Leader: Deneen Wiske 

In this guided hike, we’ll explore the communication environment of the Lake Michigan ecotone—the transition zone where forest, shoreline, and water meet. We’ll observe how the ecosystem listens and communicates, and what that reveals about life at the edge of change. Together, we’ll practice attentive listening—to nature and to each other—and consider how nature is a model for human skills that are needed in places and times of convergence and transition. *Park vehicle admission stickers or passes are required for this field trip. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

NORTH. MEET: Newport State Park Parking Lot 3 

Limit: 12 

Leader: Sam Hoffman TRS & Jason Miller, DCIST 

Invasive species are one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Mitigating this threat requires collaboration between local government, nonprofit conservation organizations, and private landowners. Join Ridges’ Land Manager Sam Hoffman and Door County Invasive Species Team coordinator Jason Miller to explore the negative ecological impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems and how they are collaboratively being managed in Door County. Visit various habitat types within The Ridges Sanctuary preserve, highlighting key species to know and the stewardship strategies used to preserve the ecological health of natural areas large and small. Suitable for ages 18 & up. 

CENTRAL. MEET: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center 

Limit: 12 

Friday, May 22, 9:00 am – 11:30 am 

Leader: Olson Family Farm & NRCS 

The Olson Family Farm, a proud 5th generation family farm, invites you to join us for a guided farm tour and learn more about how tradition and innovation work together on our operation. You'll see how we use sustainable farming practices and modern technology, including solar panels and robotic milking, to care for our land and our cows. Our focus is on continually improving the quality of our environment, enhancing the well-being and comfort of our cows, and supporting the life of our family on the farm. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our story, our practices, and our passion for farming. Suitable for ages 5 & up.  

SOUTH. MEET: Olson Family Farm  

Limit: 20 

Leader: Mike Grimm 

The trip will be through conifer-dominated and mixed conifer/hardwood forests on a ridge and swale landform typical of many places on the Lake Michigan coast of Door County. We'll talk about the past post-glacial and present geologic and ecologic processes which form this setting, as well as the hydrology of the site. We'll also talk about the current suite of plants and animals which inhabit the site; and whatever else might come up in our conversation and questions. Suitable for ages 12 & up.   

SOUTH. MEET: Shivering Sands Preserve 

Limit: 12 

Leader: Kiley Rusch 

Horseshoe Bay Farms, originally constructed between 1917- 1919 on the shores of Green Bay in Egg Harbor, features several historic barns and structures that still stand today. Visitors can enjoy a guided walking tour of the property, exploring the iconic barns and learning about the farm’s extensive history and long-term vision. In addition to the historic structures, the farm is home to a breathtaking willow sculpture installation called Stickwork. Created by artist Patrick Dougherty, this intricate, larger-than-life sculpture is made entirely from locally sourced willow branches, woven together into a stunning work of art that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Suitable for ages 12 & up.  

SOUTH. MEET: Horseshoe Bay Farms, Egg Harbor 

Limit: 12 

Leader: Dr. Keir Wefferling and Tony Klingert, UWGB 

Be the first to explore a special peatland with the benefit of a new beautifully illustrated pocket guide developed at UW-Green Bay specially for the bryophytes along the trails and boardwalks in this wetland gem. These lands are protected by a Door County Land Trust Conservation Easement. With a provided hand lens and by getting close to tiny mosses and liverworts with experts, you’ll appreciate their crucial ecological roles during this saunter. Suitable for all ages.  

SOUTH. MEET: Bayshore Blufflands Preserve 

Limit: 16 

Leader: Kathleen Marie Garness 

After a quick introduction to botanical drawing techniques, using simple art supplies, participants will examine and draw some of the many plants known from the Ridges Sanctuary. The workshop will review botanical vocabulary and offer a deeper understanding of plant families and their characteristic traits. Suitable for ages 12 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Cabins at The Ridges Sanctuary  

Limit: 12 

Leader: Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands 

Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes per hour, yet over half of US bat species face severe decline or are endangered. Learn how agencies like the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, and WI Department of Natural Resources are studying the endangered little brown bat at one of the largest bat maternity wards on Plum Island. 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.