Speakers:  Brian Ellis is the Director of Membership and Outreach for Illinois Audubon Society and Dr. Matt Hayes has Ph.D. in Avian Biology 

Storyteller and author Brian "Fox" Ellis will host this program, starting with a short folktale that hints at the rich cultural heritage of cranes throughout history. Then, Dr. Matt Hayes, Ph.D. will give a talk based on 30 years of research on Sandhill Cranes conducted at the International Crane Foundation in central Wisconsin, where he banded cranes to investigate mate fidelity, natal dispersal, and habitat selection. The hour-long presentation will end with Brian Fox Ellis giving a brief overview of the Platte River Watershed, exploring the natural history and ecological context for the great crane migration.