March, 21, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Younes Conference Center North | Kearney, NE
Braided in Unison is a new event that brings people together to celebrate the Platte River’s braided river ecosystem. Just as the unison calls of the cranes weave together in harmony, Rowe Sanctuary invites you to gather in support of this important habitat.
Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary is excited to welcome bestselling author Amy Tan as a guest for Braided in Unison 2026! Tan is a prolific writer and author of The Joy Luck Club and The Backyard Bird Chronicles, the internationally popular book documenting her journey through nature journaling as a form of appreciation for the natural world. Joining Tan for conversation will be John Muir Laws, leader in the worldwide nature journaling movement and the co-founder and president of Wild Wonder Foundation. He is an award-winning author, artist, and educator.
The event will feature book signings, light hors d’oeuvres, and programming featuring Amy Tan and highlights of Audubon’s work at Rowe Sanctuary. Participants can affirm their support for Rowe Sanctuary’s conservation and education work on the Platte River through fundraising opportunities at the event.
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$40 Silver – Event entry ($20 of ticket is tax-deductible)
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$150 Gold – Event entry, priority seating, signed copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles with priority author signing ($80 of ticket is tax-deductible)
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$250 Platinum – Entry with priority seating, signed copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles, with priority author signing, evening crane tour ($120 of ticket is tax-deductible)
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Event Details:Schedule:
1:00 pm Check-in begins
1:00-1:30 Activity areas open:
Nature Journaling tables (make your own journal page)
Fine Art Corner
Fill-the-Journal Wall
Book Sales
1:30 pm Program begins (activity areas closed)
3:00 pm Program ends.
3:00-4:00 Activity areas open:
Author Book signing with Amy Tan and John Muir Laws
Nature Journaling tables (make your own journal page)
Fine Art Corner
Fill-the-Journal Wall
Book Sales
4:00 pm Event ends
6:00 pm Evening tour for Platinum guests
Activity areas:
Upon arrival, you can join in on the fun and explore the activity tables throughout the event. Before and after the speaker program, the activity tables will be available for you to channel your creative energy.
Nature Journaling tables:
Try your hand at Nature Journaling! Sketch, illustrate, write a poem, and more as you notice closely! All materials are provided, along with natural objects to inspire you.
Nature Journal Wall
Help us fill our Nature Journal Wall with journal pages! Look for inspiration among the dozens of donated pages contributed by guests, volunteers and friends of Rowe Sanctuary from around the country. Choose a page and a donation amount, then add the page to the wall of inspiration. (You may opt to take the page home at the end of the event.) Event participants can contribute their own pages as well. Help us fill our Journal Wall!
Book Sales
Selected titles from Amy Tan and John Muir Laws will be available for purchase while supplies last (credit card sales only). From Amy Tan: The Backyard Bird Chronicles, and The Backyard Bird Journal. Titles by John Muir Laws: Nature Drawing and Journaling, and The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds
Author Book Signing
Amy Tan and John Muir Laws are available to sign copies of their books!
(Gold and Platinum ticket holders, your prepaid signed copy of The Backyard Bird Chronicles will be available at the check-in table. Additional books are available for purchase at the Book Sales table)
Fine Art Corner
Peruse from a selection of artistic depictions inspired by nature. Watercolors, prints, and other framed pieces will be available to purchase by donation to support Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary. Take a peek at a few of the options below (photos to come).
Thank you to our 2026 Braided In Unison Sponsors!
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Crane season is coming. Reservations now open!
Book A Tour
Tour reservations open online on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 9:00 am CST. One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America, this gathering of cranes is the largest in the world.
Crane Season Programs and Events
This year for crane season, you can now book special events and programs in addition to your guided viewing experience.
Crane Season Information
Plan your visit. Whether you’re interested in programming, photography, or a guided tour, there’s something for everyone.
