Leader: Jane Whitney & Julie Knox 

Besides conifers, what other plants stay green all year? Join us as we take a leisurely walk through the rustic trails of The Ridges to learn about plants that stay green all year long. We’ll learn the advantages/disadvantages of being evergreen, identify several species of evergreen plants, and, as a bonus, enjoy the spring wildflowers that will surely be in bloom. Suitable for ages 12 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Workshop at The Ridges Sanctuary 

Limit: 12 

Leader: Dr. Michael Draney, UWGB

Sphagnum and other wetland mosses are a rich three-dimensional habitat for a diverse array of animals, but they are hard to observe, especially without damaging their fragile habitat. We will use a modified leaf-blower (the “bug vacuum”) to sample these habitats near The Ridges’ boardwalks and rustic trails. Participants will help in collecting the tiny animals from these samples, then we will observe and identify them up close under microscopes back at the Nature Center.  Suitable for all ages.

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

Limit: 12

Leader: Matt Sampson

Take a tour of Sway Brewing’s fermentation cellar, and sample beers made with truly local ingredients. You will learn about Sway’s brewing philosophy—highlighting storied, locally sourced ingredients, taking inspiration from old world styles, and utilizing rustic techniques to create beers tied to time and place. Sway highlights many foraged, native ingredients and locally grown fruits in their beers. These beers are a direct representation of the area in which they’re brought to life— Door County. Sway strives to connect our environment and our community through balanced, pleasant beer. Must be 21 or older to participate.

CENTRAL. Meet: Sway Brewing + Blending, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 20

Leader: Paige Witek & Thomas Stasiak, DCLT 

Join the Door County Land Trust staff for an inspiring exploration of Bear Creek—the Land Trust’s newest nature preserve! This 75-acre gem in Southern Door was once a working dairy farm, but today its rolling grasslands and forested wetlands offer sweeping vistas and an atmosphere of quiet wildness. On this guided exploration, you’ll hear the stories hidden in its natural history, and learn about the restoration and conservation projects shaping its future. Field trip will cover approximately 1.5 miles of trail over uneven ground in open fields, forest, with one steep decline/incline and other smaller gradual hills. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

SOUTH. MEET: Bear Creek Nature Preserve  

Limit: 20 

Leader: Marilyn Hein & Mike Madden 

Join the Door County Land Trust staff for an inspiring exploration of Bear Creek—the Land Trust’s newest nature preserve! This 75-acre gem in Southern Door was once a working dairy farm, but today its rolling grasslands and forested wetlands offer sweeping vistas and an atmosphere of quiet wildness. On this guided exploration, you’ll hear the stories hidden in its natural history, and learn about the restoration and conservation projects shaping its future. Field trip will cover approximately 1.5 miles of trail over uneven ground in open fields, forest, with one steep decline/incline and other smaller gradual hills. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Heins Creek Nature Preserve  

Limit: 20 

Leader: Brian Forest, DCLT 

The surface water is long gone, but this area provides evidence of ancient glacial drainage paths. Caves and enlarged rock crevices, coupled with springs that outlet below the escarpment, provide a great example of sinkhole/spring complexes. Descend the Niagara Escarpment and enjoy seasonal wildflowers as well as discussion on glacial geology, karst features and challenges of protecting water quality in sensitive areas. Hiking boots are recommended, as we will face a stretch of moderately rocky terrain. Suitable for ages 12 & up.  

SOUTH. MEET: Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve 

Limit: 18 

Leader: Don Mikulic 

The story of Door County begins over 400 million years ago when most of North America was covered by shallow marine seas. While the scenic bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment are the most visible feature of this event, the rocks around Baileys Harbor are among the most fossiliferous of the region. This field trip will provide an opportunity to examine these rocks close up and collect fossils in one of the quarries in the region. Must be 18 or older to participate.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Baileys Harbor Town Hall, carpooling required to field trip location  

Limit: 25 

Leader: Dan Meinhardt 

Are you someone who thinks they can’t draw? Or maybe you’re just starting to learn how? As long as you’re interested in looking closely at nature, this trip will get you drawing realistically with a few simple tools and tricks. Biologist and scientific illustrator Dan Meinhardt will be your guide to putting what you see on paper. Participants will need to bring a cell phone with a camera. All other supplies will be provided. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Cabins at The Ridges Sanctuary  

Limit: 10 

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.