Image: Birding Backpacks and its contents displayed at the LaCrosse Public Library, including binoculars, Whooping Crane identification guides, Sibley Bird identification guides, a birding checklist, a list of areas for birding, copies of the book “Quality of Cranes,” Whooping Crane stickers, and various crane-themed craft directions. Courtesy of LaCrosse Public Library and the International Crane Foundation.
BY ANGELICA SOLANO
Every year, thousands of Sandhill Cranes and a small number of endangered Whooping Cranes spend the winter in Indiana. The state’s wetlands and wildlife areas provide essential migration stopovers and wintering habitat for both species. When these wetlands are healthy, cranes can safely rest and feed during migration. For this reason, the continued survival of both species depends on the positive stewardship of these habitats. As a leader in crane conservation, the International Crane Foundation (ICF) is committed to engaging communities that have the potential to shape the future of endangered Whooping Crane conservation and the wetlands they depend on. An important part of this work is encouraging the next generation of Hoosiers to become stewards for cranes and all wildlife that call Indiana’s wetlands home.
With support of Indiana Audubon’s Mumford and Keller grant award, ICF distributed 18 “Birding Backpacks” throughout western and central Indiana to libraries, fish and wildlife areas, and nature centers. These backpacks are now available for local youth and families to check out at no cost. Designed for K-8 students, the Birding Backpacks provide the equipment needed to experience and appreciate cranes and other birds in their natural habitats, including binoculars and identification guides. The backpacks also include materials that encourage children to independently discover cranes after their bird watching adventure, such as stories about their cultural importance around the world and guides for crane-themed crafts.
The Birding Backpacks are an important part of ICF’s broader outreach efforts to connect people with cranes and the wetlands they depend on. By helping children experience cranes and other birds in their habitats firsthand, we hope to inspire curiosity, appreciation, and long-term stewardship among young Hoosiers.
Birding Backpack Locations
- Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library (Bloomfield, IN)
- Cope Environmental Center (Centerville, IN)
- Eagle Creek Ornithology Center (Indianapolis, IN)
- Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area (Linton, IN)
- Indianapolis Public Library System (Library of Things – Indianapolis, IN)
- Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area (Pulaski County, IN)
- LaCrosse Public Library (LaCrosse, IN)
- Linton Public Library (Linton, IN)
- Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary (Connersville, IN)
- Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (Seymour, IN)
- North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library (North Judson, IN)
- Parke County Public Library (Rockville, IN)
- Porter County Public Library System (Valparaiso, IN)
- Pulaski County Public Library (Winamac, IN)
Image: Flyer with Birding Backpack details. Courtesy of the International Crane Foundation.
Indiana Audubon’s Mumford and Keller program funds natural resource research and projects focused on Indiana’s birdlife. This report highlights a project supported in the 2024-2025 grant cycle. Learn more at indianaaudubon.org/mumfordandkeller.
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