The Ridges Celebrates a Natural Christmas

Take a break from the chaos of Christmas and spend a couple hours relaxing in the natural atmosphere of The Ridges Sanctuary’s Natural Christmas event on December 12 from 3 – 6 pm at the Marshall cabin.

The Ridges’ volunteers are decorating for Christmas and want to share their joy in the season and this beautiful natural area with everyone. The tree (a Scotch pine that is non-native so cutting it will eliminate one from the environment) will be decorated with natural and found objects.

Music by World on a String will entertain to set the Christmas mood. Kids and adults can make treats for the birds or natural decorations for the tree to take home or use on The Ridges’ tree.

Using fresh greens, make your own Christmas wreath to celebrate the season or make one of our simple Christmas crafts.

The gloaming between daylight and evening is a magical time in the forest and Ridges’ naturalists will focus on the mysteries of the winter forest during a short hike that will finish up with a stroll up the boardwalk lined with luminaries.

Visit the decorated Upper Range Light and its Lantern Room which offers an ‘illuminating’ view down the boardwalk. Then stop back at the bonfire for heartwarming conversation and hot drinks and Christmas cookies.

Please come and enjoy the peace and friendship of The Ridges; however, an RSVP is requested at 920.839.2802.

In continuation of another holiday tradition, volunteer bird enthusiasts all over the country are gearing up for the annual Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The Ridges Sanctuary coordinates two local bird counts, the Ephraim and Northern Door Counts, which are scheduled for Saturday, December 19. This unique program is open to anyone who wishes to view and count birds seen on that day, either in the field or at their home bird feeders. There is no need to be an expert birder to participate.

Over 100 years ago, the Christmas Bird Count was started as a way to collect data on numbers and species of birds all across the United States. Birders record the species and numbers of birds they see during a given time period, and the data is analyzed to determine population trends, migration patterns, and the spread of exotic species.

New counters are always welcome! For additional information on the Christmas Bird Count, contact The Ridges Sanctuary at 920.839.2802, or email [email protected].