Escapees March-April 2023

skp stops

Crane Foundation The International Crane Foundation is another attrac tion you should visit that is 10 minutes south of the city. I could hear the calls of the cranes as I walked toward the welcome center and gift shop. I already knew that cranes are among the most endangered families of birds in the world, with 10 of the 15 species threatened, and I was eager to learn what the foundation was doing to help them. After paying an admission fee, I fi rst watched an excellent fi lm about the history and focus of the foundation. It was founded in 1973 by two ornithology students at Cornell University, Ron Sauey and George W. Archibald. They envisioned an organization combin ing research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world’s crane species. The foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and fl yways on which they depend. Global priorities span Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia and North America. The foundation also provides a center for conserva tion leadership and training. With this base understanding, I began my tour. Tall grasses and non-intrusive fences surround enclosures. I passed each crane with awe, knowing of the work the foundation is doing and the beauty of each crane pair. I walked past Black Crowned Cranes, and Grey Crowned Cranes, with their decorative headdresses, Whooping Cranes with their delightful call, and Wattles Cranes, with feathered fl aps of skin or "wattles" hanging from their chins. All 15 species are at the foundation, and each is so different from the next. I stayed at the center for an hour and a half, slowly walking along the enclosures, watching and listening. The foundation also offers much longer hiking paths through its 300 acres. Wisconsin Dells Antique & Craft Mall is near the crane foundation, a fantastic shopping destination. Unlike many of these malls, this craft mall offers unusual and reasonably priced offerings. Cindy’s Café & Coffee House is between the Craft Mall and Antique Mall and is an excellent place for a quick lunch during your shopping trip. More than 300 vendors and 200-plus dealers make this the largest craft and antique mall in the state of Wisconsin. From vintage, shabby chic, garden and hand crafted items, to clothing, specialty food items, D.I.Y. materials and antiques, this is an excellent destination for anyone who appreciates fi ne craftsmanship and loves to shop. Article and photos by Marilyn Jones, Guest Contributor

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March/April 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine