© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sandhill cranes and birdwatchers flock to Bellevue for annual festival

Courtesy photo
/
Michigan Audobon Society

Every fall, thousands of sandhill cranes descend on the marshes in the Baker Sanctuary near Battle Creek. We hear more about the upcoming CraneFest from the Executive Director of the Michigan Audubon Society, Johnathan Lutz.

Visitors to the Bernard W. Baker Bird Sanctuary in Bellevue, Michigan will be in for a treat this weekend. It’s the time of year when thousands of sandhill cranes descend on the marshes there as they travel south.

What makes the sight of these birds even more impressive is that 60 years ago, the state had only a few pairs of the birds left.

Current State talks about  the sandhill crane’s conservation success story and the 21st annual CraneFest with the Executive Director of Michigan Audubon Jonathan Lutz.

Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.