Event Registration - Nebraska Academy of Sciences

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NAS Annual Crane Migration Field Trip
3/21/2025
1:30 PM - 9:00 PM CST

Event Description

The 2025 Crane Migration Experience-Friday, March 21st, 2025
Sponsored and Organized by UNK Biology, Prairie Project, and Nebraska Academy of Sciences

Teacher Workshop and Crane Lesson Plans-$20
9:30-     Introductions
9:40-     Rowe Sanctuary on Rowe Sanctuary, Educational Opportunities, etc.  
10:00-    Background Presentations 
                -Sandhill Cranes Overview by Dr. Jacob C. Cooper, UNK Biology Department and Ornithologist
                -Grassland and Woody Encroachment-Dr. Cody McGregor-UNK Biology
                -Prescribed Fire and Grassland Habitat Lecture-Dr. Letty Reichart, Ornithologist and UNK Biology
                
10:45-    -Mini Presentations on Lesson Plans
12:00-    Lunch and Table discussions on Lesson Plans (sponsored by Prairie Project, and included in registration fee)
1:00-    Break
1:10    Details of Modified lesson plans and working with presenters and other support faculty
1:50-    Debrief, Wrap up, fill out surveys
2:00-    End of teacher workshop
participants can leave, OR:

NAS Field Experiences
2:30-4:00 PM
NAS Field Experiences (Field Tours, UNK Ornithologists and Rowe Sanctuary Staff will explain Prairie Biology and Crane Basics)

-Burn Locations at Rowe
-Restored Grasslands at Rowe
-Crane Viewing Opportunities

 

Private Blind Tour-$75

5:00 Potato Bar Dinner at the Sanctuary Lecture and Presentations 

6:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m.-Blinds
More detail on the Blind tour follows:

One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America, this gathering of cranes is the largest in the world.

Duration

Approximately 3 Hours
Please arrive and be ready to go by your assigned start time.

About

Your crane viewing experience will begin indoors at our Visitor’s Center. Participants will receive a welcome and introduction with important information about Sandhill Cranes and the tour experience.
Following the introduction, you will meet your guides and gather for a walk to our Discovery Stations for crane viewing. These viewing blinds are located along the Platte River and are accessible by trails. Trail surfaces vary, but include crushed rock and pavement. Participants should plan on walking ¼ to ½ mile in low-light conditions. To reduce disturbance only red lights will be allowed, provided by your guides. You will remain will your group for the duration of your crane viewing tour.
The Discovery Stations are designed to minimize human disturbance of the Sandhill Cranes while offering the best possible viewing for visitors. When arriving, tour participants will enter quietly and find a place at the windows. Talking and noise are discouraged to protect the birds and the maintain the experience for others. In each Discovery Station there are benches located along the back wall that maintain a view of the river. Each Discovery Station has a warming room attached and a port-a-potty is available nearby.
Because the tour involves wildlife, each experience is different. Discovery Stations are located close to historical crane roosts; however, we cannot control the bird’s behavior. The viewing distance to the cranes will vary each day and night depending on where birds decide to roost. Viewing from the Discovery Station is the best possible chance to see this phenomenon up close! Regardless of roosting selection, cranes will be flying overhead and our tours consistently provide a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the world’s largest gathering of cranes.
All Discovery Stations have the following accommodations:
- Accessible by a ramp
- Open air, but have closable windows
- Warming room that provides a space to get out of the wind and a small heater with supplemental heat
We can provide the following accommodations for individuals with difficulty walking.
- Access to the closest discovery station (about 1/4 mile)
- Paved trail
- Golf Carts (please note that we do not have enough golf carts to transport everyone and so we ask for your patience if multiple trips must be made with the golf cart)
- Viewing windows designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs
Visit our interactive guide to help you prepare for your tour.

What to Wear

The following are strongly recommended:
  • The warmest dark coat and clothing you have, including long underwear
  • Warm footwear
  • Wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton)
  • Very warm gloves or mittens
  • Stocking cap or insulated hat
  • Dress in layers
  • Dark clothing please
Be prepared for the weather! A local forecast can be found here.

What to Bring

  • Binoculars
  • Dark clothing please
  • Warm drinks & water bottle

Policies

  • Use of flash photography is not allowed to minimize disturbance to cranes.
  • Tripods are not allowed. Cameras in continuous shooting mode are not allowed.
  • Reminder: All children must be 10 years or older to participate in our crane experiences.

 

Location:

All tours begin at the Rowe Sanctuary, at 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE 68840.

Local Amenities

For lodging and other visitor information, go to http://www.visitkearney.org/
Area events can be found here