We’re lucky to have the International Crane Foundation located right here in South Central Wisconsin. And now they have their own Wisconsin specialty license plate!
I’ll let them explain what they do:
“The Foundation, which has its global headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. The organization provides knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes.”
These beautiful plates were designed by a Wisconsin artist and feature both Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes. I’ve never been tempted by specialized license plates before, but when I saw the beautiful artwork I couldn’t resist.
People who buy the plates pay an extra $25 a year for their vehicle registration which goes directly to the International Crane Foundation.
I visited this nonprofit’s headquarters in the 1990s, and meant to return but never did until this past summer. Then I made up for it by going back 3 more times!
They have a 300-acre plot of land for the cranes that includes a lovely hiking trail. It features forest, marsh and prairie habitats. Jill and I had a couple of excellent birdwatching days there in mid- and late-summer.
The foundation maintains an active flock of 100 cranes. There are 15 crane species worldwide. They offer guided tours where you get to see many of the crane species up close. They also host many special events and have a lovely gift shop.
I was always fascinated by Sandhill Cranes and especially Whooping Cranes. There are fewer than 700 of the latter species left in the entire world.
One time when Jill and I were birdwatching in a marsh, four Whooping Cranes flew right over our heads. At the time we had no idea how rare that was. Thankfully we were able to snap photos because otherwise nobody would have believed us!
After visiting the foundation and getting to see so many beautiful cranes, I’m eager to learn more about them and how we can help them survive.
