The Ridges Sanctuary completes Phase Zero upgrades

The Ridges Sanctuary has fully funded and advanced a set of Master Plan projects in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, including restroom, cabin and volunteer workshop upgrades. The work is designed to expand year-round programming, support volunteers and prepare the organization for a larger capital campaign.

Why it matters: - The Ridges Sanctuary is using Phase Zero to prove it can execute its 20-year Master Plan and prepare for bigger capital investments. - The upgrades expand year-round education space, improve infrastructure and support a growing volunteer base. - The projects also begin turning North Campus into an official Education Campus.

What happened: - The Ridges Sanctuary Board of Directors unanimously approved a Master Plan in May 2023 to guide the organization’s next 20 years. - The sanctuary said implementation is now well underway after nearly two and a half years. - Phase Zero includes three projects: a year-round restroom, year-round renovations to the Kaye and Marshall Cabins with indoor and outdoor classroom space, and a new volunteer workshop. - The projects are fully funded through grants, private donations and the organization’s Master Plan Implementation Fund. - Construction is expected to be completed this year. - Local contractor Peil Construction is handling the restroom and workshop work. - Ahnapee Construction completed the cabin enhancements.

The details: - The Kaye and Marshall Cabins now have new windows, insulation and roofs. - New mini-split units provide air conditioning and heat. - The second floor of the Kaye Cabin now includes teacher office and prep space. - Both cabins have new overhangs that create covered outdoor space. - The upgrades are intended to provide year-round programming space and reduce pressure on existing facilities. - The restroom now has new siding and clerestory windows. - Mechanical systems were rerouted and insulated to prevent freezing. - A mini-split system conditions the restroom. - The reconfigured restroom supports year-round educational programs, summer camp and the Natural Christmas event. - The restroom project opens up North Campus for new uses. - The site plan envisions North Campus becoming an Education Campus. - Ground was broken in mid-September on the volunteer workshop. - More than 200 volunteers contributed over 7,500 hours in 2025. - That volunteer work was valued at more than $250,000. - The sanctuary said volunteer operations will need to expand as the organization grows.

Between the lines: - The funding mix suggests the sanctuary is de-risking early capital work before launching a larger campaign. - The Phase Zero projects are both practical improvements and proof points for donors, members and partners. - The volunteer workshop signals that staffing alone will not support the organization’s next stage of growth. - The planned North Campus changes point to a broader campus reorganization around education.

What’s next: - Phase One is expected to include renovations to the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center. - The next phase also calls for a new Education Center. - The former Ridges Inn & Suites would be adaptively reused for lodging for research partners and citizen science space. - The Ridges said Phase One will support research, education and preservation mission areas. - Questions about the projects or campaign can be directed to Executive Director Katie Krouse at katie@ridgessanctuary.org or 920-839-2802 ext 101.

The bottom line: - Phase Zero shows The Ridges Sanctuary has moved from planning to execution, with the first wave of Master Plan upgrades already reshaping how the organization serves visitors, volunteers and year-round programs.