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Ridges Sanctuary Hosts Annual Natural Christmas

Natural Christmas attendees fashion wreaths using materials collected by Ridges volunteers. Photo by Len Villano.

During these crisp, cool November days Ridges Sanctuary volunteers Julie Knox and Jane Whitney wander the forest in search of materials to decorate wreaths.

“Julie and Jane gather all kinds of dried flowers, berries, grasses, dogwood – anything they can think of. They start early November, cutting and gathering things to dry,” explains Judy Drew, development director of Ridges Sanctuary.

Knox and Whitney also collect boughs throughout the Ridges property, which will be used to create wreaths during the Ridges’ sixth annual Natural Christmas on Dec. 7 beginning at 2 pm.

“It’s really the brainchild of [Knox and Whitney], who wanted to do a Christmas event that would be reminiscent of what Christmas used to be – in terms of decorating with natural materials,” says Drew. “The event has taken off – it’s a tradition for families. Some families will call in the summer and ask when it is.”

The event is open to the public, and for $10 all are welcome to create their own wreath with the help and guidance of Ridges volunteers. “Volunteers will be on hand to demonstrate,” says Drew, who also encourages participants to bring their own materials. “Last year a woman made a real big wreath using dried hydrangeas. It was just stunning! She was really tickled with it.”

Ridges volunteers will also decorate the Nature Center according to a theme. “Julie and Jane take it and run with it every year,” says Drew. “Last year’s theme was antique toys. Every nook and cranny had some kind of toy – old skates, wooden horses, old dolls. It was like stepping into a different time. It’s just magical what they do.”

After creating wreaths, a crowd gathers around a blazing fire and roast marshmallows at last year’s Natural Christmas. Photo by Len Villano.

The event will include Christmas crafts for children. The Nature Center will also feature seasonal treats – hot cocoa, hot cider, and cookies – as well as a live band playing seasonal music.

Outside, a fire pit will be blazing and attendees are welcome to roast marshmallows. “Naturalists and other volunteers will give short, guided hikes during twilight through the forest,” says Drew. “The boardwalk will be lit with luminaries – it’s awfully pretty! Both range lights will be open and people can go to the lantern rooms.”

In addition to wreath making, attendees will have the opportunity to create wooden reindeer lawn ornaments. “We will have parts ready, to show kids and parents how to assemble them,” explains Drew. “It will be a neat keepsake.”

The Ridges Sanctuary is located at 8270 Wisconsin 57, Baileys Harbor. On Dec. 9 from 9 am – 12 pm, Ridges volunteers are welcome to create a wreath and help with Natural Christmas clean up. For more information call 920.839.2802.

Natural Christmas will be held in conjunction with the Baileys Harbor Tree Lighting Celebration, taking place at 4 pm at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall.