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While migrating, Sandhill cranes land on Big Marsh Lake, which is actually a Wetland. They stay the night to rest before continuing on with their trip. Photo taken by Mia Williams
In Bellevue, Michigan, The University of Olivet’s Earthbound club participates in CraneFest at Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area. CraneFest occurs annually, on the second weekend of October, when migrating Sandhill cranes gather at Big Marsh Lake after feeding on leftover grain in neighboring agricultural fields.
October is the best time to see these magnificent birds, with daily counts of the cranes reaching thousands and monthly counts as high as 10,000 cranes.
Professor of Biology Leah Knapp D.V.M (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and Earthbound’s advisor has been participating in the CraneFest since its establishment 29 years ago. “I love that sound (the cane call). It’s beautiful,” said Knapp.
Earthbound is a club within The University of Olivet that has a focus on environmental education. “Our mission is to spread environmental awareness around our community,” said Audrey Rumzek, senior.
During CraneFest, Earthbound gives a free plant with any donation. All of the plants that are given away, like prickly pear cactus, horsetail, and wild ginger, are native to Michigan and grown by Knapp herself.
There is no minimum donation - every penny helps Earthbound’s mission. “I feel it gives us an opportunity to educate people on native plants and encourage native gardens” said Sarah Grove, senior and president of Earthbound.
At CraneFest, Earthbound was not the only booth in attendance. There was a husband-and-wife team selling their homegrown and homemade maple syrup products from maple trees grown in Bellevue.
Some other booths in attendance was another woman, working with her husband, selling homegrown gourds and squashes that make wonderful homemade jellies. Another woman selling her and her friend’s crochet art (like purses and scrunchies). And lastly, a man selling his hand carved wood sculptures.
Every year, there is at least one food truck and a family that sells homemade hot apple cider and donuts.
CraneFest is a low-cost and family-friendly festival, helping the environment by promoting awareness of these amazing animals.
Written by Mia Williams