The Crane Trust reflects on this season's spring migration!
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From the President & CEO
As we conclude the spring migration of Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes, we are extraordinarily grateful to everyone who participated and supported the Crane Trust this season. Whether you took note of our weekly crane counts on social media, participated in blind tours, stayed overnight in our VIP experience, or participated in our virtual programs, we hope you were inspired and renewed by the awe of this natural phenomenon.
As the prairie begins to turn green, the Crane Trust team is actively continuing habitat restoration work. The Land Management team awaits favorable weather conditions to conduct prescribed burns, while the Science and Research team plans avian and plant surveys to support the myriad species that thrive on Crane Trust land. All of this work ensures vital habitat for more than 300 wildlife species, including Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes and other migratory birds.
Spring also means that our herd of 123 bison will begin calving any day now! Please follow the Crane Trust on social media to watch for pictures of the “cinnamon” calves.
THANK YOU to our members, donors, volunteers and supporters who continue to make all of our important work possible.
With continued gratitude,
Brice Krohn President & CEO
Science From the Air
The Science Team’s weekly flights over the Platte River have ended. Thanks to Bethany Ostrom, Wildlife Biologist, for coordinating and documenting the flights this year. The Crane Trust has been conducting these flights for 22 years. Bethany and team began weekly flights on February 13, surveying an 80-mile stretch of the Central Platte River Valley.
Week 1: 6,400
Week 2: 27,400
Week 3: 69,100
Week 4: 225,000
Week 5: 457,800
Week 6: 378,000
Week 7: 261,000
Week 8: 228,000
Week 9: 3,500
Make sure you check out all of Bethany’s blog posts to review her reports and observations from this year. It is fascinating reading!
Nature & Visitor Center Abuzz!
More than 30,000 visitors experienced the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center in March! Visitors learned about the Sandhill Crane migration, purchased gifts, supported local artists, ate in the snack shop, hiked the trails, viewed our bison herd and set off for guided tours. We are so very grateful to the 60 volunteers who devoted 1,315 hours in March to support our work. The Nature & Visitor Center is open YEAR ROUND Monday - Saturday. We hope you stop by to learn more about the Central Platte River Valley and the species it supports.
Leave a Legacy of Support
The Crane Trust is pleased to introduce the new Platte Society, an estate and planned giving community. Individuals or families who wish to provide financial support to the Crane Trust through their estate plans will be included. The Trust has been fortunate to receive generous support from legacy gifts, and we want to ensure these gifts are distributed appropriately as directed by the donor. Tax advantages can be gained by providing financial support to the Crane Trust. Find additional details on our website. Contact Matt Fong, Director of Fundraising & Outreach to learn more and to join the Platte Society.
Through scientific research, land management, and education, the mission of the Crane Trust is to protect and maintain the physical, hydrological and biological integrity of the Big Bend area of the Platte River so that it continues to function as a life support system for Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes and other migratory bird species.
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