Hike Offerings at The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary (ridgessanctuary.org) is offering several hike options. 

Join a Ridges naturalist for an informative, relaxing walk through the sanctuary Tuesday – Friday, 10 am. The hike includes the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins. 

Explore The Ridges during a night hike on the boardwalk Aug. 14 and Aug. 21, 8-9:30 pm. Learn about the creatures that become active after the sun goes down, and check out the range lights at work as a navigational aid. 

Try a wildflower walkabout Aug. 18, 10 am – 1 pm. Families can take a guided walk through the sanctuary to explore August’s wildflowers in depth. Activities and lots of up-close learning are in store. 

These hikes are limited to six participants each, and advance registration is required. The cost is $5 per member, $8 for the public, and free for those 18 and younger. Meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor. 

The Ridges Sanctuary will also host a child-only program (for ages five through eight) called The Woodland Fairies and The Big-Footed Troll on Aug. 19, 9-11 am. A big-footed troll has accidentally stepped on the enchanted village where the fairies, elves and pixies live. The tree spirits will help you find the village, but they need your help to rebuild and guard it until the fairies come home. The program is limited to eight participants; the cost is $15 per child. Meet at The Ridges’ Family Discovery Trail, 8297 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor. 

And enjoy Monarch Madness on Aug. 22, 10 am – 2 pm. Check out displays of monarchs, caterpillars and butterflies on the front lawn of the Cook-Albert Fuller Center; learn about monarchs; and catch insects in the meadow. Monarchs will be released every half hour starting at 10:30 am.