Welcoming in Fall at The Ridges

There’s nothing quite like fall in Door County and The Ridges has a variety of programs designed to take advantage of the sights and sounds of autumn.

Naturalist-guided hikes are available Oct. 1 – 18, Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. These relaxing 90-minute hikes are the ideal way to explore the fall beauty of the Sanctuary and catch a glimpse of late blooming wildflowers. Hikes are $5 for Ridges members, $8 general public and children under 18 hike free.

New this fall is The Ridges Fireside Series. These free evening discussions will feature industries that played a key role in Door County’s rich cultural history including logging (Oct. 9), agriculture (Nov. 13) and maritime trade (Dec. 11).The programs will take place in the Marshall Cabin next to a new wood burning stove.

Also new to the fall schedule is the Countdown to Christmas Bird Count, a series of hands-on workshops to prepare attendees for bird watching in their own backyards for the Christmas Bird Count. Workshop topics include Feeders (Oct. 22), Species and Habitat Identification (Nov. 5), Optics (Nov. 19) and Field Guides & Reference Materials (Dec. 3). Workshops are $10 for Ridges members, $13 for the general public and $5 for children under 18.

Migrate, Hibernate or Adapt on Oct. 11 from 4 – 6 pm is a light discussion of how animals – and humans – make it through the winter. The fee is $15 per person, and advance registration is required by Oct. 8. Other upcoming programs include a Fall Decorating Workshop, a Geology Tour of Baileys Harbor and an Introduction to Plant & Animal Folklore. To register, visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.