Three area Conservation Department Boards are offering to take you on a guided tour to Kearney, NE., in March, to view the Sandhill Cranes. For six-weeks from late February to early April, more than 80 percent of the world’s population of Sandhill Cranes converge on Nebraska’s Platte River. The Sandhill Cranes travel from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. They stop along the Platte to rest and gain body fat as they prepare for their journey. Fossils of wing bones dating back to nine million years have been discovered in Nebraska. Whooping cranes, eagles ducks, geese and shorebirds are among the other wildlife that migrate through central Nebraska during February and March. Conservation officials say it’s an amazing sight and one that can only be truly appreciated in person!

The Cass, Crawford, and Shelby County Conservation Boards are offering the guided tour to Kearney, Nebraska March 30th through the 31st. Participants will take a Windstar bus, and will make stops at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Rowe Sanctuary (to view the cranes), Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center and lots of other opportunities for bird viewing. The cost for the trip is $220 includes: transportation, lodging, 1 meal, entrance fee for Archway, Hastings Museum, and Nature Center and Crane blind fee at Rowe Sanctuary. The program does not include other meals.

If you have any questions about trip or would like more information, please call Lora at (712) 769-2372 or email lkanning@casscoia.us. An Informational program will be held about the trip will be held 1-p.m. February 1st, in the meeting room at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (The old Rock Island Depot), at 102 Chestnut St., in Atlantic.