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The Ridges Sanctuary

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Our Classes

37. Photographing Spring Wildflowers

$30

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 9 am

Leader: Tom Turriff

Nature can be experienced and translated through many different lenses. Join Tom Turriff for a “hands on” lesson in macro photography, and the ethics of nature photography in natural spaces. We will meet at the Rushes Wilderness Preserve. The trip will begin with a demonstration of technique and discussion of considerations in up-close photography of wildflowers. We will then put this knowledge into practice with an abundance of flowers to photograph. This program is suitable for intermediate and above photographers. A sturdy tripod and an interchangeable lens camera are required (no phones). Shortly after you register, Tom will email you links to reading material which will prepare you for this class. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

CENTRAL. Meet: The Rushes Preserve, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 8

Will run

38. Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour - Peninsula Park Caves & Ephraim North Cruise

$60

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 11 am

Leader: Cody Bolton

Enjoy an insightful narrative as our 69-passenger tour boat navigates the waters north along Peninsula State Park’s 7-mile shoreline. You’ll learn about the Park’s human and natural history, including the story of the Niagara Escarpment. Have your cameras ready as we cruise past the 145-year-old Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. You’ll also learn about the history of Ephraim and the millionaire’s estate on Horseshoe Island and enjoy an up-close and personal view of Eagle Cave, 40 feet above the shoreline. Finally, you’ll hear stories of French explorers and early Native American inhabitants at Nicolet Bay and have a chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife along the shores and soaring along the caves high above. Suitable for all ages.

CENTRAL. Meet: Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours, Spruce St Dock, Fish Creek

Limit: 58

 

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.

Will run

39. Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge Island Exploration

$65

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 12 pm

Leader: FOPPI

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.

Full Course

40. Sturgeon Bay Maritime Overview

$65

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 12:45 pm

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.

Will run

41. Death’s Door Boat Tour – Death’s Door Lighthouse Cruise - NEW

$60

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 1 pm

Leader: Death’s Door Boat Tours

Embark on the Death’s Door Lighthouse Cruise from Gills Rock for a scenic journey through the historic waters of Door County. Witness the iconic Plum Island and Pilot Island lighthouses, along with the beauty of Washington Island, while learning about the area’s rich maritime history and legendary shipwrecks. Suitable for all ages.

NORTH. Meet: Death’s Door Boat Tours, Gills Rock

Limit: 72

 

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.

Will run

42. Baileys Harbor Lakeside Coastal Tour

$65

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 1 pm

Leader: Shoreline Boat Tours

Head out into the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan on “Hope,” a retired U.S. Navy boat. Built tough to meet high military safety standards and skipped by knowledgeable and experienced captains, she assures a safe trip. “Hope” will navigate the rustic shoreline of Lake Michigan while the narrator/first mate will share stories of the near and distant past, of shipwrecks and lighthouses, ancient geology, and current geography, and of changes to the local landscape. This trip is designed to be an overview of this most beautiful and amazing peninsula! Suitable for families with kids ages 5 & up.

CENTRAL. Meet: Baileys Harbor Marina, Baileys Harbor

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.

Will run

43. A Sensory Hike in the Rushes Wilderness Preserve - NEW

$30

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 1 pm

Leader: Ray Osinski, Wisconsin Master Naturalist

Join us for an interpretive hike in the Rushes Wilderness preserve, guided by a Master Naturalist! You’ll get to explore how this beautiful wilderness preserve came to be and discover the many unique features along the 5-mile hiking trails. As you walk, let your senses—touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste— help you fully immerse yourself in the experience. We’ll be focusing on sensory engagement to help you connect with nature. So, dress for the weather and bring your curiosity and sense of adventure! Suitable for ages 16 & up.

CENTRAL. Meet: The Rushes Preserve, Baileys Harbor

Limit: 10

Full Course

44. State Natural Area Sampler

$30

with Festival of Nature Field Trip Leader

Calendar May 23, 2026 at 1 pm

Leaders: Mark Martin & Susan Foote-Martin

The Baileys Harbor area includes six Natural Areas that are part of the Door Coastal Wetlands, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. On this trip, you’ll be able to visit Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest, Moonlight Bay Bedrock Beach, Mud Lake, and North Bay. You’ll learn about the ecology of the coastal wetlands and discover access points and little-known hiking trails. Highlights of the trip include rare and native plants, cedar forests, blooming indian paintbrushes and dwarf lake iris. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

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

Limit: 20

Full Course




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