Festival of the Cranes
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Schedule of Events
6:30 AM
Sunrise Breakfast at the Refuge. The early birders get the biscuits! Come out and
enjoy a good breakfast with other hearty souls in the Visitor Center classroom before
joining Refuge Manager Dwight Cooley on an early morning birding walk. Watch the
cranes and other waterfowl arriving in the fields to begin their day of feeding and
loafing. The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association will be providing and serving the
Jack’s 6th Avenue sausage biscuit, breakfast pastry, coffee and orange juice. The $5.00
cost per person will benefit future refuge programs. (Classroom)
All Day
Visit the Observation Building to view thousands of Sandhill cranes along with several
Whooping cranes, ducks, geese, raptors and perhaps a bald eagle from the comfort of
the heated building. There are bleachers and spotting scopes available along with
volunteers and staff standing by to answer all your questions.
9 – 11 AM
Children’s Activity in the Classroom. Calling all kids (regardless of age) to join in the
fun educational activities – create a crane mask, crane puppet and crane origami. Visit
with the FWS Blue Goose and the ICF Whooping Crane mascots.
9 AM
President Theodore Roosevelt as portrayed by Joe Wiegand entertains audiences
nationwide with his reprisal of President Theodore Roosevelt. As a one man theater
show, Joe’s T.R. shares stories full of adventure, laughter, and inspiration. T.R. will be
in character throughout the day. (Auditorium)
10:30 AM
International Crane Foundation Presentation with Co-Founder George Archibald
The future of many crane species was once as fragile as the delicate and graceful birds
themselves. George Archibald’s visionary leadership in international conservation
efforts over the past 40 years has given flight to crane conservation worldwide. In
1973, when cranes were in a perilous situation and many were on the brink of
extinction, Archibald, along with Cornell University colleague, Ronald Sauey, Ph.D.,
established the International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo, Wisconsin as the
world center for the study and preservation of cranes. (Auditorium)
11:30 AM
Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center Presentation
The Southeastern Raptor Center presents their educational program to teach about
birds of prey. You can see these birds up close while learning about habitats,
conservation and ecology. Hawks, eagles, falcons and owls will educate and excite
audiences of all ages. (Auditorium)
11 AM THUR
refuge
1 PM
Domino’s Pizza Lunch with drink and desert, sponsored by WWRA.
A $5.00 donation per person will be accepted and appreciated and will benefit future
1 – 3 PM
Children’s Activity in the Classroom continues.
1 PM
President Theodore Roosevelt Speaks!
programs. Have a good lunch and help support the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
Association. (Classroom)
Theodore Roosevelt was a soldier and statesman, explorer and scientist, historian and
author. Our youngest president, he personified a vigorous nation on the cusp of the
American Century. TR’s stories entertain and inspire today. (Auditorium)
2:15 PM
The Power of One Voice: A 50-year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson – Film
Premiere.
This groundbreaking documentary examines the life of Rachel Carson and the
profound implications of her environmental work. The film features interviews with
Rachel Carson’s adopted son, Roger Christie, her biographer, Linda Lear, and other
notable writers, scientists and advocates. By highlighting the power of Carson’s voice,
the filmmakers hope to inspire others to add their voices to this essential
conversation. (Auditorium)
3:30 PM
Auburn University Southeastern Raptor Center Presentation (Auditorium)
5:00 PM
Day one of Festival of the Cranes comes to an end. Don’t miss Day two!