Ridges Sanctuary’s Crane Symposium

“The Dance” by Thomas Jewell.

The Ridges Sanctuary is hosting a crane symposium to expand awareness and appreciation of Door County’s crane populations. 

Prof. Stanley Temple will be the keynote speaker April 14, 6-7:30 pm, when he presents “What Have We Done to Deserve All These Cranes?” Temple will review the recovery of Midwestern sandhill cranes, describe their migratory behavior and discuss recent controversies, such as crane hunting. Registration is required to obtain access to the program’s Zoom link.

The Midwest Crane Count will take place April 15, 5:30-7:30 am, at sites throughout Door County. Contact Sam Hoffman at 920.839.2802, ext. 108, to get information about how to participate.

A crane nest-site hike with Jane Whitney is set for April 15, 10 am – 12 pm. Participants will hike to a crane nesting site and learn what makes the wetlands of Door County a perfect nesting habitat for cranes. The hike is $15 for the public, $12 for Ridges members and $5 for ages 16 and younger. Registration is required.

A reception with artist Thomas Jewell will be held at The Ridges’ Nature Center on April 15, 1-3 pm. The exhibit, Door County Wildlife in Watercolor, showcases original illustrations from Jewell’s children’s book, Tig of the Marsh and Wetland, along with newly completed works of wildlife seen at The Ridges. Jewell will give an artist talk at 1:30 pm, and afterward, Hoffman, The Ridges’ land manager, will discuss past crane-count data and the importance of wetland protection in Door County.

Learn more and register for these programs at The Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor, at ridgessanctuary.org.