Festival of the Cranes returns Dec. 1-3, 2022. Photo by Richard Eltrich

NWR News:

Celebrate the return of sandhill cranes – finally, in-person this year at the Dec. 1-3, Festival of the Cranes returns, offering creative workshops and expert seminars at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and now for the first time in high-tech classrooms at New Mexico Tech.

Workshops focus on photography, birding, and environmental education, as well as offering hikes and a bit about the history of the area! Several of the most popular presenters from years past will return to offer education and up-close viewings of wildlife. There also will be some new faces.

Registration for the general public begins Thursday, Sept. 15.

Spaces are limited and will sell out quickly. To view a catalog of all events and to register, go to: https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/festival

“We are thrilled to invite people back in person for the first time since 2019,” said Friends Executve Director Deb Caldwell. “We hope people come to immerse themselves in this unique environment and enjoy the community built from a shared love of this place and these animals. The Friends of Bosque del Apache is happy to offer our 33rd Festival to celebrate the birds, the refuge, and the beauty of the middle Rio Grande valley.”

VENUES

Bosque del Apache NWR for Outdoor Workshops and Expo Room

All field workshops will be held outdoors at beautiful Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This year, NWR will partner with the City of Socorro and Socorro Consolidated Schools to provide comfortable and safe transportation for our guests on the refuge. Also at the refuge visitor center, we’ll host an Expo Room, which will feature photography and birding companies, environmental organizations, and a booth by Friends of Bosque del Apache. Our Expo Room will be much smaller than Expo Tent of years past, but also more weather-proof and warmer!

New Mexico Tech Macey Center for Indoor Seminars and Wildlife Zone
Socorro, New Mexico

All indoor seminars will meet in Macey Center classrooms on the New Mexico Tech (NMT) campus in Socorro this year. The large NMT classrooms will allow us to keep the event COVID-safe and accessible (ADA compliant) while providing instructors more reliable internet connections for their presentations. The comfortable classrooms will be a welcome (and warm) respite from the New Mexican winter compared with previous festivals. If you have attended Festival of the Cranes before, you likely remember that in the past, our largest classroom space was a tent, and, unfortunately, the New Mexico weather isn’t always cooperative in December.

Keynote talk, “Wetland Magic: The Role of Wetlands in a Changing World”

Presenter: Barnaby Briggs, Chair, Waterfowl and Wetlands Trust
Date: Thursday night, December 1
Macey Center, NM Tech, Socorro, New Mexico

Wetlands are magic – literally! Although they only represent a tiny percentage of the world’s surface, and are disappearing fast, they still have the potential to save our planet. This keynote talk by Barnaby Briggs, chair of Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in England, will answer the question, “How can we – citizens, consumers, organizations, and private corporations – collaborate to create and restore wetlands?”. He will also tell us how we can help by sharing his practical experiences from around the globe.

This talk is for people of all walks of life who want to hear real world examples and learn how people from all backgrounds and personal interests can work together for one another’s benefit. It’s time to break down barriers and work together – all are welcome to join us. Bring your questions!

Wildlife Zone for Kids of All Ages
December 3
Macey Center, NM Tech, Socorro

Want to see raptors, reptiles, or prairie dogs up close? Come to Wildlife Zone, which is still cost-free! Many of our partners will join us to showcase rehabilitated wildlife (birds, reptiles, mammals), share activities, or paint your face to resemble your favorite wild animal! We’ll also host live music during portions of the day.

Become a Part of this Community Celebration

This Festival is crafted for the public to enjoy educational and creative opportunities and to provide a way to connect with like-minded people who may just become new friends.

Registration for the general public begins Thursday, Sept. 15. Spaces are limited and will sell out quickly. To view a catalogue of all events and to register click here.

Festival Facts

Why: A celebration of the return of the sandhill cranes and the delicate oasis ecosystem that supports them. This is an opportunity for people who care about the New Mexico environment and agriculture to have fun outside, meet like-minded people, and learn about birding, and improve their photographic skills.

The sandhill crane is an ancient species of waterfowl. The oldest fossil on record is 1.7 million years old. Sandhills migrate from Canada and the northern US to winter in the Rio Grande Valley. Both the sandhills and snow geese from Canada begin arriving in smaller numbers at the refuge in late October, with numbers reaching in the tens of thousands throughout the Rio Grande Flyway in late November/early December. The winter migrators usually head back north by Valentine’s Day in mid-February.

• What: 33rd Annual Festival of the Cranes
• When: Thursday, Dec. 1 – Saturday, Dec. 3
• Where: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (outdoor workshops) and New Mexico Tech (indoor seminars)
• Cost: Varies, with some events and activities cost-free. See our catalog for detail.
• Who’s Invited: EVERYONE! Come visit our fragile oasis in the high desert – a rare jewel that has been cherished by New Mexicans from all walks of life for generations.

About Friends of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1993, Friends has grown into a nonprofit organization of more than one thousand members spread across the US and the world. Friends is the only organization that provides substantial financial and organizational support to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, literally changing the refuge’s appearance and effectiveness. Friends raises funds for refuge needs, advocates for relevant conservation issues, builds critical partnerships, and provides funding for environmental education and research. Friends runs programs and events like Festival of the Cranes to promote appreciation and conservation of wildlife and habitat.