Baileys Harbor, Wis. (March 16, 2023) – The Ridges Sanctuary is hosting a Crane Symposium on April 14th and 15th to expand awareness and appreciation of Door County’s crane populations. Wisconsin cranes have made a comeback after decades of declining populations. Symposium events will offer information on why populations declined, why they are resurging, and current threats to crane populations. The public will also have an opportunity to participate in the Midwest Crane Count and enjoy an art show with Wisconsin artist Thomas Jewell.
Keynote Presentation: What Have We Done to Deserve All These Cranes? With Professor Stanley Temple, April 14, 6:00pm-7:30pm
In recent years islands and sandbars along the Wisconsin River have hosted evergrowing numbers of Greater Sandhill Cranes as they prepare to depart for their wintering areas. Flocks of upwards of 10,000 birds converge on the stretch of the river above and below the Aldo Leopold Shack each fall. That represents a large proportion of the cranes that now nest in Wisconsin. Why has there been such an impressive resurgence in the crane population since Aldo Leopold worried about its impending extirpation 80 years ago, and what attracts all these birds to the vicinity of the Shack? Stanley Temple, professor of forest and wildlife ecology and environmental studies at UW Madison, will review the remarkable recovery of Midwestern sandhill cranes, describe their migratory behavior and discuss recent controversies, such as crane hunting, that have attended their new status as an abundant bird. Free Event. Preregistration required to access Zoom link at www.ridgessanctuary.org.
Midwest Crane Count, April 15, 5:30am-7:30am
The International Crane Foundation sponsors the Annual Midwest Crane Count as a part of its mission to conserve the world’s 15 species of cranes and the natural communities on which they depend. Sandhill Cranes once nearly disappeared from Wisconsin, but the species has successfully recovered and is slowly expanding into neighboring states. Observations of Sandhill Cranes can lend insight into threatened crane species, including the endangered Whooping Crane. There are now approximately 80 Whooping Cranes in the reintroduced population in central Wisconsin, and volunteer Crane Counters may have a chance of sighting a Whooping Crane during the survey. Counts will take place at sites throughout Door County. Contact Sam Hoffman for more information at (920)-839-2802 ext. 108.
Crane Nest Site Hike with Jane Whitney, April 15, 10:00am-12:00pm
Join Naturalist Jane Whitney on a hike to a popular crane nesting site to learn about crane nesting sites and what makes the wetlands of Door County the perfect crane nesting habitat. Fee: $15 Public | $12 Member | $5 16 & Under
Pre-registration required at www.ridgessanctuary.org.
Symposium Reception with Artist Thomas Jewell and Land Manager Sam Hoffman, April 15, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Join us at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center for an afternoon in celebration of Wisconsin Cranes, featuring “Door County Wildlife in Watercolor” artwork by Wisconsin artist Thomas Jewell. This exhibit 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. At 1:30 pm, Thomas Jewell will give artist remarks about this exhibit and the process of his work. His artist talk will be followed by a presentation by Ridges Land Manager Sam Hoffman, who will discuss past crane count data and the importance of wetland protection in Door County for Midwest crane populations. Free Event.
Jewell’s artist exhibition, Door County Wildlife in Watercolor runs from April 13-May 21 in the
Nature Center Gallery Hall at the Ridges Sanctuary.
About The Ridges Sanctuary: The Ridges Sanctuary is a 1,600-acre private, nonprofit nature preserve located in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. It is listed as a National Natural Landmark, Important Bird Area and Wisconsin State Natural Area. Founded in 1937, the Ridges was protected as Wisconsin’s first land trust to protect and preserve the sensitive habitat found in Baileys Harbor. Today, The Ridges continues to serve Baileys Harbor through its mission of Education, Research and Land Preservation.
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