2025 Field Trips

Friday, May 23, 6:00 am - 8:00 am

An easy early morning walk to find migratory and breeding birds of the conifer / hardwood forest near the Lake Michigan shore at TNC’s Shivering Sands Preserve in the Town of Sevastopol. These coastal forests are good areas to see late migrating warblers and early forest breeding birds of Door County. We can also discuss questions people might have regarding this landscape. Suitable for ages 8 & up. 

Friday, May 23, 8:00 am - 11:00 am

Rieboldt Creek is the outlet for Mud Lake and flows nearly two miles as it meanders its way to Lake Michigan. Rich aquatic diversity abounds and will be on display as paddlers experience this hidden gem nestled within the Mud Lake State Natural Area. Enjoy a relaxing paddle up the creek and into Mud Lake. Glide through diverse beds of aquatic plants, including burreed, coontail, and wild rice. Bring your binoculars — this site is excellent for viewing migrating waterfowl and songbirds! Bring your own canoe/kayak, paddles, and PFDs. You may also call Bay Shore Outfitters to rent a kayak. Length of trip may vary based on wind conditions; paddlers need to be able to paddle for 2 hours. Suitable for all ages.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

eBird is a global community science project plus a powerful list keeping and bird-finding tool. eBirding builds better birding skills too. You’ll learn eBird basics through classroom and field time. We’ll cover protocols, best practices, and data exploration. Start sharing your sightings with the world through eBird! Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

According to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois in French), the Three Sisters represent corn, beans, and squash. The Three Sisters symbolize the importance of harmony and balance in life. Learn the teachings of corn husk dolls and how to make them in this program. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, ‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

The Ellison Bay Bluff County Park is known for its spectacular scenery. This unforgettable tour will start with geologic history. Once on the trails, the group will examine a plethora of spring wildflowers, such as trillium and yellow lady slippers, to make this an unforgettable trip. Moderate hiking. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

The program will cover the Kangaroo Lake watershed. The trip will begin at the headwaters of Peil Creek, visit Kangaroo Lake, and conclude at Heins Creek, a local stream within the Kangaroo Lake watershed. Participants will learn the process employed by citizen scientists to evaluate stream health, utilizing measurements of water temperature and clarity, dissolved oxygen content and the relationship of these parameters and the types of aquatic macroinvertebrates present in a healthy stream. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

The Ridges has such iconic, colorful flora and there are many different ways to express them artistically. Each of the two new classes offered this year will explore six different pop-up structures, for a total of 12, which can be gifted as cards, kept as models for study, or sewn into a bespoke book. All tools and materials will be provided by the instructor. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:30am

Take a look behind the scenes at Open Door Bird Sanctuary – the only facility of its kind in Door County! Besides the rare opportunity to see the ODBS raptors up close and personal in their sanctuary mews, this tour will also feature actual feeding of the raptors, a photo op with one of the sanctuary birds, and a guided trail hike highlighting the sanctuary’s various ecosystems. ODBS is a nature center devoted to raptor and environmental education. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - noon

This easy hike at TNC’s Shivering Sands Preserve will introduce participants to the origin, patterns and interactive ecological process of a landscape comprising dolomite bedrock, postglacial coastal sand deposition and peat soil formation all developed and present in close proximity at this preserve. We’ll talk about the different plant communities that formed on each of these substrates and why these communities look the way they do today. Suitable for ages 8 & up.

Friday, May 23, 9:00 am - noon

Be present in nature, and discover what nature has to present you. Refresh your mind, body and soul with a slow guided walk in nature, accompanied by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. A standard sequence of invitations (activities that you choose to participate in or not), help awaken your senses and encourages you to slow down, be present, and connect with your surroundings. One of the invitations will include creating a nature mandala. This is a 2 ½ - 3-hour slow walk covering about 1-2 miles. The area may cover uneven ground, rocks, mud, and sand. Refreshments and conversation complete the walk. Doorway to Nature LLC is here to promote wellness, harmony, community, and environmental stewardship, by partnering with nature and connecting you with nature’s offerings. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 10:00 am - noon

Explore the Toft Point State Natural Area and learn about the natural wildlife community as well as the Toft family history. This will be an easy hike on level terrain; however, the path has rocks and some tree roots and sturdy hiking shoes, and a walking stick may be needed. It is also suggested to wear long pants rather than shorts. If deer flies are out, you may also want to wear a hat. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 10:30 am - noon

Enjoy an insightful narrative as our 69-passenger tour boat navigates the waters north along Peninsula State Park’s 7-mile shoreline. You’ll learn about the Park’s human and natural history, including the story of the Niagara Escarpment. Have your cameras ready as we cruise past the 145-year-old Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. You’ll also learn about the history of Ephraim and the millionaire’s estate on Horseshoe Island and enjoy an up close and personal view of Eagle Cave, 40 feet above the shoreline. Finally, you’ll hear stories of French explorers and early Indian inhabitants at Nicolet Bay and have a chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife along the shores and soaring along the caves high above. Suitable for all ages.

Friday, May 23, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, ‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.

Friday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Feel uneasy about “creepy crawlies” or are an arachnophobe? Wish you could find a way to appreciate the not-very-cute group of animals called Arthropods? Join entomologist Dr. Michael Draney to help you confront and maybe even overcome your fears of these animals. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with insects and spiders in whatever way they want to, from observing at a distance to handling arthropods (in a way that’s safe for people and the animals). Suitable for ages 6 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Phenology is the study of a natural phenomenon in relation to its surroundings and as it evolves over time. You will find that even an informal phenology project encourages a deep awareness and connection with your subject. Join us at the Cabins to create your own book, embellish it as much as you like, and put it to use recording data associated with your chosen natural subject. That data may include words, diagrams, photos, drawings, prints, rubbings, and so on, artfully entered into your book. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Besides conifers, what other plants stay green all year? Join us as we take a leisurely walk through the rustic trails of The Ridges to learn about plants that stay green all year long. We’ll learn the advantages/disadvantages of being evergreen, identify several species of evergreen plants, and, as a bonus, enjoy the spring wildflowers that will surely be in bloom. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Join Paige Witek with the Door County Land Trust for an outdoor experience focused on native bumble bees and the Bumble Bee Brigade citizen science program. Learn to identify local bumble bee species, explore their habitats, and understand conservation challenges. Discover how you can contribute to tracking bumble bee populations through citizen science and gain practical tips for creating bee-friendly spaces. This hands-on program is perfect for nature enthusiasts and aspiring citizen scientists. Bring a camera (or smartphone) to take photos of bees! Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Join us to learn about the unique natural history of the Door County Land Trust’s Heins Creek Nature Preserve. Discover the succession of Native American tribes that lived here after the last glaciers melted. Hear stories from a family member of the early settlers who endured the hardships of a wilderness to make this their home. Hike the trail through open sand dunes and into the forest on your way to the creek. Listen to the relaxing sound of flowing water as you learn about the spawning season for trout and suckers. You might even spot a juvenile trout while you hear the fascinating story of how everything in the county flows together to make this preserve a perfect outdoor classroom. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Take a tour of Sway Brewing’s fermentation cellar. You will learn about Sway’s brewing philosophy—highlighting storied, regionally sourced ingredients, taking inspiration from old world styles, and following a minimal intervention approach using rustic techniques. Sway highlights many foraged, native ingredients and locally grown fruits in their beers. These beers are a direct representation of the area in which they’re brought to life—Door County. Sway strives to connect our environment and our community through balanced, pleasant beer. Must be 21 or older to participate.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Take a hike through the forested dunes to Europe Lake and return by way of the rocky headlands and sandy beach of the north end of Newport State Park in search of wildflowers and birds. You’ll also learn about the geology of this unique and fragile area. Bring binoculars. Some hills. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn about The Clearing folk school’s 90-year history and about founder, renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Walk the campus area of the property listed on the National and State Historic Registers and along the Niagara Escarpment overlooking the waters of Green Bay. See the property as our students see it, as a fitting spot to clear one’s mind. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

We grow flowers because they’re pretty, but from the plants perspective, they’re all about sex! We’ll learn about the male and female parts of flowers, how they get pollinated and ultimately form seeds. We’ll use hand lenses and microscopes to differentiate the different parts of flowers and thus learn how to identify plants from the flowers! We’ll go outside and practice what we learned. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Discover where milk comes from and how a fourth-generation family farm is shaping the future of agriculture! As part of the Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network, we’re testing cutting-edge methods that have multiple environmental benefits. From learning how milk is produced sustainably to getting up close to the animals and seeing how a calf grows and joins the milking herd, this field trip is a great way to experience a sustainable dairy farm. Suitable for ages 6 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Take a look behind the scenes at Open Door Bird Sanctuary – the only facility of its kind in Door County! Besides the rare opportunity to see the ODBS raptors up close and personal in their sanctuary mews, this tour will also feature actual feeding of the raptors, a photo op with one of the sanctuary birds, and a guided trail hike highlighting the sanctuary’s various ecosystems. ODBS is a nature center devoted to raptor and environmental education. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Friday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Want to expand your ability to enjoy birds? Try something new and identify birds with your ears. It’s easy. Jan is a summer resident of Door County and an environmental educator. Eric is a lifelong birder with years of experience identifying birds by their sounds. Join them for a colorful presentation that includes 25 pictures and songs of local species, plus a lesson on the Merlin app for recording and identifying bird song. You are encouraged to follow this class with the Saturday morning Birding by Ear Field Trip. This class is a precursor to the Birding by Ear Field Trip #29. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Friday, May 23, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, ‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.

Friday, May 23, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Head out into the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on “Hope,” a retired U.S. Navy boat. Hope was built tough to meet high military safety standards and skipped by knowledgeable and experienced captains, so you can be assured of a safe trip. Hope will navigate the rustic shoreline of Lake Michigan while the narrator/first mate will share stories of the near and distant past, of shipwrecks and lighthouses, ancient geology, and current geography, and of changes to the local landscape. This trip is designed to be an overview of this most beautiful and amazing peninsula! Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 7:00 am - 9:00 am

“Un-wax” your ears and practice birding by ear with a support team. Listen, look, and identify birds in the beautiful old field and upland hardwood habitats common in Door County. Erik is a lifelong birder with years of experience identifying birds by their sounds. Jan Wrede is a summer resident of Door County and environmental educator. Join them for the fun of recognizing birds by their songs and using the Merlin app. Beginning and intermediate birders only. Previous participants are welcome. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Please join us to find and study aquatic invertebrates that live in Door County! We’ll use dip nets to collect samples, then identify taxonomy to the family level based on their characteristics. Then, we’ll delve into the life history of local aquatic insects and invertebrates to understand the importance of bioindicators in our local water ways. Finally, we’ll use the EPT index score to identify water quality of the sample site. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Discover Write On, Door County’s 59 acres of hiking trails, visit Norb Blei’s writing studio, The Coop, and learn about his impact on saving Door County’s open spaces. We’ll hike, hear passages from Norb’s book, and write about our own experience with nature. No writing experience necessary! Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Discover that truth is stranger than fiction on a casual walk along the lovely Range Light Boardwalk. Understand why the Range Lights are considered the cornerstone for establishing The Ridges Sanctuary. Find out who died in the Upper Range Light and who was born there just months later, only to perish tragically in a winter accident. Be mesmerized by truth as well as stunning wildflowers during an experience that looks backward to help us move thoughtfully forward. Suitable for ages 6 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30am

The Ridges has such iconic, colorful flora and there are many different ways to express them artistically. Each of the two new classes offered this year will explore six different pop-up structures, for a total of 12, which can be gifted as cards, kept as models for study, or sewn into a bespoke book. All tools and materials will be provided by the instructor. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

The spring wildflowers at Logan Creek are not to be missed! We will walk at a leisurely pace along the wildflower path to discover the hidden beauties and to ID those flowers we don’t know. After enjoying the wildflower display, we will hike the remainder of the Logan Creek trails which pass through various habitats on the way to Clark Lake and Logan Creek. The hike is a leisurely 2 miles. Sections of the trails may be muddy. Wear appropriate footwear. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Owned by The Ridges, the 175 acres at the north end of Clark Lake are comprised of various habitats. Paddle along with Ridges’ Land Manager Sam Hoffman and enjoy all of it from the water! We will begin at Clark Lake and take a leisurely trip into Logan Creek where we will experience a diverse community filled with many birds, shorelines full of spring flowers, and numerous aquatic plants. Glide through the pond lilies and part the bulrushes as we talk about the cultural and natural history of this beautiful inland lake fed by Logan Creek. Easy paddle. Bring binoculars and your own canoe/kayak, paddles, and PFDs. The length of the trip may vary based on wind conditions. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Ecological research is an important component of the mission of The Ridges Sanctuary. Join Ridges’ Research Director Tony Kiszonas as he provides an overview of the in-house research for restoration projects on native terrestrial orchids and dwarf lake iris. This program will also outline a few of our research partners’ projects that are taking place at The Ridges. The trip includes a brief slide presentation followed by a short hike down the boardwalk to get a close-up view of orchid and iris research endeavors. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - noon

Nature can be experienced through many different lenses. How do you translate it through the camera lens? Join Tom Turriff for a lesson on the basics of nature photography, and the ethics of photographing in natural, wild spaces. We will meet in the parking lot of The Rushes preserve. Here we will spend the session photographing the abundant wildflowers. Tom will demonstrate the method for photographing wildflowers. After that you will photograph the beautiful wildflowers of your choice. The instructor will be available to assist and answer your questions. This program is suitable for beginning and intermediate photographers. An adequate camera and a sturdy tripod are required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Come visit the Plum Island unit of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff and volunteers will introduce you to the natural history of the island and the refuge, and you’ll learn how the USFWS conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of future generations. To learn more about the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, visit fws.gov/refuge/greenbay. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday, May 24, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Come visit the Plum Island unit of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff and volunteers will introduce you to the natural history of the island and the refuge, and you’ll learn how the USFWS conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of future generations. To learn more about the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, visit fws.gov/refuge/greenbay. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Come visit the Plum Island unit of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff and volunteers will introduce you to the natural history of the island and the refuge, and you’ll learn how the USFWS conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of future generations. To learn more about the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, visit fws.gov/refuge/greenbay. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday, May 24, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Greetings! Welcome aboard our Navy Liberty Launch the “Gratitude.” She is a 40 x 12-foot vessel that is very safe and sea-kindly. This tour starts going west to Fincantieri Shipyard, then to shipwrecks at Bullhead. After that we will head back east where we will cover a range of current and historical points of interest. The tour eventually goes through the shipping canal to Lake Michigan where we will be treated to great photo opportunities of the Coast Guard station lighthouse as well as the pierhead lighthouse (known locally as the Red Shed). Subjects include geology, the fishery, commerce, and navigation. Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sedges (Cyperaceae) are dominant members of North America’s wetland flora, and exceedingly important to the ecology of bogs and fens. In this hike, we will learn the basics of sedge identification, learn to distinguish sedges from rushes and grasses, and identify as many of the sedges as we can, with an emphasis on the genus Carex (which has more than 150 species in Wisconsin, approximately half of which can be found in Door County alone!). This course is best for students who already have some basic plant identification background. All participants should bring a hand lens and a copy of Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Head out into the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on “Hope,” a retired U.S. Navy boat. Hope was built tough to meet high military safety standards and skipped by knowledgeable and experienced captains, so you can be assured of a safe trip. Hope will navigate the rustic shoreline of Lake Michigan while the narrator/first mate will share stories of the near and distant past, of shipwrecks and lighthouses, ancient geology, and current geography, and of changes to the local landscape. This trip is designed to be an overview of this most beautiful and amazing peninsula! Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Visit a local vineyard to learn about the Art of Drinking Local. Learn about what kinds of wines we grow here and try a few samples! Our discussion will be focused on terroir, wine quality vs. preference, cold-climate winegrowing, hybrid grapes, and fruit wines. Our goal is to expand the conversation around “eating local” from your plate to your glass and how you can better experience and learn about the nature around you by seeking out locally grown wines. Must be 21 or older to participate.

Saturday, May 24, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

The Baileys Harbor area includes six State Natural Areas that are part of the Door Coastal Wetlands, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. On this trip, you’ll be able to visit: Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest, Moonlight Bay Bedrock Beach, Mud Lake, and North Bay. You’ll learn about the ecology of the coastal wetlands and discover access points and little-known hiking trails. Highlights of the trip include rare and native plants, cedar forests, blooming Indian Paintbrushes and Dwarf Lake Iris. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Horseshoe Bay Farms, originally constructed between 1917- 1919 on the shores of Green Bay in Egg Harbor, features several historic barns and structures that still stand today. Visitors can enjoy a guided walking tour of the property, exploring the iconic barns and learning about the farm’s extensive history and long-term vision. In addition to the historic structures, the farm is home to a breathtaking willow sculpture installation called Stickwork. Created by artist Patrick Dougherty, this intricate, larger-than-life sculpture is made entirely from locally sourced willow branches, woven together into a stunning work of art that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 

Join us for a boardwalk tour of The Ridges Sanctuary, led by Prof. John Luczaj (UW-Green Bay). The field trip will present the geology of Baileys Harbor and the formation of its Beach Ridges, the origin of the Door Peninsula’s many shoreline embayments, and the glacial history of northeastern Wisconsin. Each participant can also bring one rock or fossil to be identified. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday, May 45, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Join Ridges Naturalist and herpetologist at The Ridges to look for turtles! Bring your binoculars and hiking shoes to head out onto the trails to stop and look for turtles found in the swales. On this field trip, we will look for and identify turtles that are basking in the sun. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Bring your walking shoes, your imagination, your love of beauty, and your love of words to this workshop. We’ll be immersed in the beauty of The Ridges, and together we will invite the Muse to join us in creating poetry in community. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

​Explore this 500+ acre Door County Land Trust Preserve, listed as remarkable on several fronts: A wetland of international importance and home to the Federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly, as well as little brown bats that roost in an 1870’s barn on the property. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

As you move through your daily life, if you stop and listen...what do you hear? Do you hear any sounds that weren’t created by humans? If so, consider yourself lucky, because humans have become very, very loud. In this two-hour field trip to Newport State Park, we’ll take a journal and go on a listening adventure together. We’ll use prompts and the sounds of nature to reflect on what we have to learn from the voices of the more-than-human world. We’ll explore what it means to listen to nature, and how the practice of listening deepens our connections to nature and one another. And we’ll learn how sound can help restore and protect the creatures and places we care about. *Park vehicle admission stickers will be required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

The Boreal Forest faces many threats at the hands of our changing climate. Species migration, invasive species, habitat loss and more will continue to alter this sensitive forest we have come to rely on. While these threats loom, solutions are actively underway not only at The Ridges but in our community. During this field trip, we will spend time learning about the unique and sensitive ecosystems that make up The Ridges and the steps we are taking in Preservation, Research, Education, and in our future vision to establish resilience in this magical forest and beyond. Hiking will be easy to moderate, and carpooling will be necessary for a portion of this program while we visit Ridges specific research initiatives. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

The Mink River Estuary is a dynamic coastal wetland and forest landscape that provides habitat for a number of important plants and animals including Great Lakes fish, many species of migratory and breeding birds, and mammals representative of Wisconsin’s mixed conifer hardwood forests. This 2 ½ mile, moderate loop hike will meander through the upland and lowland forests surrounding the east side of the Mink River Estuary with brief views of the marsh and springs that feed the river. We’ll look for birds and learn about TNC’s work to protect and restore these forests. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

The story of Door County begins over 400 million years ago when most of North America was covered by shallow marine seas. While the scenic bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment are the most visible feature of this event, the rocks around Baileys Harbor are among the most fossiliferous of the region. This field trip will provide an opportunity to examine these rocks close up and collect fossils in one of the quarries of the region. Must be 18 or older to participate.

Saturday, May 24, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Join documentary filmmaker Daniel Larson for an evening to discuss the making of a nature film. Participants will watch a screening of The Great Ledge, then have a chance to ask Larson questions about the film and filmmaking process. Larson is a solo filmmaker that produces and makes his own productions with small budgets. PBS Wisconsin has broadcast four of his documentaries starting with the Door County Lighthouse film Keepers of the Door in 1997. Larson is currently working on a nature film about the Bay of Green Bay titled The Natural World of the Bay that is due out late this fall. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Head out into the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on “Hope,” a retired U.S. Navy boat. Hope was built tough to meet high military safety standards and skipped by knowledgeable and experienced captains, so you can be assured of a safe trip. Hope will navigate the rustic shoreline of Lake Michigan while the narrator/first mate will share stories of the near and distant past, of shipwrecks and lighthouses, ancient geology, and current geography, and of changes to the local landscape. This trip is designed to be an overview of this most beautiful and amazing peninsula! Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

Saturday, May 24, 9:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Guided stargazing from a dark, open meadow on the Family Discovery Trail. Join a representative of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society for a laser-guided tour of stars and constellations with some light-hearted mythology thrown in. A short indoor presentation is included. Participants will be exposed to a basic roadmap of the night sky, along with learning at least a dozen constellations, and should come away with a greater appreciation of Door County’s dark skies! The program will require a round-trip hike of about 1 mile on an uneven dirt, sand, and grass trail in the dark. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 6:00 am - 9:00 am

It’s a great time to go birding as migration is in full swing and birds are singing! Let’s look for migratory and resident birds in the coastal forest of Newport State Park. *Park vehicle admission stickers will be required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 6:30 am - 8:30 am

Join this birding excursion to observe the migratory and breeding birds of The Ridges Sanctuary. Using our eyes and ears (and maybe some help from the Merlin App) we’ll see how many species we can ID before the morning is up! This excursion will be led by Tony Klingert and Sarah Baughman who have conducted breeding bird surveys throughout Door County since 2022. Suitable for ages 8 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Enjoy a pleasant meander with a geological and biological focus at The Ridges Sanctuary’s Appel’s Bluff property. This unique adventure will include flowers, fossils, succession and shorelines as we access areas of Appel’s Bluff that are off of the beaten path. Discussion will center on the historical and current uses of this area along with observing some unique features of this rather recent addition to The Ridges Sanctuary. The hike will be a leisurely 2 miles on mostly trails. Some areas may be damp. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, ‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Are you interested in restoring and improving an existing garden plot or creating a new small flower patch to border your home? Do you desire a beautiful native environment that attracts birds, bees, and butterflies? Are you looking to conserve or restore your property and create a low maintenance, ecologically stable environment? Then this could be the program for you! Participants in this session will review the essential elements for pollinator garden success including garden design, soil management, plant selection, plant nutrition and general plot maintenance. Participants will also tour the Cook-Albert Fuller Front Gardens and receive pollinator plant seeds collected from The Ridges property to start a home pollinator garden. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

The program will cover the Kangaroo Lake watershed. The trip will begin at the headwaters of Peil Creek, visit Kangaroo Lake, and conclude at Heins Creek, a local stream within the Kangaroo Lake watershed. Participants will learn the process employed by citizen scientists to evaluate stream health, utilizing measurements of water temperature and clarity, dissolved oxygen content and the relationship of these parameters and the types of aquatic macroinvertebrates present in a healthy stream. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Journey back 400 million years ago on the rustic trails of The Ridges to learn about the secret world of moss. These small, non-vascular plants are among the oldest and most diverse plants on earth. We will discuss what makes moss a successful organism, identify types of moss within Sanctuary, and look at the single-celled leaves through a microscope. You will receive an identification sheet to take home. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

The threat of climate change looms large over Door County, Wisconsin, the United States, and beyond. The effects of species migration, invasive species, habitat loss, and other challenges will transform the unique ecology of our diverse peninsula. In response, organizations, landowners, municipalities, and others have prioritized solutions aimed at building a more resilient environment and community. During this field trip, we will explore community-driven initiatives that are helping to ensure the continued health and vitality of our lands for future generations to enjoy. Hiking will be easy to moderate, and carpooling will be necessary for a portion of this program. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

A mile of shoreline, ancient ledges, coniferous forest, a stave church –Bjorklunden has it all! We’ll hike along the water’s edge, explore a 4,500-year-old ledge, visit the wind turbine and one of Door County’s largest solar fields, and finish with a tour of Boynton Chapel, a stave church built right on the property. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

This workshop is geared towards private landowners who want to learn about and implement environmental conservation and stewardship practices on their property. Join Ridges’ Land Manager Sam Hoffman at the Logan Creek Preserve as we wander down the trail and discuss local management issues such as forest health and invasive species control and learn about what tools and resources landowners can use to protect and restore their natural areas. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - noon

Join the Climate Change Coalition’s artist educator for a familyfriendly afternoon in two parts: exploring and creating! Part 1: Come explore Bjorklunden’s lakeside boreal forest. Travel through time to learn about the natural evolution of the ancient ledges, and contrast this to more recent human-driven changes. Part 2: Create landscapes inspired by our expedition. Can a bottle cap be the sun? Can straws create tree trunks? We will use recycled AND traditional materials, such as paint, in our mixed media work. We will create celebrations of nature while reducing material waste to help preserve it, cultivating the environmental steward inside us all. Suitable for all ages, but best for ages 7 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 9:00 am - noon

Come and see the incredible diversity of mosses and liverworts in the peatlands of The Ridges Sanctuary. These peatlands are home to about 100 known bryophyte species, and survey efforts in recent years have helped illuminate these often overlooked plants. Learn readily-identifiable mosses with bryologists Keir Wefferling and Tony Klingert. Suitable for all ages.

Sunday, May 25, 9:45 am - 11:45 am

Greetings! Welcome aboard our Navy Liberty Launch the “Gratitude.” She is a 40 x 12-foot vessel that is very safe and sea-kindly. This tour starts going west to Fincantieri Shipyard, then to shipwrecks at Bullhead. After that we will head back east where we will cover a range of current and historical points of interest. The tour eventually goes through the shipping canal to Lake Michigan where we will be treated to great photo opportunities of the Coast Guard station lighthouse as well as the pierhead lighthouse (known locally as the Red Shed). Subjects include geology, the fishery, commerce, and navigation. Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

Sunday, May 26, 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Come out to Peninsula State Park and kayak along the picturesque Eagle Bluff. You may have hiked Eagle Trail and stood at the base of the sheer dolomitic bluff or seen the view from the top of Eagle Tower 250’ above the water, but we think the best view is from the water. Learn about the geologic history of how glaciers formed this feature and the rare flora and fauna that exists here. *A State Park Pass is required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

Sunday, May 25, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, 
‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn 
information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the 
Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.

Sunday, May 25, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Ride aboard the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ charter boat, ‘The Shoreline’ for this narrated tour where guests will learn information about the flora, fauna, and geology that makes the Green Bay and Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuges important and interesting, including seeing one of the nation’s smallest designated Federal Wilderness areas! This waterborne tour includes traveling through Death’s Door to Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, and around Pilot and Plum Islands of Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Suitable for all ages.