Ridges Sanctuary
Overview
The Ridges Sanctuary is a nature preserve and land trust located in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. It is the oldest private nature preserve in the state, established in 1937. The sanctuary spans over 1,600 acres and is renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystem, which includes a series of ridges and swales formed by the post-glacial Lake Michigan shoreline. The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including some that are rare or endangered.
History
The Ridges Sanctuary was established in 1937 by a group of Baileys Harbor citizens who were concerned about the potential loss of the area's unique flora and fauna due to development. The sanctuary was named for its distinctive series of ridges and swales, which were formed over the course of thousands of years by the changing levels of Lake Michigan. The sanctuary has since grown to encompass over 1,600 acres, including several additions made through land purchases and donations.
Geography
The sanctuary's geography is characterized by a series of ridges and swales, which are alternating bands of high and low ground. These were formed by the post-glacial Lake Michigan shoreline, with each ridge representing a former shoreline of the lake. The ridges and swales create a diverse range of habitats, from dry, sandy ridges to wet, marshy swales. This diversity in turn supports a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Flora and Fauna
The Ridges Sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Over 500 species of plants have been recorded in the sanctuary, including several that are rare or endangered. The sanctuary is particularly known for its orchids, with 25 species found within its boundaries. The fauna of the sanctuary is equally diverse, with numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects inhabiting the area.
Conservation Efforts
The Ridges Sanctuary is actively involved in various conservation efforts to protect and preserve its unique ecosystem. These include land acquisition to expand the sanctuary, habitat restoration projects, and species monitoring programs. The sanctuary also conducts research in collaboration with universities and other organizations to further understand and protect its ecosystem.
Visitor Information
The Ridges Sanctuary is open to the public year-round, offering a range of recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The sanctuary also has a nature center, which provides educational programs and exhibits about the sanctuary's ecosystem.