Natural Science Illustration Classes at The Ridges

Throughout September, The Ridges will work with some of the most well-known scientific illustrators in the Midwest for its Natural Science Illustration Program. The Ridges is the perfect place to observe flora, insects and amphibians and is the ideal location to combine science-based natural history classes with scientific illustration. Each session, students will have the opportunity to observe a variety of flora and fauna up close and in their natural habitats. Students will then learn how to draw the details found in nature they observe.

On Sept. 3, 9 am – noon, join in on the first of three illustration classes, “Intro to Flowers.” Spend a morning with Donna Danielson studying flower anatomy from three plant families and learn how flowers function. Classes will be held at Kaye Cabin. The cost is $25 members and $30 public.

Join a Ridges naturalist on Sept. 4 at 2 pm for a guided hike through the varied landscape of Appel’s Bluff. Acquired by The Ridges in 2015, this 67-acre tract features dense lowland cedar forest with ephemeral ponds and wetlands in the southern portion and upland forests of maple and birch in the middle. This diversity provides opportunities to see a variety of habitats during a moderate-to-easy hike. Hikers will meet at The Ridges Cook-Albert Fuller Center, and wear good hiking boots. The cost is $5 members, $8 public, and free for children below the age of 18.

For more information, visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.