Geocaching is a great way to get the whole family exploring the outdoors together. The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor will hold a Geocaching Workshop & Treasure Hunt on Saturday, February 18, from 2 – 4 pm at the Ridges’ Marshall Cabin (8288 Hwy Q, Baileys Harbor). Cost for this program is $15 per family (1 or 2 adults and their children under 18).

Ridges volunteer Ray Osinski will lead the workshop session which focuses on what geocaching is and how this popular high-tech game got its start.

“The basic idea is that participants use GPS devices to locate hidden containers called geocaches outdoors and then share their experiences online,” explains Ridges naturalist Karen Newbern. “This activity can be enjoyed by people from all age groups which makes it a perfect fit for our No Family Left Inside programming.”

Following the workshop, attendees will seek out several caches hidden along the Sanctuary trails. Participants should bring their own GPS receivers, if possible, but some units are available for use during the workshop.

“The treasure hunt will last roughly an hour,” says Newbern, “so everyone should dress accordingly and wear warm footwear.”

No Family Left Inside programs are held throughout the year and are offered by the Door County YMCA, the McArdle Library and The Ridges. Programs 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. Partial funding for No Family Left Inside events has been provided by Cellcom’s Green Gifts program.

Space for the Geocaching event is limited and pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register, call The Ridges at 920.839.2802 or the Y at 920.868.3660.

Interested swimmers and spectators are being asked to show up at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport at 11 am on Saturday, December 10 and proceed to the registration booth in the upper pavilion to sign a video release form before heading down to the beach. The swim will take place on the beach in Lakeside Park at 12 noon, and the filming should conclude between 12:30 – 1 pm. Swimmers should bring items they’d typically bring for the New Year’s Day swim including swim suits, warm clothes, blankets, towels, etc. As always, costumes are encouraged!

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to Feed My People, a Door County based food pantry.

A Los Angeles based video production company will be in Jacksonport on December 10 to film the event as part of a digital documentary series called Fresh Takes on Family Time. This series highlights interesting family traditions across the country. The decades-old tradition of hundreds of polar bears jumping into an icy Lake Michigan in Jacksonport each year was simply too much for producers to pass up. The video episode will be released sometime early next year on Fresh Takes and other online outlets such as YouTube. The series is promoted to millions on msn’s homepage.

Jon Jarosh, spokesperson and vice-president of the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club, Ltd., says it’s a unique opportunity for the club to showcase the event and promote the polar bear tradition now adopted by many families that jump into Lake Michigan to start off the new year.

“Not only has the swim been a tradition in my family for many years,” says Jarosh, “but lots of other families have made the swim part of their New Year’s Day tradition each year now, too. We’re excited to highlight that particular aspect of the swim during filming on December 10.”

Phillip Whiteman, Jr., a nationally-known Indian cultural consultant, storyteller and horseman returns to Door County to present a 2-day workshop, “The Coming of the New Moon: Shedding, Cleansing, Purifying, Letting go of the Old Ways.” He will apply Native American spiritual philosophy and practices to everyday life. The first day at Nelson Healing Center, Philip will share the oral history and philosophy pertaining to the foundational teachings of the Medicine Wheel Model. He will speak about the purification times we are now in, the natural laws of gravity and balance, the four directions, the colors, seasons and the stages of life.

The second day at Idlewild Farms, he will demonstrate the spiritual connections that exist between horse and horseman as explained in the philosophy of the Medicine Wheel Model (MWM). Long before the horse whisperers of today, Plains Indians were recognized for their seemingly-innate mastery of effortless communication with horses. You will learn the philosophy and concepts of the MWM and how it pertains to horse and human.

“Hands on” with horses, you will gain an understanding of the model practicing what Philip teaches: The horse’s four sides, behaviors, what to watch for in body language, the importance of the rights of passage. He will also cover working with a horse, ground-work, leading from the back, working with an untrained colt, utilizing the negotiation process (fear, escaping, anger, denial and acceptance) and showing how humans go through the same processes. He will close with a Talking Circle.

“Society teaches us that we have to dominate, and overpower the horse to teach it,” Phillip states. ”But my traditions and culture, and my understanding of the horse teach me that by working with the horse’s spirit, and believing that we are one, the horse will do what I ask.”

As a recognized horse trainer and a holistic thinker, Phillip realized that the spiritual model he had developed for horses is universal and applies to all human experiences, including our interactions with each other. The very same approach of inferiority and superiority that damages the spirits of horses does the same to our relationships with other people, “and you must learn to interact with their spirit in a non-threatening and non-confrontational manner.” Thus, he teaches people how to use the Medicine Wheel Model for personal growth.

Phillip is a Champion Grass Dancer know for dancing the “old style” of Northern Cheyenne Grass Dancing and has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe performing and sharing his knowledge and talents with people of all ages and from all walks of life. He recently served as Northern Cheyenne Culture and Language Consultant for Steven Speilberg during the filming of “Into the West.” Phillip’s workshop presentations include traditional story-telling and songs that share a powerful and inspirational message of hope. His first CD, “Spirit Seeker – Stories and Songs for the Spirit,” has received national critical acclaim.

On Saturday, November 19, Phillip Whiteman, Jr. will teach the Medicine Wheel Model in a full-day workshop from 9 am – 5 pm at the Nelson Healing Center. On Sunday, November 20 he will demonstrate and teach using live horses from 9:30 am – 4 pm at Idlewild Farms, 10 minutes south of Sturgeon Bay. You may attend either one or both days. The fee is $75 per day and lunch is included. Find out more about Phillip Whiteman Jr.’s Native Horsemanship at his Website. Call 920.818.0045 to register.

RSVP and invite your friends to join you on Facebook!

Both races filled to capacity in 2011, so runners are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot for the run in Peninsula State Park. To accommodate surging interest in the race, the cap has been raised to 1,800 runners in the Half Marathon and 500 for the 5k.

Organizers have quickly established the Door County Half Marathon as a must-do on the Midwest running calendar. The scenic course features panoramic bluff-top vistas of the waters of Green Bay and stretches run along the Door Peninsula shoreline. The closed, USATF-certified course is run on paved roads through the woods of the park and past historic landmarks, including the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

Hailed by Runner’s World blogger Jenny Hadfield as one of the top half marathon courses in the country, the race has been featured in Runner’s World, Silent Sports magazine, and Tom Held’s “Off the Couch” blog for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Veteran ultra-marathoner Roy Pirrung has praised the course as “impeccably organized,” with plenty of course support for first-time distance runners, while the notorious hills of Peninsula State Park offer a an enticing challenge for experienced runners.

To register for the race visit www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com, where you can view a video of the course and highlights from the 2009 and 2010 editions of the event.

Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Registration Questions: Assistant Race Director Mary Knutson, 920.421.1519

Race Director: Brian Fitzgerald, 920.421.1518. brian@doorcountyhalfmarathon.com,

Mailing Address:

Door County Half Marathon
PO Box 95|
Ephraim, WI 54211

Registration Fees:

Half Marathon:  $58 before February 1, $68 February 1 – April 30, and $78 on-site May 4 (if space available)

Nicolet Bay 5k:  $30 before January 31, $35 February 1 – April 30, and $40 on-site May 4.

All you need to practice yoga on the shore is a mat, and Kathy will bring them if you don’t have your own. Celebrate the elements outside in the fresh Door County air, with your feet planted firmly on the earth, gazing at the beauty of the waters of Green Bay under the bright shining fire of the sun. These ongoing weekly classes will teach you how to begin adding the daily practice of yoga to your personal campaign for optimum health and wellness.

Drop-in’s are always welcome… there’s plenty of “space” at the Egg Harbor Beach. If it rains or there is an impending summer shower, don’t worry! Classes will still be held under the large covered pavilion above the beach parking lot. The cost is a flat fee, $12 per session.

The enormous physical benefits of yoga are actually a side effect that comes from the greater work, harmonizing your mind with your body:

• Increasing flexibility – yoga Asanas (poses) act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are not often exercised, insuring retention of a full range of motion.
• Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons – ancient yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body. Surprisingly, a human body which may have been quite rigid starts responding to yoga with a remarkable increase in flexibility, even those parts which have not been directly worked upon. Why? Research has shown that seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.
• Massaging all organs of the body – Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits you by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.
• Complete detoxification – By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures an optimum blood supply to various parts of the body, flushing out which leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.
• Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid and weak are stimulated repeatedly improving muscle tone and overall fitness.

Junction Center Yoga Studio, also has a full slate of indoor yoga and tai chi classes taught throughout the week by several different instructors. The studio is open the year ‘round at their rural re-purposed barn location on Junction Road, a few miles north of Jacksonport,  just off County Highway A. Find out more by calling 920.823.2763, check the complete schedule online at JunctionCenterYoga.com and join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yogaclasses.

Running Green for Crossroads 2011

Set amidst spruce and cedar woodlands and passing through meadows abounding with early summer foliage, the annual Running Green for Crossroads Trail Run/Walk was a memorable opportunity for people from 6 through 80 years of age to enjoy nature.

Like the waters of Big Creek, the runners moved at a quick clip through the preserve, passing over all five wooden bridges on their way to the finish line after completing 10k, 5k, or 2k of groomed trails. Jim Maki, one of the charter members of Crossroads, was there to congratulate them and pass out a lush pine tree provided by Evergreen Nursery to each finisher.

“This race is now our favorite and we run a lot,” says a couple from mid-state, “well laid-out trails, well organized and friendly people!”

Between volunteers handing out bib numbers and T-shirts to the support crew cheering on the runners and walkers along the trail, there was plenty of action for the volunteers that hosted more than 200 participants and friends.

Afterwards, on the porch of the Historical Village’s General Store, the Friends of Crossroads provided snacks donated by Robinson’s Orchard, Scaturo’s, Schopf’s Dairy View Country Store, Lautenbach’s Orchard, Black Walnut Guest House, served in ecofriendly bowls from Glas: The Green Coffeehouse.

The female and male overall winners received a hand-crafted pottery bowl made by Kris Kolinski of Clay on Steele of Algoma. First, second, and third place prizes in all 18 age groups received either local maple syrup from Henschel Farms and Country View Farm, or local honey from Wienke’s Market and Pam Johnson Honey.

First prize also earned a hand-painted watercolor scroll by Theresa Meredith. All places received an issue of Trail Runner Magazine. Chip-timing results for the June 25, 2011 Running Green for Crossroads Run can be viewed at Tortoise & Hare Race Management.

Remember to note June 23, 2012 for next year’s, Annual Running Green for Crossroads Trail Run. Learn more at CrossrodsRun.com where they hope to see you on the trails! Andrew Bryan, a newbie runner, enjoyed his first race so much that he says he now runs several times a week on the Crossroads trails.

The ‘Friends of Crossroads’ and the Running Green for Crossroads volunteer team wishes to thank the following sponsors for making the second annual Running Green for Crossroads, such a success.

Sponsors:
Ministry Health Care, Evergreen Nursery, Friends of Crossroads, DesignWise Studios, Greens N’Grains

Awards:
Path and Paddle Outfitters, Kris Kolinski of Clay on Steele, Henschel Farms, Wienke’s Market, Countryview Farms, Pam Johnson Honey, Dan Swanson, Theresa Kay-Meredith, Jim Maki, Deb Whitelaw-Gorski, Gretchen Schmelzer

Refreshments:
Schopf’s Dairy View Country Store, Lautenbach Orchards, Black Walnut Guest House, Scaturo’s Bakery, Glas the Green Coffeehouse

Donations:
Animal Clinic of Door County, Door County Candy, Whitetails Unlimited, Raibrook Foundation, Del Herrbold Insurance, Cellcom, Door County Dental, Dr. Daniel and Heidi Tomaszewski, Associated Bank, Forbes Funeral Home, Ross Wealth Management, Bay Pharmacy, Dr. Shawn and Susan Melarvie, David and Ann Miller, Sandra and Rodger Anderson, Lakeshore Landscape and Design, Wal-Mart, Target, Trillium Herbal Company, Cornucopia, The Oilerie, Harbor Ridge Winery

The 8th Annual Door County Sea Kayak Symposium splashes down in Rowley’s Bay on July 8-10. Presented by Rutabaga, a Wisconsin-based shop and one of the country’s leading paddlesport retailers, the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium will be held at Rowley’s Bay Resort (formerly the Wagon Trail). The Symposium features on-the-water classes for all skill levels, on-land workshops, guided tours, special youth programs, and tracks especially designed for brand new paddlers.

Over 150 individuals of all ages and paddling abilities are expected to participate in three fun-packed days. Openings are still available for 1-day, 2-day or the full weekend pass – Register at www.EveryonePaddles.com.

Rutabaga chose to donate a portion of the event proceeds to the Door County Land Trust (DCLT) from the very beginning. Since the Symposium’s inception in 2004, they have donated more than $20,000 to the Door County Land Trust.

“We recognized the need to give back to the community that literally opened its doors to the paddling community,” says Rutabaga owner Darren Bush. “Paddlers have received a warm welcome from the citizens of Door County and there’s no better way to say thank you than to help preserve the beauty of Door County.”

Rutabaga is adding yet another fund raising component to the Symposium to benefit the Door County Land Trust – a live auction. \

“Last year, we asked some of the manufacturers to donate a few items for an impromptu live auction and Rutabaga matched the auction proceeds bringing the total to $4000. It was amazing,” says Bush, “to see people bidding $50 on a $5 water bottle, because they knew the money was going to the DCLT.  Immediately after last year’s auction, we were approached by most of the manufacturers there who said they wanted to step it up for 2011.”

This year, a 10′ kayak from Delta Kayaks, a family owned and operated kayak company out of Vancouver, B.C. is being donated.

“At the end of the auction, the sales manager Mark Hall told me he wanted to donate a kayak,” says Bush.  ”His generosity was a catalyst for other folks to step it up.”

Paddles, lifevests, clothing and other items will be donated by top industry manufacturers. In addition, a host of Door County artists have donated original pieces of artwork for the auction. Rutabaga will again match the funds raised during the auction.

Steve and Cynthia Scherrer, two internationally-known kayak instructors, fly in annually for the Symposium from their home in the Pacific Northwest.

“The Midwest is known for its warmth and hospitality,” they explain. “Rutabaga, a highly respected shop, is self-described evangelists for the sport and lifestyle we love. We’ve made great friends in Door County year after year and we look forward to etching it in our calendars. We’d encourage everyone to do the same… it’s a winner!”

“Paddling leaves no trace and is a great way to explore Door County,” says Terrie Cooper, the Land Program Director of DCLT. “But building skills and learning how to paddle safely on these big and sometime very challenging waters is important. Rutabaga’s commitment to high quality instruction mixed with lots of fun – leads to everyone experiencing quality time on the water. And their generosity towards the Land Trust has been impressive and we’re grateful for their continued support.”

The instruction, paddling skills workshops and guided trips are very appealing on their own. Add the camaraderie of fellow paddlers to an opportunity to share dinner (and yes, happy hour) under a big top tent each night, with the chance to ‘test drive’ the latest kayaks and gear from some of the nation’s premier manufacturers and the weekend gets even sweeter.

Come check things out! For more information on the Symposium or to register go to www.EveryonePaddles.com or contact Rutabaga at 800.472.3353.

Traditional runners may experience something quite new in shifting from running in a road event to trail running. They might have to run through water or mud and leap over or avoid natural obstacles along the trail. Since Running Green is all that the name implies, participants are expected to bring and carry their own water. But it’s not completely wild and wooly. Medical services will be provided by Ministry Door County Medical Center. Athletic trainers and EMRs will be available at the start/finish line and at key points throughout the course.

All of the snacks and utensils are as green and recyclable as can be, donated by local providers including homemade vanilla ice cream from Schopf’s Dairy View Country Store, topped with cherries from Lautenbach’s Orchard, homemade granola by The Black Walnut Guest House and compostable bowls from Glas the Green Coffeehouse.

This year competitive runners will enjoy the benefits of chip-timing provided by Tortoise & Hare Race Management made possible through the generous support of Ministry Health Care, Door County. All preregistered participants will receive a custom-printed, recycled cotton T-shirt co-sponsored by Greens N Grains and a reusable market bag donated by Path and Paddle Outfitters. Last year everyone loved winning a native sapling as they crossed the finish line and it happens once again thanks to the generosity of Evergreen Nursery in Sturgeon Bay.

Solo runners can pre-register for $25 each and families can register for $45. Children 7 and and under and seniors 70 and older are free. Female and Male top overall winners in the 5k and 10k will be awarded a hand-thrown bowl created by local artist, Kris Kolinski of Clay on Steele. 1st place finishers will also receive a hand-painted Watercolor Award, by local artist, Theresa Kay- Meredith. 2nd place finishers will take home maple syrup, from Henschel Farms and 3rd place finishers will receive honey from Pam Johnson and Weinke’s, produced in Door County.

There will also be a silent auction and a raffle of numerous additional items donated to this fundraiser for Crossroads. “Running Green for Crossroads,” the second annual eco-aware trail run in Door County, takes place on Saturday, June 25 at 9 am. All of the courses, including a 2Km, 5Km and 10Km trail walk or run are staged on the woodlands and open fields in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. You can download a race packet with trail maps, a registration form and register online at CrossroadsRun.com.

Last year’s response to Door County’s first, off-road, running and walking event was surprising and encouraging for everyone involved in the launch of “Running Green for Crossroads.” More than a hundred competitive male and female runners took up the 5 and 10K running challenges, with an equal number of walkers taking on the 2 and 5K events.

They all experienced something quite different in shifting from the typical pavement to wooded trail running and walking. There were a few natural surprises including a short section of the trail that was a bit wet. Race organizers also sought to provide another shift as they worked to create a 100% sustainable and green event with participants expected to bring and carry their own water. Snacks and prizes will again lean towards the “natural and organic” with donations of products from local businesses. All proceeds from the race provide annual financial support for Crossroads at Big Creek, a non-profit nature-based learning center in Sturgeon Bay.

You can see photos and results from last year, download a race packet and registration form or register in advance online at the official race Website, www.CrossroadsRun.com. The event also has a Facebook Fan Page for Door County Trail Runners, where you can join with others, “if you are not afraid of a little dirt!” Find them online at www.facebook.com/TrailRunners.

Door County Memorial Hospital, Ministry Health Care is providing generous funding and health care support for the event. Evergreen Nursery will again donate fir trees to be given away – one to each and every participant as they cross the finish line.

“Running Green for Crossoads,” is the only eco-aware trail run in Door County. The 2^nd Annual event takes place on Saturday, June 25 starting at 9 am. All of the courses, including a 2Km, 5Km and 10Km trail walk or run are staged on the woodlands and open fields in and around Crossroads at Big Creek. Find out more about Door County’s nature, science and history learning center online at CrossroadsAtBigCreek.org.

Structured as an introduction to sailing, this program will run weekly during the mornings from July 11 through August 5 and will emphasize safety, fun and education.

Josh VanLieshout, Egg Harbor Village Administrator writes, “The Village of Egg Harbor is very excited to partner with the Y. Their leadership and expertise in developing quality programming combined with their focus around youth development make this a great fit for the community and an opportunity for some great memories to be made in Egg Harbor.”

The participants of the program will learn to sail on 14 foot X-Boats owned by the Village which were recently purchased from a sailing school in Appleton and funded in large part by private donations. The week-long program will cost YMCA members and Village residents and visitors $225 and the general public $290. Scholarships are available through the YMCA Strong Kids program.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity to use one of Door County’s beautiful settings here in Egg Harbor to enrich the lives of our kids. Not only will this be a fun and educational experience out on the water, but also a great character building experience that emphasizes all the core values of the YMCA; respect, honesty, caring and responsibility,” says Matt Luders, YMCA Relationship Development Executive.

For more information or to sign up today, please contact the Y in Fish Creek at 920.868.3660.  Space is limited.