Friends of Goose Pond is proud to present the 16th Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival, celebrating the spring migration of sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, and numerous waterfowl to the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, a 9000-acre wetland complex south of Linton, Indiana.

Marsh Madness features a variety of cultural, educational, and wildlife conservation-oriented experiences. There’s something for everyone: migrating cranes and waterfowl, wetland driving tours, educational exhibits at the Goose Pond Visitors Center, wildlife art display, and family and kid’s nature activities.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, February 15th, 2025, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Roy Clark Building, Humphrey's Park, Linton, Indiana

Saturday: Humphreys Park

Pick up maps for self-guided driving tours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Day-of tips where bird guides are posted.

Nature scavenger hunt with prizes

Birds of Prey: 10 am and 2 pm Roy Clark Building

Owl Pellet Activity for Kids and Adults 11 am Amy Kearns, Girl Scout Cabin

Protecting Indiana's Feathered Future: A focus on Goose Pond-12 pm Alex Barton and Amy Kearns, Girl Scout Cabin

"Amphibians of Indiana" 1pm Jim Horton, Hoosier Herpetological Society, Girl Scout Cabin

Hoosier Herpetological Society "live reptiles and amphibians on display" all day

International Crane Foundation information table

Hands-on wildlife learning table

Marsh Madness cool merchandise available

Linton Civitan Club will be providing breakfast and lunch (8:00am - 4:00pm)

Building Squirrel Feeders 10:00 am to 2:00 pm West Shelter House- thank you Linton Civitan!

First buses leave at 8:30 am Last bus leaves at 3:00 pm

Arts and Craft Vendors 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Roy Clark Building, Linton Park:

East Shelter House Bus Stop

Cheryl Goodman; Coloring for kids

Saturday February 15th: Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area Visitors Center 9am to 5pm

Master tracker program

Visitors Center Exhibits

Intl Whooping Crane Foundation-Crane banding all day

Get your picture taken with Hope the Whooping Crane 9:00 to 9:30am and 12:30 to1 pm

Nature trail walking tours

Whooping Crane foundation outreach table

Inside spotting scopes

Bus stops on guided wetland tour-3 buses with guides

Date: February 14 - 15, 2025