For 53 years George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, has been working to help the most endangered of the world’s 15 species of cranes. Among them are the four white cranes — the whooping cranes of North America; and the Siberian, red-crowned, and black-necked cranes of Asia. His efforts, and those of the International Crane Foundation have led to population increases for each of these four species.

In 1971, he and a fellow ornithology student at Cornell University, Ron Sauey, shared a passion for cranes and envisioned an organization that would combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world’s 15 crane species. In 1973, with the generosity of the Sauey family – who rented their horse farm to Ron and George for $1 a year! – the International Crane Foundation “hatched” in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Since then, the foundation has developed unique collaborations and led effective community-based conservation programs, important research projects and innovative captive breeding and reintroduction efforts throughout the world on the five continents where cranes live.

Come to this special talk to hear from George Archibald himself about his work and that of the International Crane Foundation to save the four species of white crane. It will begin with an in-person reception at 6pm. The presentation, both in-person and online, will begin at 7 p.m.

This program is free and open to all, but space is limited and reservations are required. The presentation will be livecast simultaneously. When you sign up, please indicate whether you will be attending in person or online.

Learn basic skills in wood carving and woodburning in this two-hour class to create a small piece of avian art you can finish during the workshop and take home with you. Registration is required and class sizes are limited. Participants must be at least 11 years old.

Textile collage artist Elaine O’Neil will lead students through the process of creating art from fabric.

A Maine native, she now lives half the year in her home state and the other half in North Carolina.

She creates textile collage art of places and scenes that either have a personal meaning to her, or special value to a community. Come make a collage of one of your special places in this workshop. Open to adults and children 8 and older. Spaces are limited and registration is required. All materials will be provided.

Scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts all utilize nature journaling, a skill that is accessible to anyone. Under the guidance of Maine Master Naturalist Karen Zimmermann, and using observation and artistic abandon, participants will walk away with a small nature journal of their own. All materials will be provided. Cost is $21 for Museum members and $29 for non-members. Registration required.