Mike Orthober

Orthober is well known in the taxidermy field, having won many national and worldwide awards, most recently “Best in World” for warm-water fish and “2nd in World” for a non-game bird. He also judges World Taxidermy Championships and teaches others his methods. Locally, his work is on display at the Door County Historical Museum which commissioned Orthober to create its natural history wildlife diorama. The spectacular exhibit encompasses four seasons and features a life-sized beech tree along with native species including over 100 birds, white-tailed deer, bear, badger, fisher and more.

Mike Orthober’s Wildlife Wizardry Studio is located at 6453 Oak Road, just off Bay Shore Drive in Egg Harbor. Following the tour, participants will head outdoors for some roadside birding.

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 includes birding activities, crafts, bird watching hikes, special guests (both human & avian), and much more. For an annual 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. The drop-in fee for the program is $5 per family.

For more information on The Early Birders Club or other Ridges programs, call 920.839.2802, or visit the Sanctuary’s Website.

The Niagara Escarpment spans two North American countries and joins the two peninsulas through bedrock of dolomitic limestone formed over 400 million years ago. Like our own peninsula, the Bruce Peninsula is a relatively small area – only about 60 miles long. And like Door County, this strip of land attracts attention for its beaches, forested trails and limestone caves.

The Bruce Peninsula tour itinerary will showcase many of the area’s natural features including woodlands filled with wildflowers, migrating birdlife, water features and, of course, incredible geology. Through boat trips and guided walks and talks, trip participants will experience first-hand the natural treasures found on the Canadian Niagara Escarpment.

For The Ridges, the tour represents much more than the opportunity to experience the unique attractions of our “sister peninsula.”

“This trip is the first step in developing collaborations between the U.S. and Canadian groups working to protect and preserve the Escarpment, “ says Steve Leonard, Executive Director of The Ridges. “ There is so much we can learn from what they have done to protect and promote healthy communities and ecological preservation.”

Joining the group is Ridges naturalist Karen Newbern, geologist Dr. Roger Kuhns and naturalist and tour planner Paul Regnier.

The Bruce Peninsula Tour is open to members of The Ridges. The cost is $1999 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is available for $450. The fee includes coach transportation to and from Sturgeon Bay, 7 nights lodging, most meals, tour guides, park fees and more. A deposit of $450 is required to secure reservations. Final payment is due April 1, 2012. Checks should be made payable to Door County Nature & Travel LLC . Register and pay the $450 deposit by February 15 to receive a $50 per person discount. Registrations forms are available online at RidgesSanctuary.org and should be sent with deposit to: Door County Nature and Travel, P.O. Box 136, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202-0136. Space for this tour is limited. Advance registration is required.

For information about becoming a member of The Ridges, call 920-839-2802.

This tour is planned and organized by Paul Regnier, owner and lead Naturalist for Door County Nature and Travel LLC. For more information about the Bruce Peninsula Tour go to the Ridges Sanctuary’s website, http://RidgesSanctuary.org or call Karen Newbern at The Ridges Sanctuary office, 920-839-2802, or contact Paul Regnier at doorcountypaul@gmail.com

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.

Stephen Kastner, Editor Door County Style Magazine

On Friday, October 28, from 1:30-3:30, the cross-generational class is “Digital Nature.” Instructor Stephen Kastner will show participants how to capture images of nature using digital photography. Then he will show you where to get and how to use free tools that are as good as Photoshop for editing your shots and finally he will explain how to share images with others at Crossroads using the Internet. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras.

“Trolley to The Escarpment” is the cross-generational program on Saturday, October 29. From 1:30 to 3:30, pairs of learners will travel by Door County Trolley from Crossroads to scenic sites in Northern Door County to learn some of the natural and cultural history of the Niagara Escarpment.

Pre-registration is required for either class. And most importantly, one adult and one child (most appropriate for students aged 7-13) must come to learn together. For more information or to sign up for a class, call 746-5895, giving your names of the adult and youth, daytime telephone number, and age of the young person. Space is limited, but if fewer than 5 pairs enroll, the class will be canceled.

Crossroads at Big Creek is a donor supported preserve welcoming learners of all ages to programs in science,history and the environment. The Collins Learning Center and Environmental Displays, located at 2041 Michigan Street, just east of Sturgeon Bay, are open 2:00-5:00 daily.

Friday, October 28, 1:30-3:30
Cross-Generational Class “Digital Nature
Instructor Stephen Kastner will show participants how to capture images of nature using digital photography and how to share images using the Internet. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras. Pre-registration will be required. And most importantly, one adult and one child (most appropriate for students aged 7-13) must come to learn together. For more information or to sign up for a class, call 746-5895, giving your names of the adult and youth, daytime telephone number and the age of the young person. Space is limited, but if fewer than 5 pairs enroll, the class will be canceled.

Saturday, October 29, 1:30-3:30
“Trolley to The Escarpment”
Pairs of learners will travel by Door County Trolley from Crossroads to scenic sites in Northern Door County to learn some of the natural and cultural history of the Niagara Escarpment.

Pre-registration will be required. And most importantly, one adult and one child (most appropriate for students aged 7-13) must come to learn together. For more information or to sign up for a class, call 746-5895, giving your names of the adult and youth, daytime telephone number, and age of the young person. Space is limited, but if fewer than 5 pairs enroll, the class will be canceled.

Sunday, October 30, 1:30-2:30
Family Program: “Halloween Creatures”
Learners of all ages are invited to learn about bats and owls in this free multi-media presentation. Free. Kids are welcome to come in costume.

Kenneth R. Bradbury, Program Leader, Hydrogeology Faculty in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin

“Underground Water Conditions in Door County” will be the topic discussed by Dr. Bradbury at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. There is no admission charge for the event.

“Dr. Bradbury’s current research interests include groundwater flow in fractured media, groundwater recharge processes, wellhead protection and the hydrogeology of glacial deposits,” according to a Wisconsin DNR publication.

Bradbury received his PhD in Hydrogeology from UW Madison in 1982, his AM in Geology in 1977 from Indiana University and his BA in Geology in 1974 from Ohio Wesleyan University.

The program is expected to last about one hour with questions and answers following the presentation.

“Ken is such a tremendous resource in this area,” says Jerry Viste, DCEC’s executive director. “We’re very excited to bring him to Door County. No one in Wisconsin knows more about how water moves and behaves in fractured rock geology.”

Those with burned-out compact fluorescent bulbs that they need to dispose of are reminded they can bring them along, securely wrapped, for free disposal courtesy by DCEC.

The Door County Environmental Council is a 40-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Door County’s environment for the generations to come. For further information on the program and other DCEC events call Jerry Viste at 920.743.6003.

Monarch butterfly with tag

The monarch butterfly is one of only a few insects that migrate to a warmer climate for the winter. Their unique wing structure and yearly life cycle makes it possible to travel thousands of miles to wintering areas in Mexico and southern California.

Learn more about these colorful migrants during a program on Monarch Tagging, sponsored by the Ridges Sanctuary. This program will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28, from 10 – 11:30 am. The same program will be presented each day. The programs will be held at The Ridges’ Marshall Cabin, and are designed for all ages, but children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

During this hands-on program, participants will learn many details about this fascinating butterfly. We will look at the different stages in the monarch’s life cycle, and learn how to raise them from egg to adult. We’ll also discuss the amazing migration of monarchs from Wisconsin to their wintering areas in Mexico, and their multi-generational return in the spring. We’ll finish by capturing and tagging as many butterflies as we can, in order to track them on their migration routes.

The Marshall Cabin is located at 8288 Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor. Cost for this program is $10 per family (1 or 2 adults and their children under 18). Advance registration is requested by calling 920.839.2802.

Monarch Tagging is part of a series of programs called “No Family Left Inside.” These programs are offered by the Door County 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.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve located just north of Baileys Harbor. Trails are open to the public year round for a small fee (members may hike at no charge). Naturalist-led hikes in the Sanctuary are scheduled at 1:30 pm Monday through Saturday, until August 31. In September, guided hikes will be given at 1:30 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Nature Store, featuring a wide selection of nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and 12 noon to 3 pm Sundays. If you need additional information call the Ridges office at 920.839.2802. Information and program schedules are also available on the Ridges Sanctuary website, www.RidgesSanctuary.org.

Dr. Roger Kuhns describes it as, “a 650–mile, curvilinear cliff exposure of up-ended Niagara dolomite that stretches through eastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.”

Woodwalk Gallery is combining the power of troubadours and teachers to inspire and inform you about your connection to thisrocky ledge known as the Niagara Escarpment.

Dr. Roger Kuhns

Environmental activist Bob Bultman joins with educator and engineer Dr. Roger Kuhns in presenting informational segments interspersed with the music of troubadours Jeanne Kuhns, Marybeth Mattson and Mark Raddatz. Bring a picnic dinner, a bottle of wine and your questions and an open mind. Prepare to be connected, inspired and empowered by learning what you can do to maintain the treasure that is the Niagara Escarpment.

Dr. Roger Kuhns is a geologist and environmental scientist with over 30 years experience in natural resources, land use, geology, ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, remediation, renewable energy, strategy and planning, mineral exploration, river and coastal studies, economics, and communication. He will show parts of his Niagara Escarpment movie, give explanations and answer your questions.

Bob Bultman is a consulting naturalist and environmental educator with particular interest in restoration ecology, caves and the Niagara Escarpment.

Bob Bultman 'crabwalking' over water in the cave passage

Bob volunteers at cave sites to educate the public about the Niagara Escarpment and how to protect this geologic feature. He will discuss the plight of the bats that live in Door County cave sites.

Mark Raddatz, known as “ Dylan of the Door,” is one of the Peninsula’s musical icons. Radditz will sing along with upcoming singer/songwriter Mary Beth Mattson and Jeanne Kuhns, concert host at Woodwalk and 2008 female musician of the year. These three singer/songwriters all love Door County’s unique landscape and many of their songs and poems are grounded in their relationships with this natural world.

The evening starts at 6 pm and will last ’til around 9:30 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Woodwalk Gallery and Events Barn is located south of Egg Harbor, one mile west of Hwy 42 at 6746 Hwy G. Call 920.868.2912 or 920.495.2928.

Wood Lily - The Ridges Sanctuary photo by Aaron C. Jors

Digital picture-taking has become so popular that most families have retired their old Brownie Hawkeyes and 35 mm cameras. The Ridges is offering a program that combines children’s fascination with digital cameras with their interest in nature. This program will be held Friday, July 23 from 10 am – Noon at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor.

Picking or removing natural materials is not allowed at The Ridges (and in parks and natural areas). In this program, kids will be able to take images with them instead of natural items. Each child will get a ‘scavenger’ card of natural features to look for and photograph. After an expedition on the trails, we’ll all look at our results on a computer. Each child will receive a printout of his/her photos.

Pre-register by calling the YMCA at 920.868.3660. Fee is $10 per family.

Len Villano

Professional photographer, Len Villano, will also offer guidance in composition and tricks to make a better picture. Bring your own simple camera or The Ridges will loan you one for the program.

“Hands Off! A digital scavenger hunt,” 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:

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.

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.

Roger Kuhns

Door County’s unique natural communities and features – including the Niagara Escarpment, the bedrock foundation of the Peninsula – are the focus of the eighth annual Door County Festival of Nature. The Festival begins with a special keynote presentation, open to the public, at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall on Thursday evening, May 27, at 7:30 pm Dr. Roger Kuhns will present a program on “The Niagara Escarpment: Its Natural History and Preservation.” The program is free for Festival of Nature participants, donations are requested for those not registered for the Festival.

Dr. Kuhns is a geologist, environmental scientist and “sustainologist.” He actively applies sustainable practices in his work and life, to reduce consumption of natural resources, conserve materials, and preserve nature through sustainability that incorporates environment, economics and community. During his presentation, Dr. Kuhns will delve into the geologic history of the Niagara Escarpment and the Niagara Dolomite that forms its foundation. He will visit past, present and currently changing ecosystems beginning some 600 million years ago. By discussing rocks, fossils, natural resources, water, pre-and post-settlement land uses, and historic records, we can better understand the fragile nature of this seemingly durable ledge of rock. The presentation includes examples of sustainable practices that can be applied toward Niagara Escarpment preservation.

On Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29, a variety of field trips will take Festival participants to some of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Door County, including several sites on the Niagara Escarpment. Over 50 field trips are offered this year, including The Ridges Sanctuary, Toft Point, Washington Island, Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Preserve, Mink River Conservancy, and many other natural areas. Also included on the schedule are birdwatching hikes and canoeing trips 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 27, between 5 and 7:30 pm; Friday, May 28, from 8 am – 1:30 pm and 4 – 7 pm; and Saturday, May 24, from 8 – 9 am.

The Festival of Nature will conclude with an old-fashioned Barn Dance and Social, held at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. All dances are taught by the caller, and the figures build on each other from one dance to the next, so no previous dance experience is needed. Music is provided by Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Orchestra. The dance begins at 7 pm and is open to the public. No admission is charged, but donations will be accepted at the door.

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 support from Door Properties Owners Inc., Birdies of Door County, Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort and Baylake Bank. For more information on the Festival of Nature, please call 920.839.2802, or visit http://RidgesSanctuary.org/festival.aspx.