The Ridges Sanctuary

In 1937, residents of Baileys Harbor and surrounding area of Door County formed Wisconsin’s first land trust, The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. to protect 40 acres of property from development plans. The Green Tree Garden Club was extremely active on behalf of The Ridges and in 1942 received the Founders Fund award to establish a wildflower sanctuary in the midst of these sand ridges.

Recognized as the most biologically diverse landscape in Wisconsin, nearly 500 vascular plants find their home in this rich complex of boreal forest and wetlands. Its distinctive topography, a series of 30 ridges and swales formed by Lake Michigan’s changing water levels over the past 1400 years, provides a diverse range of habitats that sustain a wide variety of species. Highly sought after by naturalists are the 25 species of orchids native to the state. Twelve endangered or threatened plant species are protected within the 1,600 acres of the sanctuary.

In addition to its designations as a National Natural Landmark (1967) and as a Wisconsin State Natural Area (1953), The National Audubon Society has featured The Ridges on their Important Bird Area Program list. The Sanctuary is open to the public year-round and features five miles of hiking trails open daily from dawn to dusk.