Crane Fest Keynote ~ A Community Approach for Whooping Crane Conservation along the Texas Coast
- Library Hall
Whooping Cranes were officially listed as endangered in 1967 and 1973, as a result of unregulated hunting and habitat loss across their historic range. The increase from less than 20 individuals in 1940’s to above 500 today is largely due to concerted efforts of dedicated leaders and concerned individuals effecting the conservation effort. Share Dr. Smith’s journey as a scientist, conservationist, and now a retired craniac addressing some of the challenges and triumphs to save the Whooping Crane’s winter world.
About the speaker
Dr. Liz Smith is a native Texan, where she encountered her first Whooping Crane family at the age of ten as they wintered within the protected coastal marsh ecosystem. Her motivation to follow a scientific career was based on a love and curiosity of the natural world and how she could contribute to save it. She earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees at Corpus Christi State University and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in biology and wildlife sciences. Liz served as Research Scientist at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for 17 years working with her graduate students on coastal habitat assessment and conservation planning. Liz joined the International Crane Foundation in 2011 as Senior Whooping Crane Scientist as well as the Texas and North American Program Director until her retirement in 2022. She continues working as an ICF Sr. Research Associate using crane behavior to both assess habitat health and educating human communities on ways to share coastal habitat with cranes.
About the Yampa Valley Crane Festival: Aug. 29 — Sept. 1, 2024
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 13th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival.