The Ridges Sanctuary

Preservation, Education, and Research

Crane Symposium

Join us in celebration of Wisconsin’s cranes on April 12th through the 14th! Together we’ll explore cranes through art, learn why populations have been increasing in recent years, learn about the importance of protecting crane habitat, and have the opportunity to participate in citizen science!  

Keynote Presentation: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Then and Now: Is It Still Working? With Professor Stanley Temple

Friday, April 12th, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm 

In 2016 we marked the centenary of the “Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds” (better known as the Migratory Bird Treaty). The 1916 treaty became the cornerstone of our national commitment to conserve birds. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 implements the landmark 1916 treaty, and together the treaty and act form one of the oldest and most enduring bird conservation measures in the world. They have been responsible for spectacular recoveries of many species, like the Sandhill Crane. But threats to migratory birds today challenge the effectiveness of these milestones. Loss and degradation of habitat, collisions with human-made structures, predation by cats, pesticide poisoning, and oil spills cause the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year. Are these century-old actions up to the task of protecting birds against 21st century threats? Professor Stan Temple will recount the first century of migratory bird protection and speculate about the future. Preregistration is required to gain access to the Zoom link for the presentation.

Location: Virtual via Zoom - Fee: Free

Click HERE to register. 

Midwest Crane Count

Saturday, April 13th, 5:30 am - 7:30 am 

The International Crane Foundation sponsors the Annual Midwest Crane Count as a part of its mission to conserve the world’s 15 species of cranes and the natural communities on which they depend. Observations of Sandhill Cranes can lend insight into threatened crane species, including the endangered Whooping Crane. Please save the date of April 13th, 2024, for this year’s crane count.

Location: Sites throughout Door County - Fee: None 

For more information, contact Tony Kiszonas at tony@ridgessanctuary.org or call (920)-839-2802.

Crane Count Breakfast Social 

Saturday, April 13th, 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Join us for a Breakfast Social after an early morning counting cranes at The Ridges Nature Center. Share sightings and connect with other crane count participants over coffee and treats.

Location: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor - Fee: Free for crane count participants

Crane Nest Site Hikes with Jane Whitney and Julie Knox SOLD OUT

Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, April 14th, 10:00 am - 11:45 am 

Join Naturalists Jane Whitney and Julie Knox on a hike to a potential crane nesting site to learn about what makes the wetlands of Door County the perfect crane nesting habitat. 

Location: Meets at Cook-Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor - Fee: $15 Public | $12 Member | $5 16 & Under 

Click HERE to register for April 13th. Click HERE to register for April 14th. 

Artist Talk with Len Villano 

Saturday, April 13th, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

Join internationally published photographer Len Villano as he reflects on his journey photographing nature in Door County, with an emphasis on birds and sandhill cranes. Villano is a local artist specializing in fine art, nature & wildlife photography of Door County and beyond. After his presentation, Villano will show some of the equipment he uses to capture the stunning visuals we often see gracing the Peninsula Pulse, followed by a Q & A session. Some of his works will be on display during the Symposium.

Location: Cook-Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor - Fee: Free, pre-registration required due to limited space

Click HERE to register. 

Chick Chats Story Hour 

Sunday, April 14th, 9:00 am - 10:00 am 

Bring your budding birders & naturalists to a Chick Chats Story Hour! Join Ridges staff at the Nature Center to read stories and learn about why Sandhill Cranes make the long journey north each spring, and how they do it. This program includes information about cranes and fun activities to excite kids about this special family of birds. At the end of the story, make a fun nature craft to take home or use on the Kids Birding 101 Hike. Suitable for families with young children.

Location: Cook-Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor - Fee: Free

Kids Birding 101 Hike

Sunday, April 14th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am 

Want to try birding as a family? During this program, kids will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of bird watching, including how to identify some common birds of Door County! We’ll meet at the Nature Center for a quick introduction then make our way down the Hidden Brook Boardwalk to see what birds we can spot!

Location: Cook-Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor - Fee: Free