Wildlife Viewing - With Your Child

drawing of family With Your Child

Operation Migration

What does an ultralight plane have to do with an endangered species? In the case of the whooping crane, it is one part of a long-term project to help the species increase its population and perhaps eventually lose its status as ‘endangered.’ In October 2001, the ultralight plane will lead about 10 captive-reared whooping cranes on a 1250-mile migration from Wisconsin to Florida. In the spring, scientists hope the cranes will migrate back to Wisconsin on their own, repeating the process without the plane in future years. Teachers, parents and children can track the daily progress of this fascinating journey by logging on to the International Crane Foundation Web site at www.savingcranes.org. In addition to scientific information on cranes and migration, the site features curriculum materials for grades K-12, a monthly art contest, and adopt-a-crane opportunities. Or, contact: International Crane Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo, WI 53913-0447; 608-356-9462. Try these other useful websites as well: www.bringbackthecranes.org and www.operationmigration.org.