Baileys Harbor, Wis. (September 15, 2025) – The Ridges Sanctuary is proud to host its 3rd Annual Citizen Science Symposium on Saturday, September 20th. Running from 8:30 am to noon, this event will bring together citizen scientists, community members, and the public to celebrate the past field season, explore what’s been discovered, and highlight the role of citizen science in understanding and protecting the natural world.
The Symposium will showcase the vital contributions of citizen scientists and local research programs, with brief reports from The Ridges Sanctuary, Crossroads at Big Creek, the Climate Change Coalition of Door County, and the Door County Land Trust.
Symposium reports will focus on:
- Pollinators and Phenology
- Stream Monitoring
- Bald Eagle Nest Watch
- Plant Inventory
- Boreal Climate Survivability
- Fungi and Plant Inventories
- And more
“I am constantly amazed at how willing and able our volunteer scientists are to embrace the many opportunities to enhance their knowledge of our natural world,” said Tony Kiszonas, Director of Research at The Ridges Sanctuary. “The mission of The Ridges depends on their commitment, insight, and passion.”
A Look at the Day
The event will kick off with light morning refreshments and networking from 8:30 am-9:00 am, followed by presentations from citizen scientists and researchers involved in numerous year-round initiatives.
Why It Matters
Citizen science is more than volunteer work—it’s a movement that combines passions for specific issues with the camaraderie of working alongside others. From monitoring local streams and observing bald eagle nests to conducting plant and tree inventories, the data collected by citizen scientists helps shape our understanding of the natural world and informs conservation decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist, a student, or just curious about how you can get involved, this event offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and contribute.