News & Events
Sept. 13, 2021 ... Hear co-owner Steve DeBaker on Wisconsin Public Radio (here) discuss how The Wisconsin Ledge was established and how the Federal Government officially identified the region as a prime grape-producing location known as an American Viticultural Area.
Retired Rambler Archives
Dec. 17, 2024 ... New Protection for the Green Bay Watershed
This month's guest is University of Wisconsin--Green Bay's Emily Tyner, the lead for the new National Estuarine Research Reserve designation for the Green Bay watershed. Emily and Steve discuss how the new efforts will provide additional protection for the bay, its environment, and its wildlife. Tune in here to find out how many billions of gallons of water enter the bay daily.
Nov. 19, 2024 ... Oh, Deer
The gun deer hunting season is here and the bow season has been underway since mid September. In this segment, Steve Burns from Wisconsin DNR tells why there might be more deer this season compared to last year and what that means for hunters and drivers. Watch it
here.
Oct. 15, 2024 ... Shipwrecks
The Great Lakes have more shipwrecks per square mile than anyplace else in the world! Earlier this year, maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association found the remains of the historic schooner Margaret A. Muir off the coast of Algoma.
This month, Kevin Cullen from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum explains how they found the ship and what you can learn about other shipwrecks if you visit the exhibit at the museum in Manitowoc. Watch the segment here.
Sept. 17, 2024 ... Five Tons of Grapes?!
Steve is joined by another Steve, Steve Johnson from Parallel 44 & Door 44 Vineyard & Winery. Hear from the two Steves about the importance of the annual fall grape harvest. Watch here.
Aug. 20, 2024 ... Maple Syrup, It's not Just for Breakfast Anymore
It's syrupy, it's sticky, but the maple syrup industry is never stuck, it's always evolving. In this segment, Steve discusses how the industry has changed and where you can get maple syrup locally (such as at Inthewoods Sugar Bush in Manitowoc). Find out more here.
July 23, 2024 ... The Name Says it All!
Yes, the views at the Ledge View Nature Center are amazing--above ground or below. Steve tells why this unique nature center in Chilton is a great spot to learn about the Niagara Escarpment and the cave systems located in the park. Watch it here.
June 18, 2024 ... Get Wild!
Appearing in this month's segment is Nancy Kusch, president of the Green Bay Chapter of Wild Ones, a national non-profit organization that promotes the benefits of landscaping with native plants. Native plants can help attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Learn more here.
May 21, 2024 ... Missed This Year's Awesome 5K Wine Run/Walk Through Our Vineyard? Look for Information About Next Year's Beginning in Spring.
See what this unique event is all about here.
March 19, 2024 ... A Status Update on the Water of Green Bay
Steve reports on how certain materials and chemicals are affecting the health of the bay and its fish, and what's being done to improve water quality. Watch the segment here.
Feb. 20, 2024 ... Protecting Lake Michigan Mike Mullen, the new executive director of Lakeshore National Resource Partnership, which protects the communities of northeast and east central Wisconsin and the waters that drain into Lake Michigan, joins this month's segment. Watch it here.
Jan. 16, 2024 ... Soup's On!
Steve reminds us that with this current cold spell in place January is a good time for hibernation, warmth--and good soups! And as a bonus he provides Trout Springs' recipe for Philadelphia Hungarian mushroom soup. Get the recipe and watch here.
Dec. 19, 2023 ... Is a New Ice Age in Our Future?
Steve gives a science lesson about the planet's up and down temperature changes and what might come next. Watch here.
Dec. 19, 2023 ... Is a New Ice Age in Our Future? Steve gives a science lesson about the planet's up and down temperature changes and what might come next. Watch here.
Nov. 21, 2023 ... New Shipwreck Exhibit Special guest Kevin Cullen, Chief Curator at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, joins Steve to talk about the grand opening of a permanent exhibit featuring 1914 artifacts that were salvaged from the shipwreck Adriatic when it was removed from Sturgeon Bay in 2018. Learn more about the ship/exhibit here.
Oct. 17, 2023 ... Great Grape Growing Conditions and Ice Wine Many wineries in western Wisconsin lost their crop this year because of an early frost. Hear about the Wisconsin Ledge's temperate climate and its protection from the lake and bay, plus learn about ice wine here.
Sept. 19, 2023 ... Different Leaves, Different Colors Learn about the science behind Wisconsin's autumnal awesomeness here.
Aug. 15, 2023 ... How Animals Help Humans Keep Track of the Ecosystem's Health Hear more here from Andrea Vahey from the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo and meet her special guests the three-toed turtle and the blue-spotted salamander. (The NEW Zoo is located at 4378 Reforestation Rd., Suamico).
July 18, 2023 ... How Hawks Help Manage Vineyards Vineyards attract a variety of grape and vine eating varmints. But hawks love varmints! Learn how winemakers use hawks to protect their grapevines here.
June 20, 2023 ... Invasion of the Phragmites! Joining Steve this month to talk about the necessity of ecological restoration due to invasive plants taking out native plants on the Niagara Escarpment is Melissa Curran, Scientist/Botanist with Stantec. Learn more here.
April 18, 2023 ... More Wine! The number of wineries in the Wisconsin Ledge American Viticultural Area has doubled to 24 in the last decade. And the wineries are all in it together, especially this time of year when it comes to pruning. Learn more here.
March 21, 2023 ... They Don't Call Them the Great Lakes for Nothing Did you know that we have 1/5th of the world’s fresh water supply in our backyard? Find out how to calculate your personal water usage and hear about Trout Springs fifth consecutive award for smart water usage here.
Feb. 21, 2023 ... Coral Reefs in Wisconsin?! Yep, some scientists believe Wisconsin was home to some of the world’s first coral reefs. And did you know Wisconsin has a state fossil? On this episode, geologist Don Mikulic presents some fascinating facts that you can learn at the Weis Earth Science Museum in Menasha (watch here).
Jan. 17, 2023 ... Protecting the Ledge's Lakeshore With Steve this month is Tom Mlada, Executive Director for the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership. They've been working to improve and protect the land and water surrounding Lake Michigan in this unique section of Wisconsin for 20 years (watch here).
Dec. 20, 2022 ... Interested in Spelunking? Steve is joined by Maribel Caves Historian Gary Soule who tells viewers how they can explore and tour wild caves in the area (watch here).
Nov. 15, 2022 ... Glaciers, Grapes, and Gales Steve shows how the glaciers shaped Wisconsin and created the Wisconsin Ledge wine region while Kevin Cullen from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum tells how Lake Michigan creates its own micro-climate, which can lead to hurricane-strength winds (watch here).
Oct. 18, 2022 ... Grape Harvest Wrap-up: Local Wineries are in it Together
Steve is joined by Jim Ploetz from Duck Creek Winery in Denmark to talk about this year's grape harvest, wine, and other local wine byproducts (watch here).
Sept. 20, 2022 ... The Park That Needs No Introduction: Peninsula State Park
Steve highlights perhaps the gem of the Wisconsin state park system (watch here).
Aug. 16, 2022 ... Happy 10th Birthday Wisconsin Ledge! Trout Springs Winery is the birthplace of the Wisconsin Ledge AVA. After seven years of Steve's hard work, the Federal Government in 2012 officially designated the Wisconsin Ledge as a prime grape-producing location known as an American Viticultural Area (AVA)--just like Napa Valley. Read more in the story on the home page and watch the video here.
July 19, 2022 ... Whitefish Anyone? Steve Visits Susie Q Fish Co. in Two Rivers
Special thanks to owners Peter and Paul LeClair along with Captain John Kulpa and First Mate Ken for a day of fishing (1,200 pounds of whitefish!) and showcasing Susie Q. They embody the entrepreneurial spirit of a five-generation business on Lake Michigan. Watch here.
June 22, 2022 ... Explore the Wisconsin Ledge with a New interactive Map: Steve and Sustainable Tourism & Heritage Strategist Susan Kennedy unveil the new Wisconsin Ledge Rambler map (watch here). Find points of interest, cultural centers, shops, restaurants, hiking spots, and all the great places the Ledge has to offer. Access the map at wiledge.org.
May 18, 2022 ... The Importance of Native Plants : Would you like to include native plants specific to Northeastern Wisconsin in your landscape? Joining Steve is Justin Kroening from Stone Silo Prairie Gardens in De Pere. Watch here to learn how to work with native plants.
April 19, 2022 ... A Place Where You Can Make an Earthquake?! : Imagine a place where you can walk through a mine tunnel, shoot off a quarry blast, and yes, make an earthquake. Don Mikulic, Curator of the Weis Earth Science Museum on the Oshkosh Fox Cities Campus in Menasha, joins Steve (watch here).
March 15, 2022 ... Artisan Goat Cheeses & Milk: Learn about the award-winning products at La Clare Family Creamery in Malone. It's a great place to tour, shop, and dine. Find out more here.
Feb. 15, 2022 ... Caves and Maple Syrup!?: Steve introduces viewers to a place that has both--and more: the Ledge View Nature Center south of Chilton. (Save the date for Maple Syrup Sunday on March 20.) Find out more here.
Jan. 18, 2022 ... Winter Fun in Kewaunee County: Steve highlights the appropriately named Winter Park and another County gem – the Bruemmer Park & Zoo right across the street. Watch the episode here.
Dec. 21, 2021 ... Documenting The Ledge: Filmmaker Dan Larson, who has produced a number of documentaries that help preserve and promote the Wisconsin Ledge (some of which have aired on PBS Wisconsin), joins Steve on this month's episode here.
Nov. 16, 2021 ... Venison Without the Hunt: Not a hunter but like the taste of venison? Dr. Sam Vinessi from Eaton Highland Red Deer Farm joins Steve with details here.
Oct. 19, 2021 ... Harvest Time: Get a closeup look at the winery and hear why the Wisconsin Ledge is such a great place to make wine here.
Sept. 21, 2021 ... Bees Please: Steve and beekeeper Garry Sydow talk about the importance of bees to our agriculture, wine included. Find out more here.
Aug. 17, 2021 ... Monument Dedication and Celebration Day: Please join us at Way-Morr Park on Saturday, August 21, at 10 am for the historic dedication of the Wisconsin Ledge AVA Monument. Celebrate all day at the winery after the dedication. Find out more here.
July 20, 2021 ... Point Beach State Forest: More than 2,900 acres of natural forest land, bordered on the east by almost 6 miles of sand dunes and beach on Lake Michigan. Point Beach includes hiking, camping even a lighthouse. That's not all, find out more from Steve here.
June 15, 2021 ... The Ridges: One Amazing Sanctuary: This month Steve introduces us to The Ridges in Baileys Harbor, the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Wisconsin. Home to many unique plants including about 25 different orchids. Watch here.
May 18, 2021 ... Vines and Fine Wines: Steve talks about two of his favorite subjects: vineyards and the Wisconsin Ledge (and why it's a great grape-growing region). Watch here.
April 20, 2021 ... Alvar? What's That? Steve gives us the scoop on one of the Earth's rarest ecosystems, and one such environmental area just happens to be in Northeast Wisconsin: the Red Banks Alvar (watch here).
March 16, 2021 ... BAT FAN: Steve and Jerry Theys from Wildlife of Wisconsin discuss the importance of bats and show how to build a bat house to help protect the bat population in Wisconsin (watch here).
Feb. 16, 2021 ... Wonderful Waterfalls
When things thaw and the beauty runs once again (watch here).
Dec. 17, 2024 ... New Protection for the Green Bay Watershed
This month's guest is University of Wisconsin--Green Bay's Emily Tyner, the lead for the new National Estuarine Research Reserve designation for the Green Bay watershed. Emily and Steve discuss how the new efforts will provide additional protection for the bay, its environment, and its wildlife. Tune in here to find out how many billions of gallons of water enter the bay daily.
Nov. 19, 2024 ... Oh, Deer
The gun deer hunting season is here and the bow season has been underway since mid September. In this segment, Steve Burns from Wisconsin DNR tells why there might be more deer this season compared to last year and what that means for hunters and drivers. Watch it
here.
Oct. 15, 2024 ... Shipwrecks
The Great Lakes have more shipwrecks per square mile than anyplace else in the world! Earlier this year, maritime historians from the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association found the remains of the historic schooner Margaret A. Muir off the coast of Algoma.
This month, Kevin Cullen from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum explains how they found the ship and what you can learn about other shipwrecks if you visit the exhibit at the museum in Manitowoc. Watch the segment here.
Sept. 17, 2024 ... Five Tons of Grapes?!
Steve is joined by another Steve, Steve Johnson from Parallel 44 & Door 44 Vineyard & Winery. Hear from the two Steves about the importance of the annual fall grape harvest. Watch here.
Aug. 20, 2024 ... Maple Syrup, It's not Just for Breakfast Anymore
It's syrupy, it's sticky, but the maple syrup industry is never stuck, it's always evolving. In this segment, Steve discusses how the industry has changed and where you can get maple syrup locally (such as at Inthewoods Sugar Bush in Manitowoc). Find out more here.
July 23, 2024 ... The Name Says it All!
Yes, the views at the Ledge View Nature Center are amazing--above ground or below. Steve tells why this unique nature center in Chilton is a great spot to learn about the Niagara Escarpment and the cave systems located in the park. Watch it here.
June 18, 2024 ... Get Wild!
Appearing in this month's segment is Nancy Kusch, president of the Green Bay Chapter of Wild Ones, a national non-profit organization that promotes the benefits of landscaping with native plants. Native plants can help attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Learn more here.
May 21, 2024 ... Missed This Year's Awesome 5K Wine Run/Walk Through Our Vineyard? Look for Information About Next Year's Beginning in Spring.
See what this unique event is all about here.
March 19, 2024 ... A Status Update on the Water of Green Bay
Steve reports on how certain materials and chemicals are affecting the health of the bay and its fish, and what's being done to improve water quality. Watch the segment here.
Feb. 20, 2024 ... Protecting Lake Michigan Mike Mullen, the new executive director of Lakeshore National Resource Partnership, which protects the communities of northeast and east central Wisconsin and the waters that drain into Lake Michigan, joins this month's segment. Watch it here.
Jan. 16, 2024 ... Soup's On!
Steve reminds us that with this current cold spell in place January is a good time for hibernation, warmth--and good soups! And as a bonus he provides Trout Springs' recipe for Philadelphia Hungarian mushroom soup. Get the recipe and watch here.
Dec. 19, 2023 ... Is a New Ice Age in Our Future?
Steve gives a science lesson about the planet's up and down temperature changes and what might come next. Watch here.
Dec. 19, 2023 ... Is a New Ice Age in Our Future? Steve gives a science lesson about the planet's up and down temperature changes and what might come next. Watch here.
Nov. 21, 2023 ... New Shipwreck Exhibit Special guest Kevin Cullen, Chief Curator at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, joins Steve to talk about the grand opening of a permanent exhibit featuring 1914 artifacts that were salvaged from the shipwreck Adriatic when it was removed from Sturgeon Bay in 2018. Learn more about the ship/exhibit here.
Oct. 17, 2023 ... Great Grape Growing Conditions and Ice Wine Many wineries in western Wisconsin lost their crop this year because of an early frost. Hear about the Wisconsin Ledge's temperate climate and its protection from the lake and bay, plus learn about ice wine here.
Sept. 19, 2023 ... Different Leaves, Different Colors Learn about the science behind Wisconsin's autumnal awesomeness here.
Aug. 15, 2023 ... How Animals Help Humans Keep Track of the Ecosystem's Health Hear more here from Andrea Vahey from the Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo and meet her special guests the three-toed turtle and the blue-spotted salamander. (The NEW Zoo is located at 4378 Reforestation Rd., Suamico).
July 18, 2023 ... How Hawks Help Manage Vineyards Vineyards attract a variety of grape and vine eating varmints. But hawks love varmints! Learn how winemakers use hawks to protect their grapevines here.
June 20, 2023 ... Invasion of the Phragmites! Joining Steve this month to talk about the necessity of ecological restoration due to invasive plants taking out native plants on the Niagara Escarpment is Melissa Curran, Scientist/Botanist with Stantec. Learn more here.
April 18, 2023 ... More Wine! The number of wineries in the Wisconsin Ledge American Viticultural Area has doubled to 24 in the last decade. And the wineries are all in it together, especially this time of year when it comes to pruning. Learn more here.
March 21, 2023 ... They Don't Call Them the Great Lakes for Nothing Did you know that we have 1/5th of the world’s fresh water supply in our backyard? Find out how to calculate your personal water usage and hear about Trout Springs fifth consecutive award for smart water usage here.
Feb. 21, 2023 ... Coral Reefs in Wisconsin?! Yep, some scientists believe Wisconsin was home to some of the world’s first coral reefs. And did you know Wisconsin has a state fossil? On this episode, geologist Don Mikulic presents some fascinating facts that you can learn at the Weis Earth Science Museum in Menasha (watch here).
Jan. 17, 2023 ... Protecting the Ledge's Lakeshore With Steve this month is Tom Mlada, Executive Director for the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership. They've been working to improve and protect the land and water surrounding Lake Michigan in this unique section of Wisconsin for 20 years (watch here).
Dec. 20, 2022 ... Interested in Spelunking? Steve is joined by Maribel Caves Historian Gary Soule who tells viewers how they can explore and tour wild caves in the area (watch here).
Nov. 15, 2022 ... Glaciers, Grapes, and Gales Steve shows how the glaciers shaped Wisconsin and created the Wisconsin Ledge wine region while Kevin Cullen from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum tells how Lake Michigan creates its own micro-climate, which can lead to hurricane-strength winds (watch here).
Oct. 18, 2022 ... Grape Harvest Wrap-up: Local Wineries are in it Together
Steve is joined by Jim Ploetz from Duck Creek Winery in Denmark to talk about this year's grape harvest, wine, and other local wine byproducts (watch here).
Sept. 20, 2022 ... The Park That Needs No Introduction: Peninsula State Park
Steve highlights perhaps the gem of the Wisconsin state park system (watch here).
Aug. 16, 2022 ... Happy 10th Birthday Wisconsin Ledge! Trout Springs Winery is the birthplace of the Wisconsin Ledge AVA. After seven years of Steve's hard work, the Federal Government in 2012 officially designated the Wisconsin Ledge as a prime grape-producing location known as an American Viticultural Area (AVA)--just like Napa Valley. Read more in the story on the home page and watch the video here.
July 19, 2022 ... Whitefish Anyone? Steve Visits Susie Q Fish Co. in Two Rivers
Special thanks to owners Peter and Paul LeClair along with Captain John Kulpa and First Mate Ken for a day of fishing (1,200 pounds of whitefish!) and showcasing Susie Q. They embody the entrepreneurial spirit of a five-generation business on Lake Michigan. Watch here.
June 22, 2022 ... Explore the Wisconsin Ledge with a New interactive Map: Steve and Sustainable Tourism & Heritage Strategist Susan Kennedy unveil the new Wisconsin Ledge Rambler map (watch here). Find points of interest, cultural centers, shops, restaurants, hiking spots, and all the great places the Ledge has to offer. Access the map at wiledge.org.
May 18, 2022 ... The Importance of Native Plants : Would you like to include native plants specific to Northeastern Wisconsin in your landscape? Joining Steve is Justin Kroening from Stone Silo Prairie Gardens in De Pere. Watch here to learn how to work with native plants.
April 19, 2022 ... A Place Where You Can Make an Earthquake?! : Imagine a place where you can walk through a mine tunnel, shoot off a quarry blast, and yes, make an earthquake. Don Mikulic, Curator of the Weis Earth Science Museum on the Oshkosh Fox Cities Campus in Menasha, joins Steve (watch here).
March 15, 2022 ... Artisan Goat Cheeses & Milk: Learn about the award-winning products at La Clare Family Creamery in Malone. It's a great place to tour, shop, and dine. Find out more here.
Feb. 15, 2022 ... Caves and Maple Syrup!?: Steve introduces viewers to a place that has both--and more: the Ledge View Nature Center south of Chilton. (Save the date for Maple Syrup Sunday on March 20.) Find out more here.
Jan. 18, 2022 ... Winter Fun in Kewaunee County: Steve highlights the appropriately named Winter Park and another County gem – the Bruemmer Park & Zoo right across the street. Watch the episode here.
Dec. 21, 2021 ... Documenting The Ledge: Filmmaker Dan Larson, who has produced a number of documentaries that help preserve and promote the Wisconsin Ledge (some of which have aired on PBS Wisconsin), joins Steve on this month's episode here.
Nov. 16, 2021 ... Venison Without the Hunt: Not a hunter but like the taste of venison? Dr. Sam Vinessi from Eaton Highland Red Deer Farm joins Steve with details here.
Oct. 19, 2021 ... Harvest Time: Get a closeup look at the winery and hear why the Wisconsin Ledge is such a great place to make wine here.
Sept. 21, 2021 ... Bees Please: Steve and beekeeper Garry Sydow talk about the importance of bees to our agriculture, wine included. Find out more here.
Aug. 17, 2021 ... Monument Dedication and Celebration Day: Please join us at Way-Morr Park on Saturday, August 21, at 10 am for the historic dedication of the Wisconsin Ledge AVA Monument. Celebrate all day at the winery after the dedication. Find out more here.
July 20, 2021 ... Point Beach State Forest: More than 2,900 acres of natural forest land, bordered on the east by almost 6 miles of sand dunes and beach on Lake Michigan. Point Beach includes hiking, camping even a lighthouse. That's not all, find out more from Steve here.
June 15, 2021 ... The Ridges: One Amazing Sanctuary: This month Steve introduces us to The Ridges in Baileys Harbor, the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Wisconsin. Home to many unique plants including about 25 different orchids. Watch here.
May 18, 2021 ... Vines and Fine Wines: Steve talks about two of his favorite subjects: vineyards and the Wisconsin Ledge (and why it's a great grape-growing region). Watch here.
April 20, 2021 ... Alvar? What's That? Steve gives us the scoop on one of the Earth's rarest ecosystems, and one such environmental area just happens to be in Northeast Wisconsin: the Red Banks Alvar (watch here).
March 16, 2021 ... BAT FAN: Steve and Jerry Theys from Wildlife of Wisconsin discuss the importance of bats and show how to build a bat house to help protect the bat population in Wisconsin (watch here).
Feb. 16, 2021 ... Wonderful Waterfalls
When things thaw and the beauty runs once again (watch here).
