Nature Net Site Spotlight – International Crane Foundation

Posted on , updated on by admin

 

Dear Reader,

This summer, the Nature Net team (Brenna, Betsy, and I) decided that we would like to take some time to highlight all of the wonderful things our member sites do to promote environmental education and to share many of the exciting programs and events offered to families like you.  With 16 member sites, it is often difficult to keep up with all that each site has to offer, they’re doing so many incredible things!  My goal is to visit each of our member sites throughout the summer months so I can get a better idea of what opportunities exist for families at each site.  I will be posting “Nature Net Site Spotlight” blog posts throughout the rest of the summer.  I hope that you and your family will find this helpful in planning activities for the summer months and beyond.

Enjoy,

Kelsey

Nature Net Intern

International Crane Foundation

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Grey Crowned Crane

My Visit:

During my visit to the International Crane Foundation, I followed a guided tour through the three main exhibits, exploring all 15 of the world’s crane species.  Prior to my tour, I was unfamiliar with the various species of cranes and the work that the International Crane Foundation does around the globe.  For people like me, I would highly recommend taking a guided tour.  My tour guide was excellent, she was not only knowledgeable on each of the 15 species, but had a lot to say about why so many species are endangered around the world and what we can do to make a difference.

Going into my tour, I expected that many of the species would be pretty similar (they are all cranes, after all), but I was very surprised to learn just how different the species can be.  The Brolga, for example, is an Australian crane that is actually adapted to drink saltwater.  The Brolga has a gland that allows it to excrete the salt from its body, almost like snot!  The Grey Crowned Crane (pictured above), is a crane species found in Africa, and is the only species that can roost in trees.  I was also surprised to learn that this crane species, which looks quite different than most, is actually the most ancient.

I don’t want to spoil much more.  As I said before, I would highly recommend taking a guided tour! Beautiful trails, interesting facts, and cranes, what more could you ask for?

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Whooping Crane (Photo Credit: International Crane Foundation)

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Sandhill Crane (Photo Credit: International Crane Foundation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Information:059

Visiting Hours:

  • Open to the public every day between April 15th and October 31st- 9 am-5 pm

Guided Tours:

  • Memorial-Labor Day: offered daily at 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
  • April, May, September, and October: offered only on weekends at 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm

Upcoming Events:

  • Annual Member Appreciation Day
    • Sept. 26th- 9 am-5 pm
    • Events include:
      • Behind-the-scenes tours of Crane City
      • Behind-the-scenes tours of our veterinary labs and crane care facilities
      • Guided prairie walks on our scenic trails
  • Good Neighbor Day
    • Oct. 17th- 9 am-5 pm
    • Bring a non-perishable food item donation for the Baraboo Food Pantry and receive FREE admission to see the world’s cranes at the ICF headquarters in Baraboo, WI.

Please visit the International Crane Foundation’s website for more information on upcoming events and programs.

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