Crane Meadows
Nature Center
9325 S. Alda Rd.
Wood River, NE 68883
(308) 382-1820

Email:
Info@cranemeadows.org

2004 Crane Meadows Calendar of Events

Crane Meadows is a private non profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide outdoor education and recreation to people of all ages. If you have any questions please contact Pam Andersen, Executive Director at 308-382-1820 or info@cranemeadows.org.

Crane Meadows Nature Center offers a wide variety of events that are both educational and entertaining for all ages. Activities are held year round that feature events in nature that correspond with the season.

Crane Meadows Nature Center is always busy with life. Whether it be the white-tailed deer in the winter time, the migration of the Sandhill Cranes in the spring, or the fall migration of millions of ducks and geese, Crane Meadows is a year-round wildlife viewer's paradise.

The featured event every year, as it has been for the past thousand years, is the return of nearly 500,000 Sandhill Cranes to central Nebraska. Only along this 60 mile stretch of the Platte River, which Crane Meadows is a part of, can you see the splendor and beauty of these magnificent birds. Crane Meadows provides the best viewing opportunities with several different tours available.

A majority of the events that take place at Crane Meadows are outdoor activities and, therefore subject to change as weather accommodates. For a full description of specific events or for more information email or call (308) 382-1820.

Select a Program for a Full Description

NOVEMBER

Nature Craft Show
November 20, 2004
Do some early Christmas shopping and see how nature has inspired dozens of artisans to produce a variety of crafts. The Craft Show will be from 9 - 5 and admission is free. The hiking trails will also be open free of charge.

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DECEMBER

Breakfast with Father Christmas
December 11
Breakfast with Father Christmas from 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Children, come and share a wonderful morning with Father Christmas. Enjoy juice and rolls, and then get your picture taken with Father Christmas. Listen to stories, play games and enter the coloring contest. String popcorn and berries for the birds, or make a pinecone feeder. Parents are welcome to browse the gift shop or join their children in the festivities. Reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Cost: $7.50 per child for non-members, $6.00 per child for members.

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Annual Hall County Christmas Bird Count
December 18
December 18 is the annual Hall County Christmas Bird Count. We will start at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast at Tommy's Restaurant in Grand Island. All people are welcome to join us for a great day of birding. Call the Nature Center for more information. BACKTO SELECTIONS

JANUARY


EAGLE WATCH
January 15, 2005
Meet at Crane Meadows Nature Center at 7:30 a.m. for the annual eagle watch. We will caravan out to the J-2 Power Plant and Johnson Lake to learn about and observe these magnificent birds. At 3:00 there will be a presentation by Raptor Recovery. People are responsible for their own transportation and they will need to bring a sack lunch. Cost: $3.00 per person

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MARCH

MICHAEL FORSBERG BOOK SIGNING
March 12, 2005
Photographer and author, Michael Forsberg, will be at Crane Meadows Nature Center from 10:00 to Noon signing his newest book "On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America." The book focuses on all six subspecies of sandhill cranes in North America. It includes his own photography and discusses the challenges these majestic birds face.

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WHOOPING CRANE RESTORATION
March 19 and 20, 2005
Joan Garland from the International Crane Foundation will be giving a presentation on the Whooping Crane Restoration project at 2:00 March 19th and 20th. Whooping cranes are a federally endangered species, and this is a perfect opportunity to learn about the efforts to bring these rare birds back. Free Admission.

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SPRING ART SHOW
March 19 and 20, 2005
Several Nebraska artists and photographers will have their work on display during the spring art show at Crane Meadows Nature Center. The art show will run from 8:00 - 6:00 on Saturday, March 19 and from 8:00 - 5:00 on Sunday, March 20. Free Admission.

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CRANES AND THE PLATTE: A NATURAL UNION
March 27, 2005
Paul Johnsgard, ornithologist and noted Nebraska author, will be giving a presentation at 2:00 on the history and future of sandhill cranes and the Platte River Valley. Free Admission.


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