Baileys Harbor, Wis. (March 21, 2024) – Join The Ridges for a weekend celebration of Wisconsin Cranes! Sandhill Cranes have made a comeback after decades of declining populations. Our Crane Symposium events are offered to expand awareness and appreciation of Door County cranes and geared to learners of all ages.
Keynote Presentation: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Then and Now – Is it Still Working?: Friday, April 12th, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
The Migratory Bird Treaty has been responsible for the spectacular recovery of many species, like the Sandhill Crane. Threats to migratory birds today, however, challenge its effectiveness. Loss and degradation of habitat, collisions with human-made structures, predation by cats, pesticide poisoning, and oil spills cause the death of migratory birds each year. Professor Stanley Temple will join us virtually to discuss the first century of migratory bird protection and speculate about the future. Free Event. Pre-registration required to receive Zoom link.
Midwest Crane Count: Saturday, April 13th, 5:30 AM-7:30 AM
Sponsored by the International Crane Foundation, the annual Midwest Crane Count draws over 2,000 volunteers who travel to local wetlands and favorite birding locations to monitor the return of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes to their northern breeding grounds. A free Crane Count Breakfast Social for counters to share sightings and connect with other participants follows from 8:00-9:00 AM at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center. Free Event. To participate, contact Tony Kiszonas, tony@ridgessanctuary.org.
Crane Nest Site Hikes: Saturday, April 13th, and Sunday April 14th, 10:45 AM-11:45 AM
Join Naturalist Jane Whitney and Julie Knox on a hike to a potential crane nesting site to learn more about what makes the wetlands of Door County the perfect habitat foe nesting. Meets at Cook-Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor. Pre-registration is required.
Fee: $15 Public | $12 Member | $5 16 & Under.
Register for the Saturday Hike
Artist Talk with Len Villano: Saturday, April 13th, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Join internationally published photographer Len Villano as he reflects on his journey photographing nature in Door County, with an emphasis on birds and sandhill cranes. Villano is a local artist specializing in fine art, nature and wildlife photography of Door County and beyond. After his presentation, Villano will show some of the equipment he uses to capture the stunning visuals we often see gracing the Peninsula Pulse, followed by a Q & A session. A selection of his works will be on display during the Symposium. Meets at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 State Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor. Free Event. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required.
Chick Chats Story Hour: Sunday, April 14th, 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Budding birders and naturalists will hear stories on how Sandhill Cranes make the long journey north each spring and how they do it. This program includes information about cranes and fun activities to excite kids about this special family of birds. At the end of the story, a fun nature craft will be offered to take home or use on the Kids Birding 101 Hike. Suitable for families with young children. Free Event. No registration necessary.
Kids Birding 101 Hike: Sunday, April 14th, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Want to try birding as a family? During this program, kids will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of bird watching, including how to identify some common birds of Door County. We’ll meet at the Nature Center for a quick introduction, then make our way down the Hidden Brook Boardwalk to see what birds we can spot. Free Event. No registration necessary.
Registration is open for the Festival of Nature!
The Ridges Sanctuary and our partners in conservation invite you to join us in celebrating the natural beauty of the Door Penninsula! The 22nd Annual Festival of Nature kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with an Art Exhibit and Artist Reception on Thursday, May 23rd. The Festival Dinner and Keynote Presentation follows on Friday, May 24th. 77 individual events will be offered Friday – Sunday to explore the wild spaces that make Door County a special place. Click on the button below to read the program guide or visit our Festival of Nature website to register.
ALL CONTENT © 2025 BY DOOR GUIDE PUBLISHING
