Join us as we commemorate five decades of conservation and community through a season of special events, experiences, and shared appreciation for the cranes, wildlife, and our native grasslands. From guided crane viewing tours to educational programs and celebratory gatherings, this milestone season we invite you to be part of Rowe Sanctuary’s legacy.

Weekly Programs at a Glance

There's a lot to do at Rowe Sanctuary during Crane Season! Use this at-a-glance guide, and then learn more about each program offering in the sections below.

	Sundays	Mondays	Tuesdays	Wednesdays	Thursdays	Fridays	Saturdays
Offered Weekly	Crane Behavior Basics Crane Folklore	Crane Behavior Basics Natural History of North American Cranes	Crane Behavior Basics	Crane Behavior Basics	Crane Behavior Basics	Crane Behavior Basics Speaker Series	Crane Behavior Basics Speaker Series

Speaker Series

Rowe is excited to welcome guest speakers this Crane Season 2025! Learn more about cranes, birds, and conservation topics that affect Sandhill Cranes, Rowe, and Nebraska ecosystems. Speaker lectures are free but have limited capacity. Pre-registration required.

Friday, April 11, 2025 \| 3:00 p.m.	Tracing the Path of the Platte River	Melissa Mosier, Platte River Program Manager	Register here.

Adult Art Workshops

Embrace your artistic side with Rowe Sanctuary and the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)! Join us for a study in the junction between art and nature in a variety of media with wonderful guest instructors. Cost is $30 per participant (15 years old and up), pre-registration is required. All art supplies will be provided.

Monday, April 7th, 2025 \| 10:00 a.m.	Painting with Wool: Needle Felting a Landscape	Christine Brown	Register here.

Crane Behavior Basics

How do cranes use their distinctive calls to communicate? What is behind a crane's body language when they curtsey, jump, wing-stretch, or bustle display? Find out during this daily offering, and learn more about these charismatic bird behaviors! Offered daily March 4-April 12. Cost is $10/person, pre-registration is required.

Crane Folklore

Cranes have impacted many cultures and have been symbols representing many things, such as peace and hope. Learn about these stories and folklore every week with us and learn why so many cultures value and respect these magnificent birds! Offered weekly on Sundays from March 9-April 6. Programs are free but have limited capacity. Pre-registration required .

The Natural History of North American Cranes

North America is home to both the most abundant and most rare crane species in the world- the Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane. Join us for an engaging presentation about the evolutionary history and life cycle of these extraordinary birds and learn about past and present conservation efforts to protect them. Offered weekly on Mondays from March 10-April 7. Programs are free but have limited capacity. Pre-registration required .

Monday, April 7th, 2025 \| 3:00 p.m.	Register here.

Family Story Time

Bring out your littlest crane enthusiasts and learn about cranes! Grab the entire family and join us for an interactive and engaging storytime for children under 10. Start with a story or two, and then move onto hands-on activities that explore these marvelous birds. No Cost. Drop-in program, no registration required.