Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition, Inc. presents the annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival every fall. The festival occurs during fall staging - when cranes gather in large numbers in the fall to feed and gain energy for their migration south. The festival is held in beautiful Northwest Colorado with events in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig. The festival features guided crane-viewings, bird and nature walks, expert speakers, films, crane and bird art, children and family activities, and more.

Join along and experience the dedicated effort that goes into producing the crane festival each fall with this video produced by Jo Smith.

The 13th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival takes place August 29 - September 1, 2024, in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig, Colorado.

Schedule of Events:

August 27, 2024

7:00p.m: Film - Flyways

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Directed by Randall Wood. Follow a conservation movement of bird-loving experts and citizen scientists as they mobilize to the challenge of understanding and saving shorebirds. Shorebirds fly thousands of miles each year along ancient and largely unknown migratory routes called Flyways. More than 200 species, such as Far Eastern Curlews, Lesser Yellowlegs, Red Knots and Hudsonian Godwits, travel from feeding grounds in the southern hemisphere to breeding grounds in the Arctic and back again, flying up to nine days non-stop without food or water. But their populations are crashing amidst climate change and urban development.

August 28, 2024

7:00pm: Double Feature

West Twin Cinema, Craig, CO.

Under the Wire - Directed by Mariah Lundgren and featuring conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, tells the story of a community working together to improve fencelines so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely. It also celebrates the wildlife that call the North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border home and the folks living and working on this land to help keep these animals around for generations to come.

The Crane Dance - When wildlife film meets the performing arts. Director Maxence Lamoureux, in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Fiona le Goff, takes you to meet the crane whose courtship has inspired dances in cultures all around the world.

August 29, 2024

4:00pm-8:00pm: Educational crane displays

Outside Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

4:00pm-5:00pm: "Why We Love Cranes"

By Paul Tebbel, Crane Expert - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

This presentation combines stories and information learned from almost 50 years of studying and watching Sandhill Cranes. You'll learn about breeding, migration, plus some of the really cool crane behaviors which make them fun to watch. This program has something for all manner of cranewatchers - whether it is your first time seeing them or an annual ritual - you'll learn something new.

4:00pm-5:00pm: Crane Story-telling event

Led by Spellbinders - Children's StoryTime Room at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Come hear stories that soar, flutter, and glide on the wings of cranes and other birds. Bring your family and friends to hear tales of majestic, wise, and often tricky birds that fill our sky with beauty and wonder. Perfect for children.

5:00pm-5:15pm: Crane Coloring Contest Awards Ceremony

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

5:15pm-6:15pm: Spirit Wind Aerial Arts

Dancers, led by local aerialist Heidi Miller - Library Lawn at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Dancers will perform elegant high-flying dance in the hammock and silks, suspended high over the Library Lawn.

6:30pm-7:30pm: Film - The Crane Dance

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

When wildlife film meets the performing arts! Director Maxence Lamoureaux, in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Fiona le Goff, takes you to meet the crane whose courtship has inspired dances in cultures all around the world. Max will be present to introduce the film and take questions following the showing.

August 30, 2024

5:45am-8:45am: Guided Sunrise Crane Viewing

Stockbridge Transit Center.

A shuttle will transport you to two locations where you can get off the shuttles to view the cranes flying overhead and feeding in agricultural fields. Paul Tebbel will address your questions and provide pertinent information about Sandhill Cranes and their behavior to enhance your crane viewing experience. The shuttles depart and return to Stockbridge Transit Center. Click here for directions.

8:00am-10:30am: Rehder Ranch Guided Bird Walk

Led by Rebecca Weiss, author of Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Bird at this historic sheep ranch along Harrison Creek that is surrounded by willows, aspens, and open fields. Click here for details.

8:30pm-10:30am: Yampa Preserve Guided Bird Walk

Led by Chip Clouse and the Yampa Valley Birding Club.
This property is owned by The Nature Conservancy and harbors one of the largest remaining examples of a rare riparian forest type dominated by narrowleaf cottonwood, box elder maple, and red-osier dogwood. Click here for details.

8:30am-9:30am: TS Jost Crane-friendly Ranch Tour by Wagon

Led by Cosmo and Captain.

Join local ranchers Sharon and Terry Jost for a crane-friendly ranch tour at the TS Jost Ranch. Enjoy a wagon ride powered by horses Captain and Cosmo, while learning how agriculture and Sandhill Cranes coexist. The wagon ride will traverse some uneven terrain (expect a few bumps!) as the ranch owners tour you around their beautiful and productive fields that they share with the cranes. Click here for directions.

9:00am-10:30am- Photography Workshop

Led by Chris Becea, Morning Light Photography - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Chris will cover the fundamentals of photography, from digital SLR camera controls, composition, lighting and tips for successful crane photography. No registration required.

10:00am-12noon: Nature-journaling Workshop

Led by Ellen Bonnifield and Cindy Wither - Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Author Ellen Bonnifield and artist Cindy Wither share techniques to enhance your nature journaling experience. This workshop introduces the basics of nature journaling including materials, approaches and styles, and references. Using art to enhance the journal adds visual elements and color to your journal. Participants will have the opportunity to start their own journal. Meet at Bud Werner Memorial Library's Small Meeting Room (2nd floor), then move outdoors. Fee includes a journaling notebook.

11:00am-11:45am: "Crane Conservation in Northwest Colorado"

By Meg Karschner - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Learn about Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition's work to conserve and protect cranes and their habitat in Northwest Colorado, including a summary of the amazing 2024 live streaming crane nest camera season.

12noon-1:15pm: "Birding Without Borders: An Epic World Big Year"

By Noah Strycker, writer, photographer, and bird man- Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.
In 2015, bird nerd Noah Strycker became the first human to see more than half of the planet's bird species in a single, year-long, round-the-world birding trip. Noah was scourged by blood-sucking leeches, suffered fevers and sleep deprivation, survived airline snafus and car breakdowns and mudslides and torrential floods, skirted war zones, and had the time of his life.This humorous and inspiring presentation about his epic Big Year will leave you with a new appreciation for the birds and birders of the world!

1:30pm-2:30pm: "An Author's ‘Book Big Year' in a Small Valley"

By Rebecca Weiss- Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Author of Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Rebecca Weiss will describe her small "big year" effort in which she and the photographer for her guidebook aimed to track as many of the 155 species included in their guidebook as possible. On the other end of the spectrum from Noah Strycker's world-wide Big Year, Rebecca will focus on "slow birding" and the fun of a local focus.

3:00pm-3:45pm; 4:00pm-4:45pm: Pollinators - Hummingbirds and Hummingbird Moths

Led by Ted Floyd, editor of Birding Magazine, with introduction by Andrew Floyd - Yampa River Botanic Park.
Short introduction followed by a pollinator walk at a relaxed-pace. Meet at the Trillium House within the Botanic Park. Choose from 2 separate walks. Click here for details.

4:00pm-6:00pm: Crane Festival Happy Hour

At Yampa Valley Brewing Company Hop House, 1125 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat
Join fellow "craniacs" at the Yampa Valley Brewing Company's Hop House located just across the street from the Bud Werner Library.

4:30pm-7:30pm: Crane Yard Art display and silent auction

Library Lawn at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Come view and bid on Yard Art Cranes creatively decorated by local artists. All proceeds benefit Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition, presenters of the Yampa Valley Crane Festival. The auction takes place online at 32Auctions.com starting on Friday, 8/30 at 4:30 pm and concluding on Sunday 9/1 at noon. Full details describing how to participate in the online auction will be posted on our website in August.

6:30pm-7:30pm: Film - Under the Wire

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Directed by Mariah Lundgren and featuring conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, this film tells the story of a community working together to improve fencelines so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely. It also celebrates the wildlife that call the North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border home and the folks living and working on this land to help keep these animals around for generations to come. Mariah and Michael will be present to introduce the film and take questions following the showing.

August 30, 2024

9:00am-10:30am - 10:30am-12noon - 12noon-1:30pm: Scenic Excursion by Pontoon Boat

Led by Julie Arington - Steamboat Lake State Park Marina.

Enjoy a scenic tour around Steamboat Lake located in North Routt. Julie will guide you through the ecology and birds of the area. Choose from 3 separate boat rides. Colorado State Park sticker required for parking. Day pass can be purchased for $10. Click here for directions.

 August 31, 2024

5:45am-8:45am: Guided Sunrise Crane Viewing

Stockbridge Transit Center

Shuttles will transport you to two locations where you can get off the shuttles to view the cranes flying overhead and feeding in agricultural fields. Paul Tebbel will address your questions and provide pertinent info about Sandhill Cranes and their behavior to enhance your crane viewing experience. The shuttles depart and return to Stockbridge Transit Center. Click here for directions.

8:30am-10:30am: Mt. Harris History and Guided Bird Walk

Led by Lisa and Paul Williams, Yampa Valley Birding Club, with history talk by Laurel Watson, curator of Hayden Museum
Learn about this historic coal-mining town and bird along the Yampa River's unique cottonwood-dogwood-box elder maple plant community. Click here for details.

8:30am-10:30am: Carpenter Ranch Guided Bird Walk

Led by Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine, assisted by Andrew Floyd.
Bird at The Nature Conservancy's historic Carpenter Ranch, a birdwatcher's paradise located along the Yampa River west of Steamboat Springs. Click here for details.

8:30am-10:30am: Fish Creek Falls Guided Bird Walk

Led by Noah Strycker birder extraordinaire. Bird at the scenic waterfall just outside of town in montane shrubland and aspen groves. Click here for details. Note: There is a $5/day vehicle day use fee.

9:00am-10am:  Birding the Steamboat Springs Core Trail

Led by by Chip Clouse, ProStaffer for Opticron optics and long-time bird tour leader.
Join Chip for a casual stroll along the core trail outside the Bud Werner Library. As you walk along the trail that parallels the Yampa River, Chip will help you identify the birds and other fauna of the area. Bring binoculars, water, and wear comfortable shoes. Meet on the core trail next to the Bud Werner Library parking lot. This walk will be easy and on a paved surface. Click here for details.

9:00am-10:30am: Sketch-a-Bird Workshop

Taught by local artist, Joanne Orce with Nature's Educators live birds and crane taxidermy - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library
All ages welcome and supplies provided. Meet in Library Hall for this FREE workshop. No registration required.

10:00am-11:30am: Children and Family Activities

Library Lawn near the raptor booth and Children's Library
Enjoy educational bird and nature activities presented by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Yampatika. FREE and no registration required.

10:00am-12 noon: Guided Nature Walk

Led by botanist and naturalist, Karen Vail - Steamboat Ski Resort

Take the gondola up at the Ski Resort to learn about the flora, the animals, and the forest habitat at the Ski Resort, complete with amazing views of the valley. The walk will involve a gondola ride to the top of Thunderhead and walking up to 1 mile on an uneven dirt road. Meet at the entrance to the gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort. Passes to ride the gondola are included as part of registration. Click here for directions.

11:00am-4:00pm: Nature's Educators Live Raptor Booth

Library Lawn near Children's Library

Visit with live owls and other raptors on the Library Lawn. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with amazing birds of prey.

11:30am-12:45pm: "Into Whooperland - A photographer's journey with the rarest crane in the world"

By Michael Forsberg, conservation photographer - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Renown photographer Michael Forsberg spent the last five years camera-in-hand exploring the natural history of Whooping Cranes across the continent, meeting people that love them, and discovering how these tall, magnificent and rarest of cranes are navigating our 21st century world. In this multimedia presentation, Michael will take you on a wild, wonderful, and sometimes heartbreaking journey from their wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast to their remote nesting grounds in northern Canada, and on migration through the heart of the Great Plains. Not to be missed!

1:00pm-1:15pm: Photo Contest and Creative Arts Scholarship Contest Awards

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

1:30pm- 2:45pm:  Keynote Presentation - "A Community Approach for Whooping Crane Conservation along the Texas Coast"

By Dr. Liz Smith, Senior Research Associate, International Crane Foundation - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Whooping Cranes were officially listed as endangered in 1967 and 1973, as a result of unregulated hunting and habitat loss across their historic range. The increase from less than 20 individuals in 1940's to above 500 today is largely due to concerted efforts of dedicated leaders and concerned individuals effecting the conservation effort. Share Dr. Smith's journey as a scientist, conservationist, and now a retired craniac addressing some of the challenges and triumphs to save the Whooping Crane's winter world.

4:30pm-8:45pm: Take a shuttle to Carpenter Ranch Picnic Dinner and Talk, followed by guided crane viewing

This event will be held at The Nature Conservancy's historic Carpenter Ranch in Hayden. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner from Big Air Catering or bring your own food.Please note that you must be pre-registered for a shuttle (25$ fee) to participate in the sunset crane-viewing. No private cars will be allowed on the crane-viewing.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Provide your own transportation to Carpenter Ranch Picnic Dinner and talk

This event will be held at The Nature Conservancy's historic Carpenter Ranch in Hayden. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner from Big Air Catering or bring your own food.

September 1, 2024

5:45am-8:45am: Guided Sunrise Crane Viewing

Stockbridge Transit Center

Shuttle will transport you to two locations where you can get off the shuttles to view the cranes flying overhead and feeding in agricultural fields. Paul Tebbel will address your questions and provide pertinent info about Sandhill Cranes and their behavior to enhance your crane viewing experience. The shuttles depart and return to Stockbridge Transit Center.

6:45am-10:30am: Marabou Ranch Bird Outing

Led by Rebecca Weiss, author of Birds of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, and Karen Whitney of the Yampa Valley Birding Club
Go birding throughout Marabou, a unique private ranch preservation community and working cattle and hay ranch. Click here for details.

8:00am-10am: Loudy-Simpson Guided Bird Walk

Led by Forrest Luke and Alan Reishus
Bird walk at Northwest Colorado's best migrant trap, Loudy-Simpson Park in Craig. Click here for details.

8:30am-10:30am: Yampa Preserve Guided Bird Walk

Led by Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine, and Andrew Floyd.
Bird at this property owned by The Nature Conservancy that harbors one of the largest remaining examples of a rare riparian forest type dominated by narrowleaf cottonwood, box elder maple, and red-osier dogwood.

9:00am-10:00am: "Meet and Greet" Coffee with Liz Smith and Michael Forsberg

Bud Werner Memorial Library Coffee Shop
Join Liz Smith and Mike Forsberg for an informal coffee hour. Here is your chance to chat with two of the world's experts in their respective fields.

9:00am-10:00am: TS Jost Crane-friendly Ranch Tour by Wagon

Led by Cosmo and Captain.

Join local ranchers Sharon and Terry Jost for a crane-friendly ranch tour at the TS Jost Ranch. Enjoy a wagon ride powered by horses Captain and Cosmo, while learning how agriculture and Sandhill Cranes coexist. The wagon ride will traverse some uneven terrain (expect a few bumps!) as the ranch owners tour you around their beautiful and productive fields that they share with the cranes. Click here for directions.

10:00am-11:00am: Crane Yoga

Led by Liz Leipold at Library Lawn at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Join yoga instructor Liz Leipold for a gentle yoga sequence about the life of the cranes, from calling, meeting, dancing, hatching, and growing up. Bring your own mat/towel.

10:00am-12:00pm: Nature's Educators Live Raptor Booth

Library Lawn near Children's Library

Visit with live owls and other raptors on the Library Lawn. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with amazing birds of prey.

11:30am-1:00pm: Double Feature - Under the Wire and The Crane Dance. Introductions and Q and A featuring the director of each film.

Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Under the Wire directed by Mariah Lundgren and featuring conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, tells the story of a community working together to improve fencelines so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely. It also celebrates the wildlife that call the North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border home and the folks living and working on this land to help keep these animals around for generations to come.

The Crane Dance - When wildlife film meets the performing arts. Director Maxence Lamoureux, in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Fiona le Goff, takes you to meet the crane whose courtship has inspired dances in cultures all around the world.

11:30am-1:30pm: Bag Lunch and iNaturalist Workshop

Led by Erin Gelling, rangeland ecologist and former executive director, Colorado Crane Conservation Conservation.

Participants will learn how to use iNaturalist and Seek by iNat app while learning about insects, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and birds at the historic Carpenter Ranch near Hayden, Colorado. This event is suitable for people of all ages, including families and children; no experience necessary. Bring your lunch and your smartphones and we'll show you how to learn about nature with technology! Carpenter Ranch is known as a birdwatcher's paradise (over 150 species on the ranch bird list) located along the Yampa River 20 miles west of Steamboat Springs. The ranch also offers a remarkably diverse variety of insects. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired the ranch in 1996 as the centerpiece of its broader effort to conserve the natural and agricultural heritage of the Yampa River Valley. Today, the Conservancy manages this historic, biologically significant property as a working cattle ranch to explore ways to simultaneously pursue agricultural production and the conservation of streamside and wetland habitats.

1:30pm-2:30pm: "What a Hoot"

By Nature's Educators - Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Learn about owls and the physical and behavioral adaptations they have that help them survive in their environment. Meet some real owls and learn their personal stories and amazing features. All ages are welcome for this FREE event.

Click here for Registration

Date: August 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 - September 1, 2024

Location: Various Town in CO

Click here for more information