Registration is now open for the Great Midwest Crane Fest – Celebrating Community and Conservation in Baraboo, Wisconsin as thousands of Sandhill Cranes gather near the Wisconsin River before flying south for the winter.
What should I expect during the festival?
- Wisconsin's largest crane congregation
- Guided crane-viewing tours
- Presentations and workshops
- And more!
Schedule of Events
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Aldo Leopold Foundation
Visit the Aldo Leopold Foundation's Headquarters
- Lectures
- Art displays
- Guided Nature Hikes
- Guided Leopold Shack Tours
- Guided Green Building Tours
- Self-Led Duhr Riverview West Sandbar Trail
- Access to the Aldo Leopold Foundation Center Exhibits and Gift Shop
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Open Leopold Shack Viewing
Leopold Shack and Farm
Explore a National Historic Landmark, the Leopold Shack and Farm, and the surrounding landscape! Bring your phone to scan the QR codes on the signs throughout the trail system to learn more about the Leopold Family and the rich history surrounding the Leopold Shack and Farm. The trail loop is approximately one mile long and features various terrain types.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Unearthed Art Display by Pamela Sloan
Aldo Leopold Foundation Foyer
By burying paper in strategic locations, soil erosion transforms paper into the foundation for this ongoing project by artist Pamela Sloan. Once removed from the soil, the artist determines whether the paper remains untouched, minimally modified, collaged, or digitally composited. Learn more about her art here.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Boundaries vs. Connections Art Display by Melanie Tallmadge-Sainz
Aldo Leopold Foundation
Boundaries vs. Connections will explore the colonialist notion of land and maps that control and define people's relationship with land through hard lines and divisions. As a Ho-Chunk tribal member and artist raised in rural Wisconsin, Sainz explores the Indigenous relationship to the land and its inhabitants, characterized by connections and stewardship. Featuring a variety of arranged temporary installations juxtaposed with diverse cultural objects that reflect an objection to planned obsolescence, the lecture and exhibition will also include new mixed media work created by Sainz set in indoor and outdoor areas at the Aldo Leopold Center.
9 to 10 a.m.: Extraordinary Leadership – The Wilderness Act of 1964 with Becky Rom
Aldo Leopold Foundation Legacy Hall
Becky Rom will trace the work to protect America's wild public lands that resulted in the Wilderness Act of 1964. She will describe the extraordinary leadership, much of it by Midwesterners, that led to the passage of the Act by Congress and its signing by President Lyndon Johnson. Management decisions that continually eroded wilderness protection for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and other areas around the country in national forests and national parks made clear to the leaders of The Wilderness Society that Congressional action was essential to saving wilderness.
10 to 11 a.m.: Guided Nature Hike
Meet near the Leopold Memorial Site
Bring your questions and join the Aldo Leopold Foundation's seasoned naturalists for a one-mile guided walking tour of our Prairie Vista loop Trail! Whether a first-time visitor or a regular patron, participants will enjoy the scenery of our restored oak savanna and tallgrass prairie, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. This guided nature hike is a great way to learn more about the work of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, phenology, ecology and the Land Ethic.
This one-mile hike could be strenuous for some, as it will be through varied terrain on improved hiking trails. Please arrive dressed for the appropriate weather conditions of the day.
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Boundaries vs. Connections with Melanie Tallmadge-Sainz
Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall
Boundaries vs. Connections will explore the colonialist notion of land and maps that control and define people's relationship with land through hard lines and divisions. As a Ho-Chunk tribal member and artist raised in rural Wisconsin, Sainz explores the Indigenous relationship to the land and its inhabitants, characterized by connections and stewardship. Featuring a variety of arranged temporary installations juxtaposed with diverse cultural objects that reflect an objection to planned obsolescence, the lecture and exhibition will also include new mixed media work created by Sainz set in indoor and outdoor areas at the Aldo Leopold Center.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Guided Leopold Shack Tour
Leopold Shack and Farm
The landscape surrounding the historic Leopold Shack was the primary inspiration for Aldo Leopold's essays in A Sand County Almanac and continues to be a living classroom for exploring ecological relationships and conservation history. Come hear the stories about the pioneering restoration work initiated by Leopold and his family, experience the inside of the Shack, stroll through one of the second oldest prairie restorations in the world, and enjoy the historic woods near the Wisconsin River. This tour is led by the Aldo Leopold Foundation's knowledgeable guides and lasts about two hours.
12 to 1 p.m.: Guided Nature Hike
Meet near the Leopold Memorial Site
Bring your questions and join the Aldo Leopold Foundation's seasoned naturalists for a one-mile guided walking tour of our Prairie Vista loop Trail! Whether a first-time visitor or a regular patron, participants will enjoy the scenery of our restored oak savanna and tallgrass prairie, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. This guided nature hike is a great way to learn more about the work of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, phenology, ecology and the Land Ethic.
This one-mile hike could be strenuous for some, as it will be through varied terrain on improved hiking trails. Please arrive dressed for the appropriate weather conditions of the day.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: What Have We Done to Deserve All These Cranes? with Dr. Stan Temple
Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall
In recent years, islands and sandbars along the Wisconsin River have hosted ever-growing 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's Shack each fall. That's 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? Stan Temple will review the remarkable recovery of Midwestern Sandhill Cranes, describe their migratory behavior and discuss some of the recent controversies, such as crane hunting, that have attended their new status as an abundant bird.
2 to 3 p.m.: Guided Leopold Shack Tour
Leopold Shack and Farm
The landscape surrounding the historic Leopold Shack was the primary inspiration for Aldo Leopold's essays in A Sand County Almanac and continues to be a living classroom for exploring ecological relationships and conservation history. Come hear the stories about the pioneering restoration work initiated by Leopold and his family, experience the inside of the Shack, stroll through one of the second oldest prairie restorations in the world, and enjoy the historic woods near the Wisconsin River. This tour is led by the Aldo Leopold Foundation's knowledgeable guides and lasts about two hours.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: The Joy and Responsibility Arising as We Progress from Endangerment to Sustainability in Managing Wildlife Populations with Jeb Barzen
Aldo Leopold Foundation Lecture Hall
For many of us, wildlife conservation is defined by saving species that are in decline. Today, however, examples abound where wildlife populations have recovered to the extent that their abundance has, or may cause, new problems to predominate – problems of success due to burgeoning numbers. In Wisconsin, Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles, species with similar life histories, are two such examples, and both were once considered threatened in the state. During this festival, you will see both species well-represented along the Wisconsin River.
However, along with abundance comes responsibility. For example, high crane numbers can cause significant crop damage to farmers who otherwise provide cranes with good habitats. High eagle numbers may restrict populations of prey species (including cranes) as they reoccupy long-abandoned habitats. How can we better prepare for this type of success? Does overabundance even matter, or is more always better? Are scenarios of managing overabundance an exception to the rule of endangered species management or the emerging rule for which we will need to adjust? I look forward to exploring these interesting questions about two iconic species you have come here to celebrate.
4 to 5 p.m.: Green Building Tour
Meet in the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center foyer
Come take an inspirational tour of one of the greenest buildings in the world and learn how this building contributes to Aldo Leopold's legacy and the Land Ethic.
Using materials harvested from the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area, the Aldo Leopold Foundation sought to construct a building that reflected Leopold's Land Ethic. The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center meets the highest standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). Learn about the building features like geothermal earth tubes, radiant floor heating, forward thinking design and art from local artists.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: International Crane Foundation
Visit the International Crane Foundation's Global Headquarters
- Lectures
- Art displays
- Guided Prairie Walks
- Access to on-site nature trails
- Guided Cranes of the World Tours
- Access to the newly renovated Migration Center Exhibit
- Access to Cranes of the World Exhibits and George Archibald Welcome Center and Gift Shop
9 to 9:30 a.m.: Saturday Opening Remarks with Dr. Rich Beilfuss, International Crane Foundation President and CEO
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater
Join the International Crane Foundation's President and CEO, Dr. Rich Beilfuss, as he kicks off the second day of the 2024 Great Midwest Crane Fest. Learn about the International Crane Foundation, the importance of the festival, and the events that will be taking place throughout the day.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – Crane Behavior 101
Meet behind the George Archibald Welcome Center
This guided Cranes of the World tour offers the chance to learn about complex crane behavior, including the basics of crane anatomy, how to identify different behaviors, the practice of costume-rearing crane chicks, and stories about the International Crane Foundation's work worldwide.
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: The Gentle Gaze Workshop – The Relational Path of Nature Photography with Susan J. Preston and Holly Thomas
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater
Have you ever "woken up" in the middle of a photography outing only to realize your inner dialogue is louder than the cacophony of nature around you? Between the pressure to create Instagram-worthy images and the unpredictable movement of wildlife, nature and wildlife photography can feel more stressful than soothing.
During this mindfulness-based workshop, your guides, Susan J. Preston and Dr. Holly Thomas, will create a supportive, non-judgmental environment with a focus on presence as an antidote to perfectionism and loneliness. Please join us to explore the gifts of paying attention with a reverent and creative approach to nature photography that can be applied to any area of your life and deepen your sense of belonging. This is not a technical workshop, so be sure to bring a camera or phone that you are familiar with to reduce tech-related distractions. We encourage bringing an open heart and welcome photographers of all levels to join!
This 2.5-hour workshop will primarily take place outdoors on the nature trails at the International Crane Foundation; these trails are not paved, so please do not take scooters, wheelchairs, bicycles, or strollers onto trails. If you have any questions, please contact Susan on Instagram @susanprestonstudio or BosqueWinterWings.com.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Personal Lessons Learned Working to Save Whooping Cranes with Dr. Liz Smith
Ron Sauey Memorial Library
Whooping Cranes are regaled as one of the conservation success stories in North America. This species was listed as endangered in 1967 and 1973 due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss across their historic range. The increase in the wild Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population from less than 20 individuals in the 1940s to above 500 today is largely due to the concerted efforts of dedicated leaders and concerned individuals affecting the conservation effort. What has inspired us to ensure this recovery over eight decades and continue to address increasing challenges to their habitat, health, and safety? Please join Liz as she shares her personal motivation throughout her career and being part of this collective effort to save Whooping Cranes.
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Guided Prairie Walk
Meet at the Branch Family Trailhead
When you visit the International Crane Foundation's headquarters, you walk back in time and experience what the landscape of southern Wisconsin may have looked like in the past. Explore the beautiful on-site trails during these guided prairie walks and learn about prairie and wetland restoration and land management over the past 30 years. Guests will experience various native ecosystems, including oak savanna, native prairie, and wetlands.
12 to 1 p.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – North American Cranes
Meet at the George Archibald Welcome Center
This guided Cranes of the World tour offers the chance to learn about the two North American Crane species, their unique natural histories, and their recovery from low population numbers. Participants will learn about the history and ecology of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes, the importance of wetlands, and how international cooperation is used to protect vital crane ecosystems.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: Into Whooperland: A Photographer's Journey with Whooping Cranes with Michael Forsberg
Ron Sauey Memorial Library
Description: Michael Forsberg has spent the last five years camera-in-hand exploring the natural history of Whooping Cranes across the continent, meeting people who love them, and discovering how these tall, magnificent, and rarest of cranes are navigating the 21st century world. In this multimedia presentation based on his new book, Forsberg will take you on a wild, wonderful, and sometimes heartbreaking journey from their wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast to their remote nesting grounds in northern Canada, and on migration through the heart of the Great Plains.
2:15 to 3:15 p.m.: Guided Prairie Walk
Meet at the Branch Family Trailhead
When you visit the International Crane Foundation's headquarters, you walk back in time and experience what the landscape of southern Wisconsin may have looked like in the past. Explore the beautiful on-site trails during these guided prairie walks and learn about prairie and wetland restoration and land management over the past 30 years. Guests will experience various native ecosystems, including oak savanna, native prairie, and wetlands.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Guided Cranes of the World Tour – Cranes in Folklore
Meet behind the George Archibald Welcome Center
During this guided Cranes of the World Tour, guests will learn how cranes are connected to cultures across the globe. This tour will focus on people worldwide who use cranes in storytelling, how these cultural connections relate to cranes and conservation, and connections between folklore and actual crane behaviors.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Building a Better Bird: Chick Rearing at the International Crane Foundation with Marianne Wellington
Ron Sauey Memorial Library
Since 1973, the International Crane Foundation has worked to raise and safeguard all 15 species of cranes. Join Marianne Wellington, the International Crane Foundation's Senior Aviculturist and Chick Rearing Supervisor, to learn about the chick-rearing process, discover how things have changed (or stayed the same) for the cranes, and learn how Marianne's team "builds a better bird" to prepare different crane species for release into the wild or captivity.
6 to 8 a.m.: Sunrise Crane Field Lecture with Anne Lacy
Aldo Leopold Foundation near overflow parking
Come experience the grand spectacle of hundreds, or potentially thousands, of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead as they leave their nearby roosting area for the day. You can sit in a heated tent with light morning refreshments to enjoy the morning cacophony. And bring all your crane questions for Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America, and her fellow International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation representatives. Please note this event's location is not directly on the Wisconsin River in a crane blind.
You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please drive your vehicle to the Aldo Leopold Foundation's overflow parking lot, where you will be directed to the viewing location nearby.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
3 to 5 p.m.: Sunset Crane Field Lecture with Anne Lacy
Aldo Leopold Foundation near overflow parking
Come experience the grand spectacle of hundreds, or potentially thousands, of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead as they return to their evening roosting area. You can sit in a heated tent with light morning refreshments to enjoy the evening cacophony. And bring all your crane questions for Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs – North America, and her fellow International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation representatives. Please note this event's location is not directly on the Wisconsin River in a crane blind.
You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please drive your vehicle to the Aldo Leopold Foundation's overflow parking lot, where you will be directed to the viewing location nearby.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing with Dr. Stan Temple (West Blind)
Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation
This popular event begins with a presentation at the Aldo Leopold Foundation from world-renowned ornithologist and Senior Fellow Dr. Stan Temple. The presentation will orient attendees to the history and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes. After the presentation, you will drive your vehicle a half mile down the road and join Dr. Temple for an open-air, rustic wagon ride through the floodplain of the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area to our crane viewing blind on the banks of the Wisconsin River. The blind affords space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes, one of the 20th century's greatest conservation success stories! This experience runs for about three hours and ends shortly after sunset.
You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The blinds are enclosed, but they are not heated. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing with Aldo Leopold Foundation Staff (Shack Blind)
Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation
We invite you to spend the evening with the Aldo Leopold Foundation staff to experience the crane congregations at one of our crane blinds along the banks of the Wisconsin River! The event begins with a presentation at the Aldo Leopold Foundation from world-renowned ornithologist and Senior Fellow Dr. Stan Temple. The presentation will orient attendees to the history and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes. After the presentation, you will drive your vehicle a half mile down the road to park at the historic Leopold Shack, where you will walk a quarter mile to one of our crane viewing blinds alongside the Wisconsin River. The blind affords space to observe the incredible phenomenon of congregating cranes, one of the 21st century's greatest conservation success stories! This experience runs for about three hours and ends shortly after sunset.
You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. Please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to walk on a hiking trail that may be snowy or muddy. The blinds are enclosed, but they are not heated. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
2 to 5:30 p.m.: Crane Congregation Viewing at Riverside Farms
Meet at the Aldo Leopold Foundation
Get up close and personal with Sandhill Cranes and experience the Sandhill Crane congregation from a new perspective! The Aldo Leopold Foundation has partnered with a private landowner on the north side of the Wisconsin River to provide an opportunity to view cranes from a closer proximity! Enjoy a short shuttle trip to the crane viewing location from the Aldo Leopold Foundation. On the way, receive a lecture about the work of the Foundation, the area's natural history and our important partnership with the Pines family. Upon arrival, you will take a short hike to the viewing blind along the banks of the Wisconsin River.
You will need a general admission ticket for the day of your viewing. The blind will be open to the elements and may require laying prone for optimal viewing opportunities. Please dress appropriately for the weather and being outside. Space is also very limited; please be thoughtful to other paying guests and leave any large professional photography equipment (e.g., large lenses or tripods) at home or in your vehicle. Small personal cameras are welcome. Please, no flash photography.
Add-on event, additional registration required.
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