Our Conservation Work

Science & Research

Crane Trust undertakes rigorous scientific research projects to inform land and water management, conservation policies, and land preservation efforts.

Whooping Crane

The tallest bird in North America

Sandhill Crane

They fill Nebraska skies every March

Other Species

Rich variety of plants and wildlife

Research Publications

Publications include research projects led by Crane Trust staff, with acknowledged Crane Trust support, or conducted on Crane Trust properties.

Land Management

Crane Trust is dedicated to the protection of wildlife species that depend on the Central Platte River Valley’s unique ecosystems.

American Bison

Great Plains keystone species

Platte River

Vital river system

Prairie

Unique critical habitat

Education

Crane Trust is part of a worldwide movement to prove that outdoor experiences are fundamental to our humanity, and we must reconnect with the natural world. Crane Trust education activities bring people together through shared outdoor experiences that connect us to place, nature, and each other. Participants learn through experiential field trips, special events, family programs, service-learning opportunities, presentations, virtual programs, and outreach events. Please explore our calendar or contact us to learn more!

Blog

Fall Crane Blog 1

Hey all! Surprised to hear from me so soon? It’s Crane Season again!... Wait… it’s not March! It may not be March or the spring crane migration, but what goes up (north) must come down (south). It’s the fall crane migration! Cranes are leaving their breeding grounds...

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Sunsets and Smammals

Last month, we wrapped up small mammal trapping. Affectionately known as “smammaling,” small mammal trapping is both exhausting and rewarding. To prevent the smammals from baking inside the traps all day, we set traps just before sunset and pick them up just after...

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Fishy Fridays!

When August rolls around it brings with it more surveys and fun! One of the surveys that starts in August is our fish seining and slough condition monitoring. Collecting data from the sloughs helps us to understand what is available for Whooping Cranes, Sandhill...

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Who Gives a Scat?

When I took this job I did not think I would have to deal with so much poop! I mean I should’ve guessed what “collecting bison biometric data” on the job listing was a euphemism for, but ce la vie! Don’t get me wrong, poop is an incredibly useful biological tool!...

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Birds & the Bees

Hey everyone! It’s Emma! I’m back to give you all some updates on what has been going on at the Crane Trust with the Science team. Birds first!!! Since I started in late May we have been conducting breeding bird surveys. This entails either Eleanor (Saunders...

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