Sandhill Crane Conservation in Northwest Colorado
- Library Hall
Sandhill Cranes in Northwest Colorado are part of the Rocky Mountain flock of Greater Sandhill Cranes. These cranes nest, raise their young, and gather in the fall at staging areas before migrating south. Learn why Sandhill Cranes are important here, why we want to conserve them, and what the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition is doing to help conserve these iconic birds.
About the speaker
Erin Gelling is the ExecutiveDirector for Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition. She received her M.S. in Rangeland Ecology from University of Wyoming working with one of her favorite birds, Greater Sage-grouse, and received her B.S. in Ecology. She has a strong background in avian ecology, botany, and environmental education having worked for non-profits, government, and universities. For over 15 years, she has worked with a variety of birds, including plovers, sparrows, shorebirds, sage-grouse, and her other favorite bird, Sandhill Cranes, across the U.S. She loves the outdoors, her two dogs and husband, living in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and getting distracted by birds and plants.
About the Yampa Valley Crane Festival: Aug. 31- Sept. 3, 2023
The Greater Sandhill Crane is an iconic species of the Yampa Valley. Returning in the spring, cranes nest and raise their young in wetland areas throughout the valley. In late summer and early fall, hundreds of cranes from the Rocky Mountain flock join the local birds to rest and feed before continuing their journey south. The Yampa Valley Crane Festival celebrates these iconic birds with daily crane viewings, expert speakers, films, art exhibits, workshops, family activities and more. Bud Werner Memorial Library is festival headquarters and the venue for many of these talks, films and events. Learn more about the 12th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival.