(Porter County, IN) - Sandhill Cranes are gathering at the Indiana Dunes National Park thanks to a habitat restoration.
The Great Marsh where migratory birds and other wildlife historically took refuge was destroyed in the 20th century. Since 1998, though, the National Park Service and its partners have done extensive restoration work in the Great Marsh consisting of about 4,000 acres.
As a result, Sandhill Cranes began returning in recent years and have come back in “staggering numbers” this year to use the marsh during migration, said Katie Hobgood, Program Director for Save The Dunes, one of the partners in the restoration.
“It’s a powerful example of how restoring wetlands creates the conditions wildlife need to return,” she said.
People wanting to see the Sandhill Cranes can do so near Cowles Bog along Mineral Springs Road. Visitors are reminded to give the birds plenty of space, stay on designated trails and viewing areas, keep noise low and use binoculars or a zoom lens rather than approaching the birds.
