Hope, mascot for the International Crane Foundation, will present this free story time for all ages. Hope appears courtesy of the International Crane Foundation.

Did you know that cranes can dance? They are also incredibly fierce protectors as well! Families are welcome to join us for a morning of learning all about crane dancing and fighting. Participants will get to practice their crane dance moves and learn all about the tough nature of these fancy-footed birds. This interactive program is geared toward families with elementary and middle school aged children and has limited space.

Wild About Whoopers will be at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, check this link for more details.

Sponsored by Decatur Morgan Hospital

“Paper Plate Birds” and "Thumb Print Cranes" – Make & Take Art Activities with ACA Art Faculty

Come and make some colorful feathered friends with the ACA Art Instructors. Let your imaginations take flight with paper plates and colors!

Author Heather C. Morris will read her book Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites and talk with kids about opposites, forests, and using all five senses to explore our wide and wonderful world. All ages are welcome to this free program. For more information, click the link below!

Join ICF’s crane behavior workshop for families, where Anne Lacy leads an engaging exploration of crane biology and conservation

Once you see your first crane, watching their behavior raises many questions. These might range from how they interact with each other and with other species, to why and when they are territorial, to how they respond to changes in their environment. Cranes are ideal subjects for behavior studies because of their large size and their social nature within a bonded pair, family group, and subadult cohorts. While scientific studies often customize the various categories, one can begin with the basic five: foraging, alert, social, comfort, and locomotion. In this workshop, International Crane Foundation staff will begin with an introduction of the behavior terms, crane morphology, and life history stages; then progress into guiding smaller groups in interpreting crane behavior using interactive videos of a family of cranes. You will emerge from this experience ready to make your own observations, understanding when a crane is performing behaviors essential to their well-being, and knowledge of how to safely view cranes without disturbing them.

Come and meet Hope, get your picture made with her, or even practice your crane dance moves with her!

Join ICF’s crane behavior workshop for families, where Anne Lacy leads an engaging exploration of crane biology and conservation

Once you see your first crane, watching their behavior raises many questions. These might range from how they interact with each other and with other species, to why and when they are territorial, to how they respond to changes in their environment. Cranes are ideal subjects for behavior studies because of their large size and their social nature within a bonded pair, family group, and subadult cohorts. While scientific studies often customize the various categories, one can begin with the basic five: foraging, alert, social, comfort, and locomotion. In this workshop, International Crane Foundation staff will begin with an introduction of the behavior terms, crane morphology, and life history stages; then progress into guiding smaller groups in interpreting crane behavior using interactive videos of a family of cranes. You will emerge from this experience ready to make your own observations, understanding when a crane is performing behaviors essential to their well-being, and knowledge of how to safely view cranes without disturbing them.

Cranes have been a part of human culture around the world for thousands of years. These majestic birds have captivated the hearts and minds of the inhabitants on all 5 continents in which they are found. During this engaging and entertaining presentation, guests will learn all about the natural history of cranes around the world, discover their importance in culture and folklore, and hear the poignant story of Whooping Crane conservation.

Jimmy Stiles - Herpetologist and Nature Lover: Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This hands-on experience is always a hit!

Jimmy Stiles - Herpetologist and Nature Lover: Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This hands-on experience is always a hit!