Ridges Sanctuary of Baileys Harbor Offers Various Programs

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor provides refuge for some of Door County’s rarest treasures, and the sanctuary will continue to provide educational programming about these treasures.

Wisconsin has 50 species of native mussels (also known as clams), half of which are listed as threatened, endangered, or special concern. Join Lisie Kitchel for a close-up look at these important aquatic creatures, and discover some of the species found in Door County on Friday, July 15, 10 am. $10 per family. Meet at the Marshall Cabin next to the Nature Center. Call 920.839.2802 to preregister.

The Ridges’ Discover Bird Hikes will continue on July 16, 6:30 am. Led by local birders, all participants, from beginning to seasoned birdwatchers, will be involved in discovering and identifying the species seen. Everyone is welcome. Meet at the Nature Center.

On Saturday, July 16, The Ridges Sanctuary is also sponsoring a special program on raptors at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Wildlife of Wisconsin (WOW), a raptor rehabilitation organization based in Manitowoc, will bring several live birds for a presentation at 2 pm. Suggested donation for the raptor presentation is $10 per family.

Use nets, buckets or your hands to scoop up aquatic creatures that live in Peil Pond on July 18, 2 pm. You’ll find polliwogs, whirligigs, diving beetles, and all sorts of small, skittering critters! $10 per family, preregistration required by calling 920.839.2802.

On Thursday, July 21, Nancy Aten will discuss her work in restoration planning and native landscape design at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall at 7 pm. “Landscape Restoration : How You & I are Part of Something Bigger” will address the idea that testoring a disturbed landscape to a more natural condition can be a challenging process, but the rewards include repair of ecosystem processes, improved wildlife habitat, and better water quality. Program is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

The Sanctuary is located at 8288 Hwy Q, just off Hwy 57, in Baileys Harbor. For more information, call 920-839-2802 or visit http://www.RidgesSanctuary.org.