<strong>The</strong> mission of the<strong>Ridges</strong> <strong>Sanctuary</strong> is toprotect the <strong>Sanctuary</strong> andinspire stewardship of naturalareas through programsof education, outreachand research. Education & Connecting…Board of DirectorsPresident - Ed PentecostVice-President - Jean LeavittTreasurer - Don JuersDirectorsCarl GiesselBill HebalSusan HegenbarthAlan KimbellMary Lee MatthesVicki MedlandBetsy RogersBob RyanRoy ThillyStaffExecutive DirectorSteve LeonardAssistant Director/NaturalistKaren NewbernVolunteer/Membership CoordinatorCarol SchusterStewardship CoordinatorMarne KaeskeBookkeeperPam ZellerOffice ManagerPam GregoryCONTACT US<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> <strong>Sanctuary</strong>, Inc.PO Box152 8270 Hwy. 57Baileys Harbor, WI 54202Office: (920) 839-2802Nature Center: (920) 839-1101Fax: (920) 839-2234info@ridgessanctuary.orgwww.<strong>Ridges</strong><strong>Sanctuary</strong>.orgCover photo by:Marc Demoly (staff photo)Recycled paper - using30% post-consumer wastePhoto by Paul BurtonEducation and connecting audiences to thenatural world is the foundation of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong><strong>Sanctuary</strong> organization. It is the “root”, thefundamental purpose, why the <strong>Sanctuary</strong> hasbeen protected for over 70 years. It all startedwith one of our founders, Albert Fuller, writingletters, leading hikes, and providing presentationsto educate others on the importanceof the ridges and swales, now known asthe most biologically diverse landscape inWisconsin. It was his dedication to developingan appreciation and awareness for thisunique landscape that inspired others likeOlivia Traven and Emma Toft to start <strong>The</strong><strong>Ridges</strong> <strong>Sanctuary</strong> organization.Since 1937, the <strong>Sanctuary</strong> has been a placefor learning. Trails were built along the ridgesso people could learn about the orchids andother flora up close and in their natural environments.Bridges crossed over swales so onecould see the geological formations, the ridgesand swales defining old Lake Michiganshorelines. Founder Olivia Traven had visitorsknocking on her front door asking forCulture does not pass to newgenerations without consciousand persistent efforts.”tours of the <strong>Sanctuary</strong> - which she gladlyprovided. Emma Toft rounded up local childrenand took them out to Toft Point or <strong>The</strong><strong>Ridges</strong> to make sure they developed anappreciation for what was in their own backyard.Local schools participated in conservationessay contests. Annual orchid pilgrimageswere held with other evening events.Early <strong>Ridges</strong> EducatorsJen Jensen wrote a series of natural historyarticles for the Door County Advocate. Pastdirectors Roy Lukes and Paul Regnier andall the staff have helped expand and teach avariety of meaningful-learning experiencesover the years.Professor Jim Zimmerman stated it bestwhen he wrote about the need for educationprograms, “A major task facing <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> isto strengthen its voice: to make its point toenough people so that its message will count.Culture does not pass to new generationswithout conscious and persistent efforts.”<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> needs your help as we continueto strengthen our “voice”. This summer,we will be working with the SchmeeckleInterpreters from UW-Stevens Point todevelop an interpretive master plan to tellour cultural and natural history stories. Weneed your help by participating in surveys,focus groups, and community meetings as wedefine our future in a way that protects the<strong>Sanctuary</strong>, honors our founders, and definesprograms to connect audiences of all ages to<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> and the natural world.Information on ways to participate will beposted throughout the summer.We will continually strengthen our voice,to make sure our point is made to enoughpeople so that our message will count, in away that reflects the wishes of our foundersand members. I look forward to workingwith you this summer on planning ourfuture!Steve LeonardExecutive Directorsteve@ridgessanctuary.orgAlbert Fuller Jens Jensen Emma Toft Olivia Traven
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’Natural ChristmasOne hundred eighty luminarias lined the snowcovered boardwalk between the Rangelights.Over 60 people turned out on a beautiful winterday to experience a simple old-fashionedChristmas celebration. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ staff and volunteersoffered crafts, wreath making, hot chocolate,Christmas cookies and a campfire. Worldon a String provided live seasonal music.Emma Toft BirthdayCelebration – <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’Great Waffle BreakfastSeventeen volunteers and staff took to the ironsto serve 150+ hungry people who stopped in tovisit and eat elephant, lion, and chicken waffles.Native white spruce centerpieces decorated thered & white checkered tablecloths where lots ofvisiting went on after breakfast.Some Statistics:• 30 lbs of flour• 1 1/ 2 gallons of Door County Maple Syrupfrom Jorn’s Sugarbush, Country View Farms,& Hyline Orchards• 3 lbs of real butter• 5 gallons of Hyline Orchard’s cherry sauce• 4 lbs of Door County Coffee• A whole lot of good times for everyone!Naturally Speaking –Wisconsin NaturalistsGeology, weather, invasive species, natural &cultural history, tree and plant identification andmany other subjects were presented to fourteenindividuals last Fall. Wisconsin Naturalist trainingprepares volunteers for a variety of projectsincluding trail interpretation, species monitoring,and invasive species control. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> willagain offer the program starting this September.Call <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> if interested in participating.Seven Frogs and a Toad -Frog MonitoringAhhh! <strong>The</strong> sounds of <strong>Spring</strong> are almost as welcomeas the first flowers. <strong>The</strong> ‘peeping’, ‘snoring’,‘quacking, and ‘trilling’ can be deafeningas the little amphibians search for a mate. <strong>The</strong><strong>Ridges</strong>’ volunteers are helping track the occurrenceof frogs and toads in Door County for theWisconsin Frog and Toad Survey. <strong>The</strong>y travel aspecific route on a regular basis and listen forthe various species. Door County boasts sevenfrog species and one toad species but when theyare all calling at once, the volunteers need to distinguishthe different calls.Logan Creek Clean-Up -Earth Day <strong>2010</strong>Earth Day <strong>2010</strong>, saw 21 teenagers and twoteachers from Sevastopol School along withmembers of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ Wednesday Crew,cleaning up an old dumpsite on <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’Logan Creek property. <strong>The</strong>re was an old cementenclosed bathtub along with years of householddiscard. <strong>The</strong> students also did roadside cleanupand trail work. Thanks to Brian O’Handley ofSevastopol Schools for coordinating and ourwonderful Wednesday Crew for facilitating!Lunch BreaksDirector Steve Leonard has volunteered as cheffor the volunteer bar-b-ques this summer. Comeand enjoy lunch and conversation with the staffand other volunteers (or want-to-be volunteers).Staff will supply burgers, buns, chips, andbrownies. If you’d like to bring something toshare, we would be grateful. <strong>The</strong>se informal gettogethersare scheduled Wednesday June 16th,Tuesday, July 20th, Wednesday August 18th,and Tuesday, September 21st.Log Cabin Close to Nature –<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ Nature Center<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ Nature Center is the place to findout how the ridges (as in <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>) wereformed, learn about the Range Lights, view birdnests, rocks, and butterflies under a microscope,or look at how the Niagara Escarpment affectsDoor County. It’s a great place to find specialfield guides and books for kids or the perfect giftfor the nature enthusiast on your list. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’Nature Center, located in a 130-year old logcabin, opens for the season on May 21 and isopen daily, volunteer scheduling permitting,Monday through Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM andSunday 1 PM - 3 PM. Here you can pay trailfees, pick up maps, play with microscopes, orjoin a naturalist for a guided hike.Dazzle and Flash -DragonfliesLong-time <strong>Ridges</strong>’ member, Paul Burton, haspublished a beautifully illustrated guidebook of‘Common Dragonflies of Northern Door County’which is available at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ Nature Centerand our online store (go to <strong>Ridges</strong><strong>Sanctuary</strong>.organd click on Nature Store Online). If you don’talways search out dragonflies in Northern DoorCounty, the guide is also useful in other parts ofWisconsin and Michigan. Paul can be found onsummer days tracking all manner of dragonflieson the trails of the <strong>Sanctuary</strong> and is always willingto share his knowledge and excitementabout these large colorful flying insects.Those Werethe Days –<strong>The</strong> TRSMemoriesProjectIn 2012, <strong>The</strong><strong>Ridges</strong> <strong>Sanctuary</strong>will celebrate its75th anniversary. Since its founding in 1937,many people have enjoyed the bridges andtrails, have learned from the land and people,and have had wonderful experiences associatedwith the unique aspects of the <strong>Sanctuary</strong>. <strong>The</strong>goal of the TRS Memories Project is to collectand preserve memories and stories from individualssuch as yourself – people who hold aspecial place in their heart for the beauty andspirit of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> <strong>Sanctuary</strong>.As volunteer Cathleen Haskins begins thisnew project, we invite you to be a part of it.We are seeking stories that communicate theessence of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>, how you have lived,loved, and experienced the wonders of thisextraordinary natural sanctuary. Do you havea special remembrance or cherished memorythat could be included? Contact <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> toset up an appointment to share your memories.“Reading <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>” –Art Show at<strong>The</strong> Link Gallery<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ <strong>Spring</strong> invitational art exhibitionfeatured original works inspired by <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong><strong>Sanctuary</strong> and its Logan Creek property. <strong>The</strong>two and three dimensional pieces in the exhibitemphasized how <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ effect on these 46artists is as diverse as its ecology. I can’texplain it – it was beautiful! Even though it wasthe ‘off’ season for Door County, the privateand public receptions were attended by over100 people. Watch for another exhibit in 2012to celebrate <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>’ 75th Anniversary!Barberry Pirates areat it Again!<strong>The</strong> pirates have been laying low over thewinter, but now that the invasives are attacking<strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong> again, the pirates are ready with acounter attack! Last year they beat back the barberry,yanked the crown vetch and made an initialforay against the black swallow-wort. Thisyear they started on May 11th on the deceptivelypretty forget-me-not! No non-native invasiveis safe from their vengeance. To be notifiedwhen the pirates are gathering for an assault,call <strong>The</strong> <strong>Ridges</strong>.
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