Programs

Sunrise with the Sandhills Tour

7:00 am– 9:00 am

Take a guided tour to watch the Sandhill Cranes fly out from their nighttime roosting grounds to their daytime feeding grounds. RSVP  required.

 

Mushrooming 101

9:30 am– 11:30 am

Join Joan Jacobowski to learn about edible mushrooms in our area! RSVP required.

 

“Buckthorn & Birds” Hikes

10:00 am AND 12:00 pm

Join Wild Rivers Conservancy for a hike focusing on birds and invasive species in our area. There will be two separate opportunities to take this hike during the event.

 

Wildlife Ecology ft. LIVE ANIMALS

11:45 am– 12:45 pm

Join Chris Cold to learn more about wildlife ecology in Wisconsin, and meet some live critters!

 

Goose Banding & Wildlife Watching in Canada

1:00 pm-2:00 pm

Join wildlife technician Drew Hawley to learn about his experience banding geese in Ontario, and see some fantastic photos of wildlife he saw (even POLAR BEARS!).

 

Snake, Rattle, & Roll ft. LIVE ANIMALS

2:15 pm – 3:30 pm

Join Snake Discovery staff to learn about different snakes that call Wisconsin & Minnesota home! This will be a hands-on experience for attendees!

 

Birds and Bird Photography with John Pennoyer

Classroom 2:00 pm– 4:30 pm

Field 4:30 pm– 7:00 pm

Join John Pennoyer for a photography workshop focusing on birds. Start in the classroom, then caravan out into the field to photograph the Sandhill cranes. Please bring your camera/lenses/equipment with you. RSVP required.

 

Crane Ecology Talk (Pre-Tour)

4:30pm– 5:00 pm

Join us for a presentation on Sandhill Crane Ecology before the evening Sandhill Crane Tour!

 

Sunset with the Sandhills Tour

5:00 pm– 7:00 pm

Take a guided tour through Crex to watch the cranes fly in from their daytime feeding grounds to their nightly roosting grounds. RSVP required.

On-Going Activities

Pancake Breakfast

8:00 am– 11:00 pm

Join the Friends of Crex for a pancake breakfast at the Meeting and Gathering Hall!

 

Brick Drive Booth

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Curious about the bricks lining the entrance to the visitor center? Friends of Crex volunteers can be located outside near the Meeting & Gathering Hall to tell you more about the bricks, and help you decide if a brick is right for you in the new space. Remember loved ones, pets, or honor friends and family by ordering a custom brick.

 

Family Activities

10:00 am– 4:00 pm

Participate in some fun family activities, including leaf painting, scavenger hunts, pond dipping, and more!

 

Archery

10:00 am– 2:00 pm

Head out to the archery range to learn how to shoot a bow! All ages welcome!

 

Short & Sweet Ice Cream Truck

12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Enjoy a sweet treat from the Short & Sweet Ice Cream Truck!

 

Exhibitors

10:00 am– 2:00 pm

 

Wildlife Painting by Gray Duck Art

12:00 pm– 4:00 pm

Come create a wildlife painting of your own! Submit your photo and Gray Duck Art’s artists will transform your photo into a custom paint by number. You can drop-in anytime between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. You must purchase a ticket for this event through Eventbrite and follow Gray Duck Art’s instructions to participate. Click here to purchase tickets.