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
Sandhill Crane
Other Species
Research Publications
Publications include research projects led by Crane Trust staff, with acknowledged Crane Trust support, or conducted on Crane Trust properties.
Land Management
American Bison
Platte River
Prairie
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
Whooping Crane Behavioral Surveys
The whooping crane, Grus americana, is the largest bird in North America. Its feathers are completely white except for black wing tips, a red patch on its forehead, and black patches on its head. Standing five feet tall and soaring on an eight-foot wingspan, these...
Crane Count Week 0 – Preseason Update
Next week, we take the first of our yearly aerial crane count surveys of 2024! I would say that this time of year has snuck up on us but if you have been staying up to date on happenings around the Crane Trust you know the cranes have not necessarily given us a break...
♫Burn Prairie Burn♫
On October 23rd, we completed an 80-acre prescribed burn on Crane Trust property. Turning the grassland black and creating a smokey sky. Prescribed burns are controlled fires that are lit to fulfill some kind of land management goal. At the Crane Trust, we burn to...
Bison Working At The Crane Trust
Top left: Pie chart displaying the genetics of our 2023 yearling heifers. Bottom left: Labeled bison working setup:1-Holding pen 2-Funneling alley3-Separation Alley4-Swing tub 5-Lead-Up Alley 6-Squeeze chute 7-Separation chute8-Post Working PensRight: Yearling bison...
River “Puppies” Released
Photograph By Matt Urbanski -Both female river otters shortly after entering their new enclosure at Crane Trust.Top photograph by Carlee Moates -Both female otters exploring the Platte River after being released. Bottom photograph by Megan Soldatke -Why it's her...
Seed Collection Frenzy
Photographs by Kylee Warren Top: Megan Soldatke, Lila O. Wilson Biological Monitoring Fellow, and Matt Urbanski, Saunders Conservation Fellow walk to a seed collection site. Middle: Megan Soldatke Collecting prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) Bottom: Full...