We are in Baraboo WI.  It is probably best know for its close proximity to Wisconsin Dells, a huge vacation spot that is sort of an Ocean City boardwalk with a midwest flavor riddled with silly themed restaurants, Ducks, and lots of water parks (inside up here).  But we are here for the cranes.

The International Crane Foundation is a widely recognized center for research and protection of endangered crane species worldwide. They have specimens of all 15 species of cranes from around the globe; including our personal favorite, the Whooping Crane of North America.  We got to see them dancing.

They operate a captive breeding program that is critical in maintaining a genetic pool for the most endangered species. Their most news catching activity has been as a key participant in the start and continuing growth of the Wisconsin-Florida whooping crane flock (the ones that learned to migrate behind an ultra light aircraft).  They also provide chicks to supplement the Louisiana non-migrating flock.  We met a whooping crane pair as well as many other beautiful and some sort of bizarre looking long legged birds.

We are reminded that species in danger most often get in that shape because of man and man’s impact on those species’ habitats. We have a lot of work to do on that front.

The nearby town of Princeton holds a fun crane festival.  We checked it out Saturday when they filled their school with all things crane plus all sorts of seasonal arts and crafts that were sold to raise money for a number of conservation groups.  It was a fun stop.