ContactsAshley Spratt,
612-713-5314
Daniel Peterson
608-565-4412
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will provide public opportunities to see endangered whooping cranes on the refuge as part of the 8th Annual Whooping Crane and Wildlife Festival Saturday, September 20 in Necedah, Wis. The small town of Necedah plays host to wildlife and whooping crane or "whooper" enthusiasts from across the United States and globe during this annual celebration of the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project.
The Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project began in 2001 with the purpose of establishing a population of whooping cranes that breed in Wisconsin and migrate to the southeast for the winter. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a member of the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a group of non-profit organizations and government agencies spearheading the project.
As part of the project, young whooping cranes are trained to follow ultralight aircraft, which then leads them to their wintering grounds in Florida. This program has helped a population of 69 migrating whoopers make their summer home in the Necedah NWR. The 43,656-acre refuge was established in 1939 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Festival-goers will have a chance to see cranes, waterfowl and other wildlife by joining one of the Necedah NWR tours in the morning or afternoon. Refuge tour buses will leave every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. and at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
The Whooping Crane and Wildlife Festival will also host a diverse range of speakers from Operation Migration, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, Eagle Optics, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other exhibiting organizations.
"Eight years ago we started out with a few speakers and some crafters, with about 500 people in attendance. Now, people from all over the United States and from all around the world come to the event," said Dave Arnold, festival chairman and Lions Club member. In addition to speakers and educational exhibits, the festival will also include a children's tent with a Little Whooper Puppet Show, lessons on building bird nest boxes, wildlife track t-shirt printing, and an educational program on Wisconsin's frogs, toads and salamanders.
Refuge Tour Tickets can be purchased at the festival in Lions Park on the day of the event. The festival will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For more information on festival speakers and events, visit http://www.whooping-crane-festival.com/
The Necedah Lions Club and Necedah Lions Charities are non-profit organizations and fees charged for the day cover rental of tents, equipment and transportation. Any profits from the festival go to the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, needy people in the community, eye glasses for children, money for handicapped youth in the area to attend camp at the Lions Camp in Rosholt. The Necedah Lions Club also constructs and installs handicap ramps for local citizens who need them along with numerous other activities to support the local community.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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