The Ridges Sanctuary is a delicate boreal forest community on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park was established in 1937 as the first Wisconsin land trust and protects the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the state. The area is a series of low, sandy ridges (former shorelines from eons past), alternating with wet areas called swages. The ridges are parallel to the shoreline and extend inland about a mile. The cool breezes from Lake Michigan help sustain this boreal forest -- a more common ecosystem much further north.
The real gem of the Ridges are the vascular plants, particularly the wild orchids. Hundreds of plants occur within the sanctuary -- and they bloom throughout spring and summer. One walks the trails along the ridges and peers into the under brush seeking tiny flowers.
It was a real treat to walk through the park.
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| Very Special County Park |
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| Flowers Ahead |
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| Night Blooming Dwarf Lake Iris |
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| Ram's Head Lady Slipper |
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