GIBBON WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Whooping Crane Reintroduction: An Evening with Anne Lacy at Rowe Sanctuary
A free, one-hour speaker session at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center that traces the 2001 onward reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin and explains current conservation challenges.
Whooping Crane Reintroduction: An Evening with Anne Lacy at Rowe Sanctuary.
At the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska, a focused public session examines more than two decades of work to reintroduce the Whooping Crane to the eastern United States. Since the first cohort of birds was released in Wisconsin in 2001, over 300 individuals have been released using multiple rearing and release methods. The program has seen gains and setbacks — including issues with nesting and chick production, changes in release areas, and amended release techniques — and this one-hour presentation by Anne Lacy of the International Crane Foundation looks at progress toward downlisting the species from endangered status.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A concise update on two decades of reintroduction
Learn how reintroduction began in 2001, how successive cohorts and varying release methods have produced more than 300 released Whooping Cranes, and what that record means for recovery efforts.
Expert perspective from the International Crane Foundation
Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs—North America at ICF, brings long-term field experience and a research background on crane ecology to explain the trials and tribulations of the eastern reintroduction.
Nesting, chick production and evolving release strategies
The presentation focuses on practical conservation challenges: nesting success and chick production, relocations to new release areas, and adjustments to rearing and release methods as practitioners pursue downlisting goals.
What the day feels like
What to expect at the session
This is an information-focused, one-hour public presentation that reviews the history, methods, outcomes and ongoing questions around the Whooping Crane reintroduction in the eastern flyway, presented by a senior ICF program director leading regional research and management efforts.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who should attend
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Friday, March 13, 2026; session runs 2:30–3:15 pm (one hour). Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for registration and seating.
No special gear is required for the indoor presentation; bring any registration confirmation or identification as needed and note any accommodation needs when registering.
The program is free but requires registration in advance.
Meeting point: Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, 44450 Elm Island Rd, Gibbon, NE 68840; indicate accessibility requests during registration.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes prior to your start time.
How long is the presentation?
The session runs one hour, from 2:30–3:15 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Is there a cost to attend?
The event is free, but registration is required.
Who is the speaker?
Anne Lacy, Director of Eastern Flyway Programs—North America at the International Crane Foundation (ICF).
Where is the meeting location?
Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, 44450 Elm Island Rd, Gibbon, NE 68840.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Please indicate requests for accommodations when registering so the center can plan appropriate support.