BARABOO, Wis. — From November 10 through November 12, people could get up close and personal with Wisconsin’s feathered friends all for a good reason.
Two of Wisconsin’s leading conservation organizations, based in Baraboo, the International Crane Foundation (savingcranes.org) and the Aldo Leopold Foundation (aldoleopold.org), have come together to create the first annual Great Midwest Crane Fest.
“I think they’re just a really great species,” said Maddie Tebbe. She helped organize the event. “They’re just big, beautiful birds.”
The festival will be held concurrently at the sites of both the International Crane Foundation and the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
“There’s 15 species of cranes, and we have them all on site and on exhibit here,” said Tebbe, referring to the location of the sites.
The event include facility tours, seminars, lectures, food, film, and art.
“Folks could get up and see the sunrise and sunset and watch cranes fly over,” said Tebbe.
It’s the hope of the organizers that this event raises awareness to protect cranes in Wisconsin, but also around the world.
“I feel like as people get to know the birds better, that interest leads to more conservation issues,” said Tebbe.
On the International Crane Foundation’s website, they share conservation sucess stories for cranes in Wisconsin.
“Sandhill Cranes are one of the great conservation success stories of the past century, soaring back from the brink of extinction in Wisconsin thanks to farmers, wetland conservation efforts, and reduced hunting pressure,” said said Dr. Richard Beilfuss, President & CEO, International Crane Foundation. “They are part of our everyday lives in ways I couldn’t have imagined a few decades ago. I am delighted to join together with the Aldo Leopold Foundation and our community to celebrate this great achievement and revel in these magical birds.
Cranes are among the most endangered families of birds in the world, with 10 of the 15 species threatened.
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