Ridges Hosts Crane Symposium For Second Time

Sandhill cranes. Photo by Len Villano.

Registration is now open for The Ridges Sanctuary’s Crane Symposium, April 12-14. This is the second year for the symposium, and a host of events are geared to all ages.

Today, Wisconsin’s sandhill crane population is estimated at 60,000-70,000. Whooping cranes have experienced a slower recovery with only 71 accounted for in Wisconsin, two in Illinois, two in Michigan, and one in Minnesota.

“Continued education and awareness of cranes is crucial to their survival,” said Tony Kiszonas, Ridges Director of Research.

Symposium events:

April 12, 6-7:30 pm: Keynote presentation by Professor Stanley Temple: The 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Then and Now: Is it Still Working? Though the speech will be presented via Zoom for free, pre-registration is required at RidgesSanctuary.org.

April 13, 5:30-7:30 am, Midwest Crane Count: A free breakfast social for counters will take place 8-9 am in the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center. To participate in the free event, contact Tony Kiszonas at [email protected].

April 13 and 14, 10–11:45 am, Crane Nest Site Hikes with naturalists Jane Whitney and Julie Knox. Fees are $15 for the public, $12 for members and $5 for ages 16 and younger. Pre-registration is required at RidgesSanctuary.org.

April 13, 1:30-2:30 pm, Artist Talk with photographer Len Villano. Free Event. Pre-registration is required at RidgesSanctuary.org.

April 14, 9-10 am, Chick Chats Story Hour for all ages, on how sandhill cranes make the long journey north each spring. A nature craft will be offered to take home or use on the Kids Birding 101 Hike. 

April 14, 10-11:30 am, Kids Birding 101 Hike. Free.