Winter Programs at The Ridges

It may look quiet out there, but nature never rests. There’s a lot happening and The Ridges Sanctuary has programs designed to help people enjoy and explore the winter months.

Snowshoeing is a great way to learn about winter ecology, and The Ridges offers naturalist-guided snowshoe hikes each Friday and Saturday throughout January, February and March, beginning Jan. 2. Hikes depart from the Marshall Cabin, 8288 Cty. Q in Baileys Harbor at 1 pm on Friday and at 9:30 am and 1 pm on Saturday. These 90-minute hikes are appropriate for beginning to intermediate snowshoers. Snowshoe rentals are available for $5; call ahead to reserve. If there is insufficient snow, they’ll hike without snowshoes. Hiking fees are $5 for Ridges Members and $8 for the General Public. Children under 18 hike free.

Owl Nest Box Workshops will be held on Jan. 15 and Feb. 19, Building for Bluebirds is set for March 7 and a Wood Duck Nest Box Workshop follows on March 19. Make Your Own Bird Feeder Workshops will be held on Jan. 24 and Feb. 21.

Once birds are in the yard, the Get Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count program on Feb. 9 will help participants brush up on some of the basics for the count. For raptor fans, two Owl Prowls will take place on February 4 and 11.

There will also be night hikes at The Ridges. Snowshoe the trails by headlamp and flashlight to experience the Sanctuary in a whole new way on Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 14 and March 5.

The Fireside Series will return in January with a discussion of commercial fishing around the wood stove at the Marshall Cabin. Admission is free.

Registration is required for most programs. For complete winter offerings or to register visit RidgesSanctuary.org or call 920.839.2802.