The Ridges Sanctuary
The Ride for Nature will once again benefit The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Founded in 1937 by pioneers in Wisconsin’s conservation movement, The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature preserve. Currently, over 1,600 acres of forests and wetlands are protected along the Door County Peninsula.
The Sanctuary is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Wisconsin, harboring one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest. The preserve boasts extraordinary plant life, including 25 species of native orchids and other wildflowers. Wetlands in this area provide critical habitat for the Federally-endangered Hines Emerald Dragonfly and support the largest population in the world of this rare insect.
Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, a Wisconsin State Natural Area, as well as National Audubon Society Important Bird Area, The Ridges Sanctuary is used as a living laboratory – a research site for visiting university and museum researchers.
With a membership of nearly 2,000 families, The Ridges Sanctuary offers a full-time naturalist, natural history classes for children and adults, and also operates a seasonal Nature Center.
Trails at the Ridges Sanctuary are open to the public throughout the year. Guided tours are given mid-May to mid-October. Printed trail guides (for self-guided hikes) are also available from the Nature Center.
The Ridges Sanctuary is supported by membership fees, gifts and fundraising events like the Ride for Nature.
The Ridges Sanctuary
Website: www.RidgesSanctuary.org
Physical address: just north of Baileys Harbor, on County Road Q, a quarter mile east of Highway 57
Mailing address: PO Box 152, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202
Phone: 920.839.2802
Email: carol@RidgesSanctuary.org |
