Leader: Tony Kiszonas, TRS

Enjoy a pleasant meander with a geological and biological focus at The Ridges Sanctuary’s Appel’s Bluff property. This unique adventure will include flowers, fossils, succession, and shorelines as we access areas of Appel’s Bluff that are off of the beaten path. Discussion will center on the historical and current uses of this area along with observing some unique features of this rather recent addition to The Ridges Sanctuary. The hike will be a leisurely 2 miles, primarily on trails. Some areas may be damp. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

CENTRAL. Meet: Cabins at The Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 15

Leader: Lee Frelich

Join us on a hike through the interior and shoreline forests of Newport State Park. We will observe how the tree species from boreal and temperate forest biomes blend together, and ancient rocky and sand-ridge shorelines that are now in the interior of the park due to glacial rebound. In addition, we will see tree damage from the August 2025 windstorm, and talk about forest recovery after natural disturbances. This will be about a 3-mile hike. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

NORTH. Meet: Newport State Park, Parking Lot 2, Ellison Bay

Limit: 15

Leaders: Katie Krouse, Andy Gill, Eliza Banjanac, TRS

The Ridges is focused on expanding its mission-driven programs of research and education. To accommodate the success and growing demand for these programs, The Ridges has undertaken a comprehensive planning process to identify facilities and site plans that will support its ambitions. We’ll visit recent upgrades to the historic cabins, restrooms, and new workshop as well as discuss plans to improve our Education Campus and the former Ridges Inn & Suites as a Research Station providing lodging, space for research & citizen science, and additional administration space. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

NORTH. Meet: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 18

Leaders: Rob Hults & Sandor Bittman, ODBS

Take a look behind the scenes at Open Door Bird Sanctuary – the only facility of its kind in Door County! Besides the rare opportunity to see the ODBS raptors up close and personal in their sanctuary mews, this tour will also feature actual feeding of the raptors, a photo op with one of the sanctuary birds, and a guided trail hike highlighting the Sanctuary’s various ecosystems. ODBS is a nature center devoted to raptor and environmental education. Suitable for ages 12 & up.

SOUTH. Meet: Open Door Bird Sanctuary, Sturgeon Bay

Limit: 20

Leader: Melanie Krause

Come out to Peninsula State Park and kayak along the picturesque Eagle Bluff. You may have hiked Eagle Trail and stood at the base of the sheer dolomitic bluff or seen the view from the top of Eagle Tower 250’ above the water, but we think the best view is from the water. Learn about the geologic history of how glaciers formed this feature and the rare flora and fauna that exist here. *A State Park Pass is required for this field trip. Participants must bring their own kayaks, paddles, and PFDs. Suitable for ages 16 & up.

NORTH. Meet: Nicolet Beach, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek

Limit: 12

Leader: Jane Whitney

A mile of shoreline, ancient ledges, coniferous forest, a stave church – Bjorklunden has it all! We’ll hike along the water’s edge, explore a 4,500-year-old ledge, visit the wind turbine and one of Door County’s largest solar fields, and finish with a tour of Boynton Chapel, a stave church built right on the property.  Suitable for ages 16 & up.

CENTRAL. Meet: Bjorklunden, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 16

Leader: Shoreline Boat Tours

Greetings! Welcome aboard our Navy Liberty Launch the “Gratitude.” She is a 40 x 12-foot vessel that is very safe and sea- kindly. This tour starts going west to Fincantieri Shipyard, then to shipwrecks at Bullhead. After that we will head back east where we will cover a range of current and historical points of interest. The tour eventually goes through the shipping canal to Lake Michigan where we will be treated to great photo opportunities of the Coast Guard station lighthouse as well as the pierhead lighthouse (known locally as the Red Shed). Subjects include geology, the fishery, commerce, and navigation. Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

SOUTH. Meet: Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay

Limit: 25

Please Note: This field trip is not discounted for anyone under the age of 16. When registering, please select "No" when prompted, "This registration is for a participant under the age of 16 years" EVEN IF the participant is under 16.

Leader: Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands 

Fee: $65 

Visit the Plum Island unit at Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge! The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) will share the island's natural history and show how the US Fish & Wildlife Service conserves habitats. The trip includes a stop at Plum Island to see historic restoration efforts and climb the rear range light for views of Death’s Door. Suitable for all ages.  

NORTH. MEET: Shoreline Resort Marina, Gills Rock 

Limit: 14 

Please Note: This field trip is not discounted for anyone under the age of 16. When registering, please select "No" when prompted, "This registration is for a participant under the age of 16 years" EVEN IF the participant is under 16.