Leader: Michael Grimm 

An easy early morning stroll through the Lake Michigan coastal conifer/hardwoods of the Nature Conservancy's Shivering Sands Preserve to find migratory and breeding birds. At this time of year these coastal forests are good areas to see late migrating warblers and early forest breeding birds of Door County. We can also discuss any questions people might have regarding the forest, wetland or other aspects of this landscape. Suitable for ages 12 & up.    

SOUTH. MEET: Shoreline Resort Marina, Gills Rock 

Limit: 10 

Leader: Andrew (Drew) Crowell & Tonya Crowell 

Rieboldt Creek is the outlet for Mud Lake and flows nearly two miles as it meanders its way to Lake Michigan. Rich aquatic diversity abounds and will be on display as paddlers experience this hidden gem nestled within the Mud Lake State Natural Area. Enjoy a relaxing paddle up the creek and into Mud Lake. Glide through diverse beds of aquatic plants, including burreed, coontail, and wild rice. Bring your binoculars — this site is excellent for viewing migrating waterfowl and songbirds! Bring your own canoe/kayak, paddles, and PFDs. You may also call Bay Shore Outfitters to rent a kayak. Length of trip may vary based on wind conditions; paddlers need to be able to paddle for 2 hours. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Rieboldt Creek Crossing on County Q, Baileys Harbor 

Limit: 10 Kayaks or Canoes 

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.    

SOUTH. 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.

Leader: Ana Hinkle & Zane Wulliger, TRS 

Please join us to find and study aquatic invertebrates that live in Door County! You'll use dip nets to collect samples, then identify taxonomy to the family level based on their characteristics. Then, delve into the life history of local aquatic insects and invertebrates to understand the importance of bioindicators in our local water ways. Finally, use the EPT index score to identify water quality of the sample site. Suitable for ages 12 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Baileys Harbor Town Hall  

Limit: 15 

Leader: Tony Kiszonas & Victoria Holderer, TRS 

The Ridges Sanctuary's very own Research team will take you on a guided tour to discuss research initiatives that we are working on at the Ridges Sanctuary. This opportunity will give you a close-up look into the dwarf lake iris restoration program, Ram’s head orchid research, and the Boreal Climate Survivability project, along with other ongoing research initiatives and ways to get involved. During this field trip, we will explore the Ridges boardwalk research stations, tour a Boreal Climate Survivability Plot, and observe work we are conducting at the Ridges Sanctuary in orchid germination. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

CENTRAL. MEET: Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center 

Limit: 10 

Leader: Debra Fitzgerald 

In this workshop, Debra Fitzgerald, Peninsula Pulse Editor and award-winning environmental reporter, will share practical tools for writing about nature, conservation and climate issues for public audiences. Participants will learn how to frame stories, communicate why something matters, and adapt their writing for articles, newsletters, signage, and outreach. The session includes real examples, editorial insights, and hands-on exercises designed to help writers of all experience levels sharpen their work. Suitable for ages 16 & up.  

NORTH. MEET: Cabins at The Ridges Sanctuary 

Limit: 12 

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