Field Trip
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1 / Early Morning Bird Hike - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 6:00 am - 8:00 am
An easy early morning stroll through the Lake Michigan coastal conifer/hardwoods of the Nature Conservancy’s Shivering Sands Preserve to find migratory and breeding birds. At this time of year these coastal forests are good areas to see late migrating warblers and early forest breeding birds of Door County. We can also discuss any questions people might have regarding the forest, wetland or other aspects of this landscape. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
2 / Mud Lake/Rieboldt's Creek Paddle
Friday, May 22, 8:00 am - 10:30 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.
3 / Bat Heroes - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour, yet over half of US bat species face severe decline or are endangered. Learn how agencies like the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, and WI Department of Natural Resources are studying the endangered little brown bat at one of the largest bat maternity wards on Plum Island. Suitable for all ages.
4 / Macroinvertebrate Mayhem!
Friday, May 22, 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.
5 / Research at The Ridges
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Ridges Sanctuary’s very own Research team will take you on a guided tour to discuss research initiatives that we are working on at The Ridges Sanctuary. This opportunity will give you a close-up look into the dwarf lake iris restoration program, Ram’s head orchid research, and the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, along with other ongoing research initiatives and ways to get involved. During this field trip, we will explore The Ridges boardwalk research stations, tour a Boreal Climate Survivability Plot, and observe work we are conducting at The Ridges Sanctuary in orchid germination. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
6 / Writing About Nature so People Actually Read It - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
In this workshop, Debra Fitzgerald, Peninsula Pulse Editor and award-winning environmental reporter, will share practical tools for writing about nature, conservation and climate issues for public audiences. Participants will learn how to frame stories, communicate why something matters, and adapt their writing for articles, newsletters, signage, and outreach. The session includes real examples, editorial insights, and handson exercises designed to help writers of all experience levels sharpen their work. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
7 / How Does Nature Listen? - NEW
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
In this guided hike, we’ll explore the communication environment of the Lake Michigan ecotone—the transition zone where forest, shoreline, and water meet. We’ll observe how the ecosystem listens and communicates, and what that reveals about life at the edge of change. Together, we’ll practice attentive listening—to nature and to each other—and consider how nature is a model for human skills that are needed in places and times of convergence and transition. *Park vehicle admission stickers or passes are required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
8 / Invasive Impacts: How Collaboration Protects Door County’s Native Habitats - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Invasive species are one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Mitigating this threat requires collaboration between local government, nonprofit conservation organizations, and private landowners. Join Ridges’ Land Manager Sam Hoffman and Door County Invasive Species Team coordinator Jason Miller to explore the negative ecological impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems and how they are collaboratively being managed in Door County. Visit various habitat types within The Ridges Sanctuary preserve, highlighting key species to know and the stewardship strategies used to preserve the ecological health of natural areas large and small. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
9 / From Field to Farm: Using Technology for a Better Tomorrow - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30am
The Olson Family Farm, a proud 5th generation family farm, invites you to join us for a guided farm tour and learn more about how tradition and innovation work together on our operation. You’ll see how we use sustainable farming practices and modern technology, including solar panels and robotic milking, to care for our land and our cows. Our focus is on continually improving the quality of our environment, enhancing the wellbeing and comfort of our cows, and supporting the life of our family on the farm. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our story, our practices, and our passion for farming. Suitable for ages 5 & up.
10 / Lake Michigan Coastal Forest Ecology
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
The trip will be through conifer-dominated and mixed conifer/ hardwood forests on a ridge and swale landform typical of many places on the Lake Michigan coast of Door County. We’ll talk about the past post-glacial and present geologic and ecologic processes which form this setting, as well as the hydrology of the site. We’ll also talk about the current suite of plants and animals which inhabit the site; and whatever else might come up in our conversation and questions. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
11 / Stickwork Environmental Art Installation at Historic Horseshoe Bay Farms
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
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.
12 / Trailside Bryophytes: Mosses, Liverworts & Hornworts of Peatland Habitats - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Be the first to explore a special peatland with the benefit of a new beautifully illustrated pocket guide developed at UWGreen Bay specially for the bryophytes along the trails and boardwalks in this wetland gem. These lands are protected by a Door County Land Trust Conservation Easement. With a provided hand lens and by getting close to tiny mosses and liverworts with experts, you’ll appreciate their crucial ecological roles during this saunter. Suitable for all ages.
13 / A Closer Look at Plants of The Ridges Sanctuary
Friday, May 22, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
After a quick introduction to botanical drawing techniques, using simple art supplies, participants will examine and draw some of the many plants known from The Ridges Sanctuary. The workshop will review botanical vocabulary and offer a deeper understanding of plant families and their characteristic traits. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
14 / Bat Heroes - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour, yet over half of US bat species face severe decline or are endangered. Learn how agencies like the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, and WI Department of Natural Resources are studying the endangered little brown bat at one of the largest bat maternity wards on Plum Island. Suitable for all ages.
15 / It Isn’t Easy Being (Ever)Green
Friday, May 22, 1:00 pm - 3:30 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.
16 / Discovering a Tiny World of Animals in Wetland Moss Communities - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Sphagnum and other wetland mosses are a rich three-dimensional habitat for a diverse array of animals, but they are hard to observe, especially without damaging their fragile habitat. We will use a modified leaf-blower (the “bug vacuum”) to sample these habitats near The Ridges’ boardwalks and rustic trails. Participants will help in collecting the tiny animals from these samples, then we will observe and identify them up close under microscopes back at the Nature Center. Suitable for all ages.
17 / Sway Brewery Tour: Highlighting Wild Harvested Ingredients & Rustic Techniques
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Take a tour of Sway Brewing’s fermentation cellar, and sample beers made with truly local ingredients. You will learn about Sway’s brewing philosophy—highlighting storied, locally sourced ingredients, taking inspiration from old world styles, and utilizing rustic techniques to create beers tied to time and place. 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.
18 / Bear Creek Awaits: Journey into a New Land Trust Nature Preserve - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join the Door County Land Trust staff for an inspiring exploration of Bear Creek—the Land Trust’s newest nature preserve! This 75-acre gem in Southern Door was once a working dairy farm, but today its rolling grasslands and forested wetlands offer sweeping vistas and an atmosphere of quiet wildness. On this guided exploration, you’ll hear the stories hidden in its natural history, and learn about the restoration and conservation projects shaping its future. Field trip will cover approximately 1.5 miles of trail over uneven ground in open fields, forest, with one steep decline/incline and other smaller gradual hills. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
19 / Natural & Human History at Heins Creek Nature Preserve
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join us for a guided stroll through the Door County Land Trust’s Heins Creek Nature Preserve. Explore its natural history, from post-glacial landscapes and Native American tribes to early settler stories. Walk from open sand dunes into forested trails, listen to flowing water, learn about trout and sucker spawning, and discover how the county’s waterways connect to make this preserve an outdoor classroom. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
20 / Exploring the Niagara Escarpment at Lautenbach Woods
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
The surface water is long gone, but this area provides evidence of ancient glacial drainage paths. Caves and enlarged rock crevices, coupled with springs that outlet below the escarpment, provide a great example of sinkhole/spring complexes. Descend the Niagara Escarpment and enjoy seasonal wildflowers as well as discussion on glacial geology, karst features and challenges of protecting water quality in sensitive areas. Hiking boots are recommended, as we will face a stretch of moderately rocky terrain. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
21 / The Fossils & Geology of Door County
Friday, May 22, 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 in the region. Must be 18 or older to participate.
22 / Beginning Drawing - NEW!
Friday, May 22, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you someone who thinks they can’t draw? Or maybe you’re just starting to learn how? As long as you’re interested in looking closely at nature, this trip will get you drawing realistically with a few simple tools and tricks. Biologist and scientific illustrator Dan Meinhardt will be your guide to putting what you see on paper. Participants will need to bring a cell phone with a camera. All other supplies will be provided. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
23 / Birding by Ear Class
Friday, May 22, 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 experienced environmental educator. Join her 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 songs. This class is designed for beginners and intermediate birders. Bring a friend, pen or pencil, your binoculars and, if possible, the free Merlin app downloaded onto your phone. Previous participants are welcome to repeat the class. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
24 / Explore Open Door Bird Sanctuary
Friday, May 22, 4:30 pm - 7:00 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.
25 / Baileys Harbor Lakeside Coastal Tour – Sunset Trip
Friday, May 22, 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.
26 / Mink River Bird Hike - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 6:00 am - 8:00 am
Join us for a birding identification trip for novice birders. Expect to see migratory birds flying around The Nature Conservancy preserve. Learn visual and auditory skills. The hike meets at Mink River, Schoenbrunn trail parking lot at the corner of HWY NP and is 8/10ths of mile hike there and back on a grassy trail. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
27 / Small Wings, Big Impact - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Pollinators are crucial for sustaining wildlife, plants, and our food supply. The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and the US Fish & Wildlife Service collaborate to protect pollinators and their habitats by addressing climate change and promoting access to nature’s benefits. View our pollinator plot and the work we are doing to study monarch butterfly migration with the Washington Island School students. Suitable for all ages.
28 / Lessons from the Boreal Edge: Community Solutions to a Sustainable Future - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Door County sits at the boreal edge—a place of dynamic change and ecological learning. On this field trip, participants will explore how local organizations, landowners, municipalities, and researchers are responding to emerging challenges and shaping solutions that support long-term land health and community well-being. Through guided walks at a boreal tree planting research site and a small-home, eco-focused Boreal Preserve, we’ll examine species shifts, land-use pressures, and community-driven approaches to stewardship and sustainable living. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
29 / Let’s Seed it Forward: Engaging in Native Seed Stewardship - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Native plant seed saving can be a rewarding, educational, and budget-friendly way to grow resilient landscapes that thrive naturally. Utilizing native plant seeds in home landscapes helps to support local wildlife, restore ecosystems, conserve genetic diversity, and create gardens perfectly suited to local climates. While seed saving has been a tradition in farming for centuries, saving and spreading native plant seeds to expand pollinator habitat can help promote biodiversity through seed preservation. Participants in this session will review the essential elements for seed collection, cleaning, drying, storing, and germination techniques. Participants will also get some hands-on experience with seed processing and receive pollinator plant seeds collected from The Ridges property to start a home pollinator garden. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
30 / A Wisconsin Worldwide Wonder: Exploring One of Door County’s Ramsar Wetlands - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Discover Door County’s very own internationally recognized Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands Ramsar site. Join TNC’s Conservation Ecologist, Mike Grimm and Door Peninsula Land Steward, Ryan Nugent, and Ridges Sanctuary’s Applied Research Ecologist, Victoria Holderer, to learn more about our very own regionally and globally significant wetland. Meeting at Fern Trail, along the Mink River Estuary State Natural Area, we will explore a small portion of the 11,443-acre Ramsar site, protected by organizations like The Ridges Sanctuary, The Nature Conservancy, The Door County Land Trust, the Wisconsin DNR, and Door County municipalities. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
31 / Walking & Writing Nature - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join us for a nature and writing hike through Write On, Door County’s campus. On this hike, we will take time to observe the plants, trees, birds, and other living creatures we see, and listen for the sounds they make in the wind or in their calls. We might even stop to smell the roses. With writing prompts, we will draft short poems or flash prose pieces that we can share with the group or keep to build on in our later work. Bring a notebook, pen or pencil, drawing materials if you would like, and your sense of wonder. This field trip is suitable for adults with all levels of writing experience. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
32 / Bryoramble at The Ridges Sanctuary
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Whether you’re new to the mosses and liverworts or you’ve been a bryologist for ages, 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. Get ready to learn field-identifiable mosses (and some tricky ones, too!) with bryologists Keir Wefferling and Tony Klingert. Suitable for all ages.
33 / How Does Nature Listen? - NEW
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
In this guided hike, we’ll explore the communication environment of the Lake Michigan ecotone—the transition zone where forest, shoreline, and water meet. We’ll observe how the ecosystem listens and communicates, and what that reveals about life at the edge of change. Together, we’ll practice attentive listening—to nature and to each other—and consider how nature is a model for human skills that are needed in places and times of convergence and transition. *Park vehicle admission stickers or passes are required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
34 / A Closer Look at Plants of The Ridges Sanctuary
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
After a quick introduction to botanical drawing techniques, using simple art supplies, participants will examine and draw some of the many plants known from The Ridges Sanctuary. The workshop will review botanical vocabulary and offer a deeper understanding of plant families and their characteristic traits. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
35 / Door County & Its Legacy of Labyrinths - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Historians have discovered some of the first labyrinths in North America were built by Swedish immigrants that arrived along the shores of Lake Michigan. The paths of stone served as a practice of meditative walking as well as trapping trolls to protect their fishing hauls. The field trip starts with the film: A Legacy of Door County Labyrinths followed by a trip to a local outdoor labyrinth. Dress for weather and bring a journal. Suitable for all ages.
36 / Kayak Logan Creek
Saturday, May 23, 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 f illed 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. This is an 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 23, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Nature can be experienced and translated through many different lenses. Join Tom Turriff for a “hands on” lesson in macro photography, and the ethics of nature photography in natural spaces. We will meet at the Rushes Wilderness Preserve. The trip will begin with a demonstration of technique and discussion of considerations in up-close photography of wildflowers. We will then put this knowledge into practice with an abundance of flowers to photograph. This program is suitable for intermediate and above photographers. A sturdy tripod and an interchangeable lens camera are required (no phones). Shortly after you register, Tom will email you links to reading material which will prepare you for this class. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
38 / Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour - Peninsula Park Caves & Ephraim North Cruise
Saturday, May 23, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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 Native American 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.
39 / Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge Island Exploration
Saturday, May 23, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Visit the Plum Island unit at Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) will share the island’s natural history and show how the US Fish & Wildlife Service conserves habitats. The trip includes a stop at Plum Island to see historic restoration efforts and climb the rear range light for views of Death’s Door. Suitable for all ages.
40 / Sturgeon Bay Maritime Overview
Saturday May 23, 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 the 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.
41 / Death’s Door Boat Tour – Death’s Door Lighthouse Cruise - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 2:40 pm
Embark on the Death’s Door Lighthouse Cruise from Gills Rock for a scenic journey through the historic waters of Door County. Witness the iconic Plum Island and Pilot Island lighthouses, along with the beauty of Washington Island, while learning about the area’s rich maritime history and legendary shipwrecks. Suitable for all ages.
42 / Baileys Harbor Lakeside Coastal Tour
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Head out into the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on “Hope,” a retired U.S. Navy boat. Built tough to meet high military safety standards and skipped by knowledgeable and experienced captains, she assures 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.
43 / A Sensory Hike in the Rushes Wilderness Preserve - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Join us for an interpretive hike in the Rushes Wilderness preserve, guided by a Master Naturalist! You’ll get to explore how this beautiful wilderness preserve came to be and discover the many unique features along the 5-mile hiking trails. As you walk, let your senses—touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste— help you fully immerse yourself in the experience. We’ll be focusing on sensory engagement to help you connect with nature. So, dress for the weather and bring your curiosity and sense of adventure! Suitable for ages 16 & up.
44 / State Natural Area Sampler
Saturday, May 23, 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.
45 / Reduce, Reuse, Repair: Mending & Clothing Sustainability - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Clothes tell a story! Join us to learn more about where your clothes come from and, more importantly, where they go when you’re done with them. We’ll end the program by learning how to mend what you have. Bring an article of clothing that’s starting to show some wear, and we’ll repair it together. All repair tools and materials will be provided by the instructor. No sewing experience necessary! Suitable for ages 16 & up.
46 / Tour de Nature - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Hit the pavement and ride for nature. Join us for a ~25 mile cycle along The Ridges where we’ll take a few pit stops to refuel and learn about the natural world around us. Bring your own bike, water, and helmet. We’ll be riding ~25 miles at a leisurely pace with a no-drop rule for all riders. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
47 / Ecohydrology of The Ridges Sanctuary: A Groundwater & Tree Ring Adventure - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Learn about research using tree rings from towering red and white pine trees to understand groundwater and surface water interactions of The Ridges Sanctuary. The field trip will begin with an overview presentation of the geology and hydrology of ridge and swale complexes and highlights from years of f ieldwork. Followed by an approximately 2-mile guided hike along ridges trails to showcase groundwater monitoring and tree coring methods. Suitable for ages 12 & up.
48 / Geological Walking Tour of The Ridges Sanctuary
Saturday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join us for a 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. You may also bring rocks or fossils to be identified (before or after the tour in the cabin area). Suitable for ages 12 & up.
49 / Wine Growing in The Wisconsin Ledge AVA - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Dive into the Wisconsin Ledge AVA (American Viticultural Area) by visiting a vineyard site to talk viticulture and enology with the growing, winemaking team from Mixed MEADia Wines. We’ll sip some wines and talk about what defines our unique grape-growing region, the grapes we grow, what kinds of wines we make, and why drinking local is so beneficial to our environment and local communities. Must be 21 or older to participate.
50 / Turtle-y Good Time
Saturday, May 23, 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.
51 / Wildflowers Galore
Saturday, May 23, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
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. This is a slow-paced, 2-mile hike with frequent stops to look at plants on rustic trails with inclines. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
52 / Adventures in Documentary Film: Screening of Keepers of the Door: The Story of the Door County Lighthouses - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Keepers of the Door: The Story of the Door County Lighthouses with documentary f ilmmaker Daniel Larson. The film covers the history of lighthouse stations and what being a lighthouse keeper was like in Door County. Interviews with lighthouse keeper children are woven together with historic photographs and modern images. After the film, Dan will answer questions and talk about the making of the documentary and share stories. The film is based on Steven Karges’s book, Keepers of the Lights. Steve passed away last year and this presentation is dedicated to his passion of lighthouse keeper life and the telling of their stories. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
53 / Baileys Harbor Lakeside Coastal Tour – Sunset Trip
Saturday, 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.
54 / Amazing Anurans: Frogs & Toads of Door County - NEW!
Saturday, May 23, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Hop into the hidden lives of Door County’s frogs and toads! Learn about the natural history of the species that call this area home and how to identify them by their unique calls. We’ll then hike into the Sanctuary’s swales to practice hands-on citizen science. Participants will receive an anuran identification pamphlet and resources on how to get further involved in citizen science opportunities. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
55 / Spring Night Hike at The Ridges Sanctuary
Saturday, May 23, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Bats, salamanders, and frogs, oh my! Join Ridges staff on a nighttime adventure through the Sanctuary. Explore the Sanctuary trails in the dark, stopping to observe and learn about some of the unique nocturnal species that roam The Ridges at night. Flashlights will be provided. Must be comfortable navigating uneven terrain in the dark. Suitable for ages 8 & up.
56 / Let’s Go Birding!
Sunday, May 24, 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 or passes are required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
57 / Small Wings, Big Impact - NEW!
Sunday, May 23, 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Pollinators are crucial for sustaining wildlife, plants, and our food supply. The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and the US Fish & Wildlife Service collaborate to protect pollinators and their habitats by addressing climate change and promoting access to nature’s benefits. View our pollinator plot and the work we are doing to study monarch butterfly migration with the Washington Island School students. Suitable for all ages.
58 / Photosynthesis Research at
The Ridges: Basics & Applications - NEW!
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Photosynthesis is the basis of almost every ecosystem on Earth. This workshop will look at the basics of photosynthesis in the classroom and outdoors. A 30-40 minute indoor discussion will include a brief explanation of photosynthesis and how it is measured. Then, a short field trip will be used to take photosynthesis readings using an InfraRed Gas Analyzer (IRGA), a robust, field-portable instrument. The results will be related to ongoing research at The Ridges. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
59 / Planting for Pollinators
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Are you interested in restoring and improving the land surrounding 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 Nature Center front gardens and receive pollinator plant seeds collected from the property to start a home pollinator garden. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
60 / Stream Monitoring: Assessing Stream Health through Citizen Science
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join us for an exploration of 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 by utilizing measurements of water temperature, clarity, and dissolved oxygen content and the relationship between these parameters and the types of aquatic macroinvertebrates present in a healthy stream. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
Sunday, May 24, 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, primarily on trails. Some areas may be damp. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
62 / Temperate-Boreal Forest Ecotone & Windstorm Damage in Newport Park - NEW!
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 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.
63 / What in the World is Happening at The Ridges? - NEW!
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
The Ridges is focused on expanding its mission-driven programs of research and education. To accommodate the success and growing demand for these programs, The Ridges has undertaken a comprehensive planning process to identify facilities and site plans that will support its ambitions. We’ll visit recent upgrades to the historic cabins, restrooms, and new workshop as well as discuss plans to improve our Education Campus and the former Ridges Inn & Suites as a Research Station providing lodging, space for research & citizen science, and additional administration space. Suitable for ages 18 & up.
64 / Explore Open Door Bird Sanctuary
Sunday, May 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am
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.
65 / Eagle Bluff Kayak Tour
Sunday, May 24, 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 exist here. *A State Park Pass is required for this field trip. Participants must bring their own kayaks, paddles, and PFDs. Suitable for ages 16 & up.
66 / Explore Bjorklunden and Boynton Chapel
Sunday, May 24, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
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.
67 / Sturgeon Bay Maritime Overview
Sunday, May 24, 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.
68 / Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge Island Exploration
Sunday, May 24, 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Visit the Plum Island unit at Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) will share the island’s natural history and show how the US Fish & Wildlife Service conserves habitats. The trip includes a stop at Plum Island to see historic restoration efforts and climb the rear range light for views of Death’s Door. Suitable for all ages.