Late winter in Door County is often considered the off-off-season. As the temperatures become bearable, many business owners and locals take the opportunity to leave the county without fear of frozen pipes. For many it is also the last chance at a vacation before preparing for the busy peak tourism season. This often leaves late winter visitors looking for something to do during the day. While many county and state parks are open during daytime hours, they are mostly self-guided or limited access.

For those who still want to have a great nature experience, but would like more information or a more accessible (while still adventurous!) experience, The Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor is just the venue! Founded in 1937 with just 30 acres and a myriad of rare plants, The Ridges Sanctuary now protects over 1600 acres of critical and unique ecosystems. As their website (www.ridgessanctuary.org) states: “The Sanctuary is named for its distinctive topography – a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by the movement of Lake Michigan over the past 1400 years. This ridge-swale complex provides a wide range of environmental conditions, from open beach to densely shaded conifer forest. Nearly 500 different species of plants, including 25 species of native orchids, populate these varied habitats which are also home to over 60 species of breeding birds and 12 threatened or endangered species, including the federally endangered Hine’s Emerald dragonfly.”

This unique landscape, and it’s encapsulated ecosystems, are just as lovely and interesting in deep winter and early spring as they are in June and July. Lucky for us, The Ridges Sanctuary runs many programs throughout the month of March! A fun and educational way to keep the cabin fever at bay and enjoy the warming weather!

3rd ANNUAL OWL-O-RAMA – March 2nd & 3rd

These fascinating birds of prey are known for their distinct calls, nocturnal habits, and silent flight. There’s something for everyone who gives a hoot about these remarkable raptors! We have great learning experiences for the entire family from crafts to night hikes to live owls!

Click here to see full program descriptions

Owl Prowl-Nesting Season Hike

Friday, March 2nd; 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Fee: $10 – Members • $13 – Public • Free – Under 18

Location: Ridges Cabins, 8288 County Q, Baileys Harbor

 

Owl Meet & Greet

Saturday, March 3rd; 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Fee: Free

Location: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

 

Owl Prowl – Logan Creek Hike

Saturday, March 3rd; 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Fee: $10 – Members • $13 – Public • Free – Under 18

Location: Logan Creek 5724 Loritz Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Ridges Guided Winter Hikes – Fridays and Saturdays, Jan 5th – March 24th

Experience The Ridges in a new way and in a whole new season! These hikes with a Ridges naturalist cover the cultural and natural history of the ridges and swales during the winter season. Enjoy a leisurely hike on level terrain. Participants may always hike in boots or, if sufficient snow cover, may choose snowshoes. Hike will end at the Center with a cup of hot chocolate or locally roasted coffee. Notes/Special Instructions: A limited number of snowshoes are available for hike participants – call ahead to reserve. Additional $5 to rent snowshoes. (If weather does not permit snowshoes, hikes will still proceed.)
Fridays at 2:00 PM
Saturdays at 10:00 and 2:00 PM
Fee: $5 – Members • $8 – Public • Free – Under 18
Location: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center

Story Hour at The Ridges

March 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

|Recurring Event (See all)

Come join us for Story Hour and hot chocolate. You will hear a Ridges staff member read a book about animals and plants that live at The Ridges, and you will make something special to take home. Weather permitting, we will take a short hike outside. And, if YOU have a favorite book about an animal or plant that you would like to show us, please bring it in! We love to share ideas about good books!

Story Hour at The Ridges

• March 10 – If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian
• March 17 – The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
• March 24 – The Dandelion by Joseph Anthony