Nuthatch

Tips and tricks to get started in bird feeding will be provided at the next “Early Birders Club” program at the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. The program will take place on Saturday, November 12, 10 am at The Ridges Sanctuary. Drop-in fee for the program is $5 per family.

According to the National Audubon Society, over 100 species of birds in North America supplement their natural diets with food provided by humans. Along with benefiting the local bird populations, feeders can provide great opportunities for identifying and studying birds. But feeding the birds isn’t quite as simple as just hanging up a feeder and waiting for the birds to arrive. It’s important to know what kinds of foods will attract desirable birds, where to locate feeders, and how to maintain them so as to provide the greatest benefits.

During the program, families will also make some simple bird feeders from recycled materials. Participants should bring along a wire coat hanger and a one- or two-liter plastic bottle for each person.

The Early Birders program is designed for families with kids ages 6-11, but younger or older children are also encouraged to attend. Each monthly meeting will include birding activities, crafts, birdwatching hikes, special guests (both human & avian), and much more! For a one-time fee of $15, each family receives a copy of Wild About Wisconsin Birds, a wonderful birding book designed just for children, and a Door County bird check list. Monthly meetings are held at different locations in northern and southern Door County.

The Early Birders Club is supported in part by the Raibrook Foundation, and is part of The Ridges Sanctuary’s efforts to get kids and families outdoors and enjoying nature.

The Ridges Sanctuary, a non-profit nature preserve, is located just north of Baileys Harbor at 8288 Hwy Q. Trails at the Sanctuary are open to the public year-round for a small fee (Ridges members may hike at no charge). For more information on any of The Ridges’ programs, call 920.839.2802 or visit RidgesSanctuary.org.

Non-native earthworms, and the threats they pose to our native ecosystems, will be the topic of the monthly meeting of the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) on Monday, September 26. Invasive Species Specialist, Bernie Williams with the Wisconsin DNR, will present the program at 2 pm at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Scientists believe that the native earthworms in North America were literally pushed out by several glacial advances. After the glaciers, many ecosystems were naturally repopulated with plants, but not with earthworms. When European settlers arrived, they brought along plants – and soil and worms – from their homeland, which then spread from farmland into native forests and prairies. Once established, the earthworms can reduce the amount of leaf litter present and actually change the soil chemistry, making it unsuitable for some native plants.

The purpose of the Door County Invasive Species Team is to halt the invasion of exotic non-native plants by empowering citizens with the education, the tools and the skills necessary to control invasive species. Educational programs are held monthly. DCIST also runs an equipment loan program and coordinates work parties and educational workshops throughout the county. For more information, contact Marne Kaeske, DCIST Coordinator, at 920.839.2802.

From the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly to the rare Ram’s-head Lady Slipper orchid, the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor provides refuge for some of Door County’s rarest treasures and is home base for the DCIST. But the Sanctuary provides refuge for people as well – it was described by a visitor as “a spot of heaven on earth in the midst of the chaos going on in the outside world.” Over 5 miles of trails are open year-round for self-guided hiking. The Nature Store, featuring a wide selection of nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open daily from mid-May through mid-October.  The Sanctuary is located at 8288 Hwy Q, just off Hwy 57, in Baileys Harbor. For more information, call 920.839.2802 or visit http://RidgesSanctuary.org.

Naturalist Guided Hikes
September 1 through October 15, Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 am

Join one of the Ridges naturalists for a relaxed walk through the Sanctuary. Learn about the history of the Ridges, the Baileys Harbor Rangelights, and of course the diverse wildflowers of this unique natural area. Suitable for all ages. $5 per person Ridges members, $8 nonmembers, children under 18 free.

Tuesday, September 27
9 – 11 am – Barberry Pirates

The Barberry Pirates are a hearty crew of volunteers who work to control the exotic plants that threaten the Ridges. Each week they attack the dreaded barberry, the pernicious crown vetch, as well as swamp thistle and a host of others. New pirates are always welcome, and snacks are provided after the raid!

Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1
1 pm – Logan Creek Rambles

Enjoy a relaxing fall hike through the Ridges Sanctuary’s Logan Creek Property near Jacksonport. Fall colors should be nearing their peak, and some fall wildflowers will be in bloom as well. The same hike will be given each day. $5 per adult, no charge for children under 18.

Saturday, October 1
8:30 am – noon – Fall Clean Up Day

Help get the Sanctuary ready for winter by sprucing up trails, putting up storm windows, raking leaves and other large and small chores. Volunteers of all ages welcome! Come for a couple of hours or for the whole morning. Chili lunch provided for all volunteers.

Following the advice within that slogan, the Ridges Sanctuary is hosting its “Fourth Annual Recycling Extravaganza Sale” (a.k.a. Flea Market) on Saturday, September 17, during the Baileys Harbor AutumnFest. The flea market will be full of bargains, located in the green space right behind the Sandpiper Restaurant at the north end of downtown Baileys Harbor. You can shop from 8:30 am until 2 pm.

Vendors will be selling a variety of new and gently-used items that you simply can’t do without! In addition, the Ridges’ Nature Center will offer wonderful bargains on nature books, clothes and other fun items. Yes, we are still accepting donations, but we will not take clothing, furniture, or electronics. People should call The Ridges before bringing stuff – 920.839.2802. Vendor spaces can also be rented for $25 each (vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, tent, etc.) and the vendor keeps all of the proceeds. Because we don’t want to compete with the Autumn Fest booths, vendors can’t sell craft items or food.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a nonprofit nature preserve established in 1937. The Sanctuary is located just north of Baileys Harbor, on County Road Q (a quarter mile east of Highway 57.) Trails are open to the public year round for a small fee. The Nature Store, featuring a wide selection of nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Noon to 3:00 PM Sundays, through October 16. Naturalist-guided hikes in the Sanctuary are scheduled at 9:30 AM Wednesday through Saturday through October 15. For more information, call The Ridges Sanctuary at 920.839.2802, or visit our website at www.RidgesSanctuary.org.

The Ridges Sanctuary, which manages the Range Lights, will open the lighthouses from 10 am to 4 pm each day. A donation is requested to help with restoration of the Lower Range Light, which will take place this summer.

The Baileys Harbor Range Lights, rather than warning ships away from an area, were built to guide ships safely into the harbor. Built in 1869 at the same time as the Cana Island Lighthouse, six Range Lights of their class and style were built on the Great Lakes at that time. Only three of these are still standing today – one at Presque Isle, Michigan, one at Copper Harbor, Michigan, and the Range Lights at Baileys Harbor. The Baileys Harbor lights are the only ones still standing in their original location. Both Range Lights, the oil house and the two-seater privy are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a pristine nature area with over 500 plant and animal species. It is renowned for its biodiversity, including 25 native Wisconsin orchids as well as 13 threatened and endangered species. The Ridges offers educational programs for all ages. For more information on any of The Ridges’ programs, call 920.839.2802, visit the Website at http://RidgesSanctuary.org or stop in to hike the trails at 8288 Highway Q, Baileys Harbor.

The dance is Saturday, May 28, beginning at 7:00 PM, and the public is invited to attend. No admission is charged, but donations will be accepted at the door.

Barn dances take us back to a time when folks came together to create their own entertainment. Single people, married couples, parents, children and grandparents all laughed and dance together, building stronger ties between generations and families. Dances include Squares, Circles, Contras (like a square dance, but done in a line), and Sets. All dances are taught by a teacher/caller, and the figures build on each other from one dance to the next. No previous dance experience is needed, and by the end of the evening we’ll all be promenading and doing right-hand stars like seasoned veterans. Music is provided by Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Orchestra, and non-alcoholic refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome!

The Door County Festival of Nature is one of the area’s premier nature events. Over 50 field trips and workshops are offered on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28. These include some of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Door County, some of which are not usually open to the public. Included in the schedule are birdwatching hikes, photography workshops, geology trips, and canoeing outings on the Ahnapee River and Logan Creek.

There are still openings in many Festival trips. Registration for available field trips will take place at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall on Thursday, May 26, between 5:00 and 7:30 PM Friday, May 27, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 – 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 28, 8:00 – 9:00 AM.

The Door County Festival of Nature is sponsored by The Ridges Sanctuary, The Nature Conservancy, Door County Land Trust, Crossroads at Big Creek, The Clearing, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with financial support from Door Properties Owners Inc., Baylake Bank, Bridenhagen Landscape, Novel Ideas, Door Landscape and Nursery, and Fish Creek Kite Company. For more information on the Festival of Nature, please call 920-839-2802.

The Ridges Nature Center

Starting on Friday, January 7,  the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor will sponsor weekly guided snowshoe hikes. Each Friday in January and February, join Naturalist Karen Newbern to explore the Sanctuary trails and learn about winter ecology and wildlife.

Snowshoe hikes begin at 1 pm at the Ridges’ Marshall Cabin (8288 Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor). The hikes last about 90 minutes, and are geared toward beginning to intermediate snowshoers. Some loaner snowshoes are available, but you should call ahead to reserve a pair. If there is insufficient snow, we will hike without snowshoes. Cost is $5 for those bringing their own snowshoes, $10 if using the Ridges’ snowshoes.

The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature preserve, established in 1937. Trails at the Sanctuary are open to the public year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. A small trail fee is charged. The Sanctuary is located just north of Baileys Harbor, on County Road Q (a quarter mile east of Highway 57). For more information on any of The Ridges’ programs, call 920.839.2802, or visit the Sanctuary’s Website at www.RidgesSanctuary.org.

Parents and children can explore together and discover these amazing creatures during “Skittering Critters,” a program offered by The Ridges Sanctuary and the Door County YMCA. This program will be held Saturday, June 12, from 1 – 3 pm at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Preregister by calling the YMCA at 920.868.3660. Fee is $10 per family.

Skittering Critters is part of a series of programs called “No Family Left Inside.” These programs are offered by the YMCA and The Ridges, and are designed to give parents and children the opportunity to explore nature together. Through these outdoor adventures, families can re-connect with the natural world and with each other. All programs are held at The Ridges Sanctuary, but families must register with the Door County YMCA. Fee is $10 per family for each program.

Upcoming “No Family Left Inside” programs and dates:

June 25, 10 am to noon,
GEOCACHING

July 23, 10 am to noon,
HANDS OFF! A Digital Scavenger Hunt

August 27 and 28, 10 am to noon each day,
MONARCH MANIA

More information on these programs is available on The Ridges’ website, www.RidgesSanctuary.org, or by calling The Ridges at 920.839.2802 or the Door County YMCA at 920.868.3660.

DCLT Terry Cooper

The Ridges Sanctuary announced this week that they are now accepting registrations for the 7th Annual Door County Festival of Nature, May 21-23.

The Festival of Nature is a three-day program of guided field trips and presentations, highlighting the incredible natural beauty and diversity of Door County. Over 50 field trips are offered this year, including The Ridges Sanctuary, Toft Point, Kreuter Preserve, the Mink River Conservancy, and many other natural areas. Some of these properties are privately owned, and generally not open to the public. Field trips focus on wildflowers, birds, geology, insects and other topics, and are led by professional staff of local and state conservation organizations, as well as trained volunteers. Also included on the schedule are canoeing trips, and an all-day trip to explore State Natural Areas on Washington Island.

The Festival of Nature kicks off with a keynote program, “Everyone Lives Downstream from Someone Else,” on Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m., the Wisconsin Wetlands Association will “Celebrate Wisconsin’s Wetland Gems!” in a special presentation highlighting some of the critically important wetland areas in northeast Wisconsin. Both of these programs are open to the public, and will be held at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Also on Friday night, Crossroads at Big Creek will offer night sky viewing at the Leif Everson Observatory. This program will begin at 9:00 p.m.

The Festival of Nature will conclude with an old-fashioned Barn Dance on Saturday, May 22 at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Live music will be provided by the Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Orchestra, and refreshments will be served. The dance is open to the public, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Festival of Nature is a cooperative effort of six local conservation organizations: The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Clearing, and Crossroads at Big Creek. We would also like to thank Door Property Owners, Inc., Birdies of Door County, Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort, and Baylake Bank for their generous financial support for this year’s Festival!

Due to the delicate nature of Festival sites, attendance on field trips is limited, and preregistration for field trips is required. Online registration is available at www.RidgesSanctuary.org. To receive a registration brochure by mail, please email festival@RidgesSanctuary.org, or call The Ridges Sanctuary at 920. 839.2802.

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore Door County in winter, and burn off some of those extra holiday calories. Starting on January 2, The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor will sponsor weekly guided Snowshoe Hikes. Each Friday in January and February, you can join Naturalist Karen Newbern to explore the Sanctuary trails and learn about winter ecology and wildlife.

Snowshoe hikes begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Upper Range Light in Baileys Harbor (8270 Hwy 57). Some loaner snowshoes are available; call ahead to reserve a pair. If there is insufficient snow, we will hike without snowshoes. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person for these hikes.

The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature preserve, established in 1937. Trails at the Sanctuary are open to the public year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. A small trail fee is charged. The Ridges Sanctuary is located just north of Baileys Harbor, on County Road Q (a quarter mile east of Highway 57). For more information on any of  the Ridges’ programs, call 920.839.2802, or visit the Sanctuary’s website at www.ridgessanctuary.org.