Openings in kids camps, programs at Ridges

Do you know a child who loves outdoor adventures? If so, there's still time to sign them up for one of the summer children's programs offered at The Ridges Sanctuary, near Baileys Harbor. There are still lots of openings in programs each week through mid-August.

When kids attend Ridges programs, they experience firsthand one of the most unique natural areas in Door County. Children can search for dragonfly larvae in a sedge meadow, examine animal tracks along the beach and learn about the appetites of insect-eating pitcher plants and sundews. They might become an animal in an active game of "predators and prey," build a tree model or even dress up as a bat. All programs are conducted by professional staff and volunteers from The Ridges.

The following camp sessions are scheduled:

» Foxes: for children entering grades 1-2; 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday; $20 per session for Ridges members, $25 nonmembers.

» Explorers: for children entering grades 3-6, 9 a.m. to noon July 27; $20 per session for Ridges members, $25 nonmembers.

» Camp Taiga I: for children entering grades 1-2; 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2 through 4. Theme for this three-day program is "Home is a Habitat." $60 per session for Ridges members, $70 nonmembers.

» Camp Taiga II: for children entering grades 3-6; 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 through 11. Theme for this three-day program is "We Need Each Other." $60 per session for Ridges members, $70 nonmembers.

Registration is required for all Ridges youth programs. For more information or to register for a camp session, call The Ridges; information is also available on our website.

From the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly to the rare ram's-head lady slipper orchid, the Ridges Sanctuary provides refuge for some of Door County's rarest treasures. Over five miles of trails are open year-round for self-guided hiking, and naturalist-guided hikes are offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. The Nature Store, featuring nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open daily through mid-October.

The Ridges is at 8288 County Q, just east of Wisconsin 57, Baileys Harbor. For more information, call (920) 839-2802 or visit www.ridgessanctuary.org.

Source http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110720/ADV05/107200636/Openings-kids-camps-programs-Ridges

Ridges Sanctuary: Get up close with nature in family 'Discovery Night'

Have you ever been inside a giant soap bubble? Would you like to examine pond creatures under a microscope, or blow bubbles like a spittlebug?

Parents and kids can do all these things and more during Thursday's "Nature Discovery Night," sponsored by The Ridges Sanctuary. This program includes hands-on nature investigations and experiments for the entire family.

Nature Discovery Night is an opportunity for parents (or grandparents) and children to investigate and learn about nature. Some of the activities planned include pond critter identification, giant bubble blowing, fish printing, wildlife track stories, getting to know antlions and monarch caterpillars and simple nature crafts and snacks.

It will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County F. This program is free, but donations are accepted.

From the endangered Hines emerald dragonfly to the rare ram's-head lady slipper orchid, the Ridges Sanctuary provides refuge for some of Door County's rarest treasures. More than five miles of trails are open year-round for self-guided hiking, and naturalist-guided hikes are offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. The Nature Store, featuring nature-related books, puppets, T-shirts and gift items, is open daily through mid-October.

The Ridges is located at 8288 County Q, just east of Wisconsin 57, Baileys Harbor. For more information, call (920) 839-2802 or visit www.ridgessanctuary.org.
July 2

» 6:30 a.m. — Discovery Bird Hike: Birders ranging from beginning to experienced are invited to explore various birding hotspots in the immediate area. Meet at the nature center.
July 5

» 9 to 11 a.m. — Barberry Pirates: This is a hearty crew of volunteers who work to control the exotic plants that threaten the Ridges, attacking the dreaded barberry, the pernicious crown vetch, swamp thistle and others. New pirates are always welcome. Snacks are provided after the raid.

» 9 a.m. to noon — Foxes Camp: Children entering first and second grades can learn more about the "Scaly and Slimy" residents of the Ridges through games, activities, crafts and a hike. Registration is required; call to sign up.
July 6

» 9 a.m. to noon — Explorers Camp: Children entering third through sixth grades can learn more about the "Scaly and Slimy" residents of the Ridges through games, activities, crafts and a hike. Registration is required; call to sign up.

Source http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110629/ADV05/107010343/Ridges-Sanctuary-Get-up-close-nature-family-Discovery-Night-