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Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, July 23, 2011

International Crane Foundation (ICF)

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On my way from Minnesota to my sister’s house in Illinois on Thursday, I also decided to take a break about half way along the trip and stop at the International Crane Foundation’s headquarters in Baraboo, WI.  The ICF is a non-profit conservation organization that works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetland and grassland ecosystems on which they depend… Our world headquarters is a center for research, education, ecosystem restoration and captive breeding.”

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Since I have taken the guided tour in the past, I opted to do the self-guided tour this time so I could concentrate on photography.  I also had a limited amount of time since I still had almost 200 miles to go for the day.  Smile  The paths for viewing the cranes are all paved and handicapped accessible.  There are even several mobility scooters available for visitor’s use.  Interestingly, the paths are paved with recycled crushed glass bottles.  I haven’t been anywhere else that uses this resource.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer, 20116

There are 15 species of cranes in the entire world, and this is the only facility that has birds of all of these species.  Because I took so many pictures, I’m using a series of collages to present what I saw.  (you can click to enlarge if you like)

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There is a marvelous mural on the wall of one of the buildings in the Spirit of Africa exhibit.  There are plenty of benches and shaded observation areas along the way with water dispensers for visitors.  That water was much appreciated during my walk around the paths.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer, 20117

In the center is the Johnson Exhibit Pod where many species outside of Africa are found.  The enclosures are large, and it was interesting to watch the birds finding all sorts of bugs and things to eat.  I’m not sure that fellow on the left appreciated having his picture taken.  Looks like he’s giving me the evil eye!

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There is a separate, beautiful exhibit of our North American endangered Whooping Crane.  It’s one of the few places where you can get a picture without the chain fence in the way.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer, 20114

The paths throughout the compound are lined with many varieties of native wildflowers.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer, 20115

I’d say that July is a great time for a visit here to enjoy the added beauty.  There are also several unpaved hiking trails, a family education center, and a picnic area on the property that I didn’t have time to take advantage of on this visit.  The visitor’s center also has a nature store that I’ll talk about more in a later post.  The cost for seniors is $8, which includes the guided tour of the facilities.  I found that price reasonable for what you are able to see and do, and it helps support this non-profit agency.  So, if you’re in the Wisconsin Dells area anytime, I’d suggest a visit to the International Crane Foundation on US 12.

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                                                                               THE END!!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

30 comments:

  1. Oh, wow, I'd love to be able to see those cranes!

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  2. What a wonderful place. Your pictures of the cranes are wonderful.

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  3. What a great post. Photos, as usual are wonderful. That's one place that I want to visit.

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  4. Say, I think I recognize some of those fellows from Arizona's White Water Draw. Nice colors in the photos & some good solid 'eye' shots too:))

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  5. Great photos, Judy. You're an expert at photographing cranes!

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  6. You are heading close to where we are at the Wisconsin Dells. Looks like a great place to visit, just been too lazy and hot to do much of anything. Enjoy!

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  7. Beautiful, beautiful photos of the cranes. I am so impressed with some of the wonderful visitor centers and their exhibits around the country. I look forward to seeing this one someday as well.

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  8. What a beautiful sanctuary. $8 is more then fair

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  9. Excellent place to visit, would love to see it myself!

    great pictures!

    Cheers!

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  10. I remember going to the Dell when I was a kid. Also there is a hotel there now that has a half dozen of my animal heads. I don't know which one, because it was done thru a decorator and I have forgotten the name they told me.

    If we ever do go again, I hope we can remember to visit the cranes.

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  11. An interesting and educational post. Your photos are just terrific. I'd say $8 is a bargain for being surrounded by such beauty. What is that little bird in amongst the flower pictures?

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  12. It looks to me like the cranes in the first picture are made of wrought iron. I really like that as well as the rest of your photos. You do good work!!

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  13. I love to watch cranes - your photos are beautiful.

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  14. Beautiful photography yet again!! I would like to see a photo of that walkway though! It sounds interesting, but I'm so curious about how crushed glass doesn't stick into anything that is pressed into it! Like shoes or the tires of a wheelchair. There has to be something I'm not understanding about it!!!

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  15. such beautiful birds!..and great photography today, Judy..hard when you are pressed for time but you did a lovely job capturing all the cranes!!

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  16. The price of admission, when it allows us to see such beautiful creatures, and helps support a cause is always worth it.

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  17. Cool. It is now on our list for places to visit. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Looks like it was well worth your time to stop for a visit.

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  19. Awesome Crane photos. Never knew about this organization, thanks.

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  20. Something about those Cranes make me feel like they're giving you the "evil eye"..:-0 I seem to remember Whooping Crane tours around Fulton/Rockport Texas area..We never took one, and they are seasonal, I believe..Have you ever been around that area?? Goose Island State Park is a nice campground...

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  21. We were able to visit the ICF during our first year on the road. But our pictures were about third rate, unfortunately. Didn't take enough time. While we were at Baraboo, we also visited the World Circus Museum and the House on the Rock. Thanks for bringing us back to a truly wonderful place!

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  22. Yes the first picture is wrought iron. Our daughter knows the blacksmith who made those gates. Aren't they wonderful?

    Is this the place that taught a batch of cranes how to migrate? We enjoyed a program we saw about that.

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  23. ICF does excellent work. How nice to read about your visit there. I enjoy their updates about the migrating whoopers. Safe Travels!

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  24. Thanks for the suggestion of the cranes. We're really close. What gorgeous pictures!

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  25. I love cranes! Awesome pictures. Thanks for the tour.

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