Hikes, Yoga and Fall Fun Days at The Ridges

“Fall Swale” by Doug Sherman.

Beginning October, The Ridges offers a variety of programs designed to take advantage of the lovely sights and sounds of autumn.

Naturalist-guided hikes are available daily, Oct. 1 – 31, at 1:30 pm. These relaxing 90-minute hikes are the ideal way to explore the fall beauty of the Sanctuary, learn about the boreal forest and what its residents are doing to prepare for winter, and catch a glimpse of late blooming wildflowers. The hike includes access to the Upper Range Light lantern room and historic cabins, and ends at the Cook-Fuller Nature Center with a mug of hot chocolate.

Explore the fall beauty of Logan Creek’s hardwood forest with a Ridges naturalist on Oct. 4 at 1 pm. Owned and managed by The Ridges, this 170-acre parcel is comprised of a variety of habitats and has frontage along both Clark Lake and Logan Creek. Bring binoculars and meet at the Logan Creek trailhead, 5724 Loritz Road. Hikes are $5 for Ridges members and $8 for the general public. Children under 18 hike free.

Slow Flow Yoga is a mindful, slowly paced yoga practice that incorporates conscious flowing of the breath with movements of the body. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 5 pm, Oct. 1 – Nov. 19, and the cost is $6 per session. Bring your own mats, blankets, blocks or straps.

New to the schedule this season is the Discovery Series. Modeled after The Ridges’ popular summer series, Lake Lessons, the program will offer monthly discussions about the plant and animal life of The Ridges and the surrounding area. Topics include Bird Species & Behavior (Nov. 12) and Winter Adaptation (Dec. 3). Programs begin at 7 pm, and admission is free.

Families looking for ways to celebrate fall in the natural world will find a variety of activities at The Ridges during Fall Fun Days. Every Saturday afternoon from Oct. 3 – Dec. 19, Ridges naturalists will be available to share easy-to-do projects and science activities. No registration necessary – just drop in anytime between noon and 4 pm. Fall Fun Days are $5 per participant.

Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at the Cook-Fuller Center, 8166 Hwy. 57 in Baileys Harbor. For more information or to register, visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.