The Ridges Sanctuary Breaks Ground

Albert Fuller with Chester Cook (left), examining specimens at the Ridges Sanctuary. Submitted Photo.

The Ridges Sanctuary takes its first step into a new era when it breaks ground on its new LEED-certified interpretive center on Earth Day, April 22.

Six years ago the Ridges took the first important steps to secure the future of Wisconsin’s first land trust. Now, thanks to the support of individuals, foundations and the community during its $3.5 million capital campaign, the Cook-Albert Fuller Center will inspire and encourage conservation by providing a place where residents, visitors and community groups can interact and better understand the value of our landscape and its watershed.

The capital campaign, a challenge at any time, was an especially brave move for the Ridges as it was launched in the heart of the economic downturn. Ridges director Steve Leonard said the contributions of the community and individuals has been tremendously gratifying.

“It’s been incredible,” he said. “We knew we’d eventually raise the funds, we just didn’t know the timeline.”

Leonard said that the success of the campaign was born of personal connections, starting with that of Chester Cook, who gave the $1 million lead gift for the campaign, and for whom the center is co-named.

Leonard got to know Cook in 2011. Shortly after the Ridges purchased the property for the facility (the old Sandpiper Restaurant), Cook called Leonard to talk about the plans for the property and a possible contribution.

“Chester was from Milwaukee and his family was struggling when he met our founder, Albert Fuller, in 1937 when he was with the Boy Scouts,” Leonard explained. “Fuller was the curator of botany at the Boys & Girls Club in Milwaukee, and he had a tremendous impact on Chester.”

Chester began visiting the Ridges and Emma Toft in the late 1930s, where he would follow Fuller around the property, and he never forgot that experience. “He told me that Albert gave him a chance,” Leonard said.

Cook later grew a construction business and moved to California, but he never forgot Fuller and the Ridges. His donation came with one stipulation. He wanted Fuller’s name on the building, hence it will be known as the Cook-Albert Fuller Center.

Cook died in 2012, but his legacy will live on for generations, and thanks to his gift, so will Fuller’s.

In addition to Cook’s gift, an anonymous donor spurred the final stretch with a $350,000 matching grant, while countless others donated as little as $5 each. The Ridges also secured a $500,000 Wisconsin Scenic Byways grant.

The new facility will be a grand new entrance to Wisconsin’s oldest private nature preserve at 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor. The groundbreaking ceremony takes place at 10 am Tuesday, April 22.

Architects from The Boldt Company designed the 7400 sq. ft., one-story facility which is scheduled to open in early 2015. The center will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Development) certified commercial building in Door County and will serve as a model for responsible development in a sensitive environment. Boldt will provide oversight for the building project, and the following local contractors have been hired to carry out the construction: Van’s Lumber & Custom Builders, Harbor Construction, Anschutz Plumbing, Baylake Electric and Wulf Brothers, Inc.

Refreshments will follow the ceremony at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall.

For more information about the Ridges, visit ridgessanctuary.org.