Join local photographer Len Villano as we venture into the heart of Door County’s iconic winter landscapes. 
We’ll carpool to some of Len’s favorite photography locations—and maybe discover a few new hidden gems along the way. Learn valuable winter photography techniques from Len while expanding your own portfolio. Each outing will offer something new, as weather and light create ever-changing opportunities.
One thing is certain: the excitement of photographing Door County during its most spectacular season never fades!

Head over to The Ridges Workshop to build eastern screech-owl nest boxes to take home and hang in your backyard. A Ridges staff member will provide you with all the materials you need to assemble your nest box.  

Each individual registration includes materials for one box. If more than one person will be building a singular box, please note that in the registration questions.

Please note: The nest box building portion of the workshop will include hammering and the use of power tools in an indoor space. 

Eastern bluebird populations are back on the rise, thanks to the help of nest box building enthusiasts! During this workshop you will learn what bluebird populations need to survive and create a nest box to take home. Naturalist Charlotte Lukes will join us for a presentation all about why assisting these little bluebirds is so important. Then, join us for our workshop to build your very own bluebird nest box! Tools and materials for one box are provided.  

Fee: 

Presentation Only: $5 per person (discounted during the checkout process)

Presentation and Workshop: $30 per box, $5 for additional participants not building a box

Please register each person attending the presentation separately. If you have more than one person attending the presntation but you are only building ONE nest box in your group, please indicate that in the "Price Type" question when registering to receive the discounted price for additional participants.

Space is limited by the number of next boxes available. Suitable for all ages. 

Please note: The nest box building portion of the workshop will include hammering and the use of power tools in an indoor space. 

Not only is illustration an art form, but it can also be an important scientific tool. Join retired Professor Daniel Meinhardt, Ph.D., and Curator for the Richter Museum of Natural History, for a workshop on scientific illustration. Learn the importance of scientific illustration, why and how it can be used today, and try out techniques using a variety of materials to create different effects. You’ll also begin your own illustration of an object of your choosing. Students will be given all the necessary supplies to participate in this workshop but may choose to bring their own object to illustrate. No prior illustration experience is necessary!

Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Join us for a Natural Dye Workshop with artist Rachel Davis! Indigo is a natural dye which comes from the leaves of indigo plants.  The process of dyeing fabric using the indigo plant has been used in some cultures for over 5,000 years. In this workshop, Rachel will lead you through the dye process and help you create your own silk scarf to take home with you. Participants should bring a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves with them to the workshop. Suitable for ages 18 & up.

Learn to become your own land steward through our kickoff Stewardship Workshop at The Ridges during Earth Week! Join Land Manager Sam Hoffman in the Sanctuary, who will lead discussions on local ecological issues and demonstrate small steps that landowners can take to better manage and protect the health of their land. No matter your knowledge or skill level, anyone can take actions that collectively add up to a big environmental impact. Participants will receive take home materials to help them practice stewardship on their properties. Suitable for ages 18 & up. 

This May, life is literally looking up—we’ll be staring at Door County skies forearly spring migrants and the locals who never left. (Yes, birds.) 

Join Len Villano, a man who has spent more hours hiding in bushes than most wildlife. He’ll reveal his top-secret bird photography tips, including how to sneak up on birds, how not to fall over while sneaking up on birds, and how to pan, focus, and otherwise convince your camera to cooperate. Birds will be our main stars, but if a curious squirrel, deer, or photogenic plant wanders into view, we won’t say no. 

If you love birds—or just want an excuse to wander the woods with a camera, this rare opportunity is for you. Learn how to take the kind of photos that make friends say, “Wait, you took that?” Don’t miss out on this chance to join Len and other bird lovers for a fun, hands-on experience in one of the most scenic spots in Wisconsin! Suitable for ages 18 & up. 

Join Door County's mushroom expert Charlotte Lukes to learn about spring fungi of The Ridges. This workshop will include an introduction to fungi with an emphasis on the seasons of mushrooms - including what you can find in the spring!

Charlotte's presentation will be followed by a short hike through the Sanctuary to identify mushrooms, weather permitting. Suitable for ages 18 & up.