read more]
By Jackie Rath, Visitor Engagement and Education Assistant The Ridges is celebrating National Pollinator Week 2022! Protecting pollinators is a necessary part of protecting The Ridges’ native habitat. In 2017, we planted pollinator gardens in front of our Nature Center. These gardens provide a food source and habitat for pollinator species in our ecosystem, [..Read more]
by Sam Hoffman As those familiar with The Ridges may know, the aging Range Light boardwalk is currently being replaced by some of our amazing volunteers. With the recent announcement of the purchase of The Ridges Inn and the start of the master planning process with SmithGroup, a Madison-based design group, this is a great [..Read more]
By Jackie Rath The Sanctuary has looked a little different over the last few weeks than if you visited this past winter. A delightfully slow spring thaw is taking place, and we are seeing signs of it everywhere we turn. Hidden Brook is rushing, birds are returning and calling, frogs are croaking, and the garter [..Read more]
By Anna Foster It may not feel like it outside this week, but last Sunday marked the Vernal Equinox, or the first official day of spring! Of course, spring has many faces in Door County. From snowstorms, like the dump of wet slush we had last week, to sunny, 45-degree days, watching the calendar isn’t [..Read more]
By Jackie Rath For the last few weeks, I have been serenaded to sleep by the hoots of a Great Horned owl sitting on a branch by my window. It’s nesting season here for the owls, and they are hooting with a whole new set of calls that I love to try and figure out [..Read more]
By Anna Foster For Door County, the new year signals a return to ice in Green Bay and the cold days of January and February (and March, although we don’t want to admit it to ourselves just yet). The frozen landscape that the ice creates brings ice fishing, skating, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling to [..Read more]
“I know I’m doing my job well when kids get into parents’ cars and say ‘Guess what we did today!” We recently caught up with Anna Foster about her role as Environmental Interpreter and the “many hats” she wears at The Ridges! How did you come to work at The Ridges? I have been coming [..Read more]
In May 2021, The Ridges Sanctuary Board of Directors announced the appointment of our new senior leadership team, Andy Gill, Executive Director and Katie Krouse, Director of Operations. In this Q&A, Andy and Katie share thoughts about their roles and what they look forward to at the Ridges: Tell us a bit about your [..Read more]
