If you are ever in Baraboo, Wisconsin, visit the International Crane Foundation

[Kolesar]

And take a tour of their wonderful conservatory out there in the tall grass prarie. We found the ICF by chance while we were "passing through" the area.



The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is the only place in the world where you can see all 15 crane species. ICF has gained international acclaim as one of the world's leaders in the conservation of endangered species. While visiting ICF, you will learn about the techniques used to preserve some of the rarest birds in the world. For generations, cranes have captivated the people who live near them. They have become important figures in the legends and mythology of aboriginal peoples around the world.

During your visit, you may see the Wattled Cranes gracefully dancing in their grassland enclosure, or hear the haunting calls of the Red-crowned Cranes. You will also see the Sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world. At the Amoco Whooping Crane Exhibit, you can observe one of the world's rarest birds, the Whooping crane, in a wetland exhibit. You may also want to explore our nature trails through oak savanna, wetlands and tall grass prairie and learn about ecosystem restoration and preservation.

We invite you to learn more about the wonder of cranes, threats to their survival, and ICF's efforts to protect them.

http://www.savingcranes.org/

[luvspeas]

1. çrane foundation rocks!

The puppets are way cool too. I used to live in Madison and I have a poster from my trip to the Crane Foundation. I used to take my dog to Warner Park where a little family of Sandhill Cranes lived (mommy, daddy and a baby). Very occasionally they'd walk around the park - usually if it was foggy or wet, but mostly they lived just out of reach in a wetland right next to the leash free dog walk area. How do I know this, you ask? Because those motherfuckers could blast a call that could bust your eardrums! How do they do that? I also saw a group of migrating cranes once. I actually heard them first. Damn they are loud! Now that I live in Texas, I've been wanting to go to the Crane Festival in Port Arthur. It's their wintering grounds.

[Kolesar]

5. We saw Sandhill Cranes in Yellowstone NP

And also some at a lake near Dayton, Ohio when they were migrating in November 2007.

[Kajsa]

2. Thanks, Kolestar!

Cranes, egrets and herons are some of my favorite birds,
next to pelicans.

They are so graceful and beautiful in flight.

If I ever make it up to Baraboo, you bet I'll visit the
ICF!

:) :hi:

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. Yes, my parents went there

They would second your recommendation.

[damntexdem]

4. Been there, done that. It's great.

Also visit the Circus Museum.

[madrchsod]

6. i`ve been everywhere up there but the icf..this year i`m going

[Viking12]

7. There's also a very cool/creepy clown cemetary there.

Baraboo was the traditional summer headquaters of several major circuses. Many of the circus folk took up residence in the area and lived out there years.

[Kolesar]

8. Inane Clown Epitaphs?