Speakers and
Workshop Presenters
Jeb Barzen
Private Lands Conservation, LLC
Lessons in Crane Conservation Worldwide
Saturday, November 15 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
The conservation of Sarus Cranes in Vietnam, Black-necked Cranes in China, and Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin shares the same core conservation strategy: if you meet the needs of the people who share their habitats with cranes, crane conservation becomes possible. In short, “it’s the people!”
Across cultures worldwide, people desire similar things: a voice in decisions, access to education and livelihood opportunities, and the ability to solve problems. Conservation strategies—whether they are focused on improving water quality, restoring habitats, or recovering endangered species—ultimately hinge on these human desires. True sustainability requires solutions that benefit both people and wildlife by protecting the ecosystems they share. Join Jeb Barzen as he explores three foundational aspects of global crane conservation:
1) Finding common ground
2) Building trust
3) Keeping conservation outcomes open
Cranes provide common ground for collaboration, but lasting conservation happens when communities are empowered to shape solutions that serve their own needs as well as the needs of the wildlife around them.
I have spent most of my 40-year career studying birds in the field and applying ecosystem restoration tools for these species in wetlands, grasslands, and savannas worldwide. This includes extensively studying four crane species (Sandhill, Sarus, Siberian, and Whooping), Bald Eagle winter ecology, and Canvasback migration ecology.
Now, being officially an old bird ecologist, I am naturally interested in how the conservation of birds has changed over time. Concomitantly, I have also realized that most really interesting projects last well beyond my lifetime, so my research has focused on teaching, mentoring, and advancing the tools we depend on to improve bird and ecosystem restoration.
Jeb is also the Chair of the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Adjunct Assistant Professor for the UW-Madison Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture, and Lecturer at the UW-Madison Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
Dr. Rich Beilfuss
President and CEO, International Crane Foundation
Opening Remarks
Saturday, November 15 | 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater, International Crane Foundation
Welcome to the International Crane Foundation! Join Dr. Rich Beilfuss for a festival kick-off with an introduction to the International Crane Foundation’s work, the story behind the Great Midwest Crane Fest, our partnership with the Aldo Leopold Foundation, and the importance of conserving and protecting cranes around the world.
The International Crane Foundation’s 10-Year Vision for Cranes and So Much More
Sunday, November 16 | 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
Join Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President and CEO of the International Crane Foundation, to explore the Foundation’s new 10-year vision. We will reflect on lessons learned during the past decade of conservation impact for cranes and the wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands that both humans and cranes share. We will scan the horizon for the most important opportunities and challenges in the decade ahead. And together, we will envision a future where cranes, diverse landscapes, and healthy communities thrive together. Please join us for stories, reflections, and inspiration!
Dr. Rich Beilfuss has served as the International Crane Foundation’s President & CEO and ex officio member of the Board of Directors since 2010. He helped launch many of the Foundation’s signature projects and provides oversight, vision and prioritization to the International Crane Foundation’s conservation programs across Asia, Africa and North America. He is responsible for the Foundation’s $9 million annual budget and led their $40 million comprehensive capital campaign.
From 2006 to 2009, Rich lived in Mozambique with his family and served as Director of Conservation Services for Gorongosa National Park. From 1992 to 2006, he was responsible for developing and managing the International Crane Foundation’s African regional program. He built a team of staff and partners in more than 20 countries across Africa, seeking deep connections with the communities who share their lands with cranes, and spearheaded public and private efforts to implement innovative water management practices in the water-stressed Zambezi River Basin for the benefit of cranes, many other species and human livelihoods.
Over his 30-year career, Rich has engaged in water management and wetland restoration efforts in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia, focusing on Nepal, Vietnam, Mozambique and Zambia. He has contributed to restoring and managing thousands of acres of prairie and savanna landscape in the Midwestern United States. Rich has authored over 100 scientific papers, technical reports, proceedings and lay-audience publications and presented his research findings and conservation vision to governments, communities and peer scientists worldwide.
Rich is a Licensed Professional Hydrologist with a Ph.D. in Land Resources (Wetland Ecology), an M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering-Hydrology, an M.Sc. in Water Resources Management and a B.Sc. in International Economics. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, where he is an Honorary Fellow, and enjoys teaching courses and mentoring students. The Governor of Wisconsin appointed him to serve on the Examining Board of Professional Geologists, Hydrologists and Soil Scientists.
Rich lives in Madison with his wife, Katie, and their two sons. He is an avid unicycle rider, dart-thrower and birder – but not all at the same time.
Dr. Diana Boon
Director of Conservation Medicine, International Crane Foundation
Behind the Scenes of Crane Conservation Medicine
Saturday, November 15 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
Have you ever wondered about how we care for 15 species of cranes at the International Crane Foundation, or what we do to make sure reintroduced cranes are healthy? Join Dr. Diana Boon, the Foundation’s Director of Conservation Medicine, for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of crane veterinary care. From daily medical care and hands-on health checks to supporting conservation teams around the world, you’ll discover the importance of Conservation Medicine at the International Crane Foundation and in crane populations worldwide.
Dr. Diana Boon graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a BS in Biology and a minor in Studio Art. Before attending NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she took a School for Field Studies Wildlife Biology and Management course in Kenya and worked as a wildlife technician on several field projects around the country. Her focus in veterinary medicine was zoo and wildlife, and she spent her first summer working with the Florida panther project near the Everglades. She has accumulated a broad knowledge of species and programs through multiple roles with zoos (staff veterinarian, contract and relief veterinarian, consultant) and their associated wildlife conservation programs. Diana is fascinated with birds and what they represent, though she may have a few other species that are also favorites. Diana joined the International Crane Foundation team in September 2023 as the Director of Conservation Medicine.
Peter Cavanagh
Scientist, Author, and Bird Photographer
How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight
Saturday, November 15 | 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
Book Signing and Meet & Greet following the presentation from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in the George Archibald Welcome Center Gift Shop.
Join bird photographer and biomechanist Peter Cavanagh as he explores the intriguing world of avian flight in his talk, How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight, which is the title of his latest book. Discover the reasons behind bird flight, the evolution of dinosaur limbs into bird wings, and the origins of the first flying birds. He will also delve into the enigmatic mechanics of flapping flight, and give insights into how birds take off, land, migrate, and perform aerodynamic feats that surpass those of airplanes. Through captivating photographs and videos, Cavanagh will share his adventures from traveling across every continent in pursuit of remarkable flying birds. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate his clear explanations of complex avian science and find valuable insights for their own birdwatching experiences. As one notable listener put it, “This …. will forever change the way I view birds on the wing.”
Peter Cavanagh is a scientist, author, and bird photographer who lives in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. He is drawn to the study of bird flight by his experiences as an instrument-rated private pilot, his professional training in anatomy and biomechanics, and his passion for nature and the outdoors. Peter’s images have been featured in the Audubon Society’s Top 100 Bird Photographs of the Year. He is the author of 100 FLYING BIRDS: Photographing the Mechanics of Flight and HOW BIRDS FLY: The Science and Art of Avian Flight. He has traveled widely to photograph birds on every continent, including many species of cranes. He recently photographed Demoiselle Cranes in northwestern India. His work can be found at petercavanagh.us and on Instagram @petercavanaghbirds.
Kathy DeVries
Natural Science Illustrator and Educator
Getting Started in Nature Journaling with Kathy Devries!
Sunday, November 16 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Take a break, slow down, and get curious about the everyday wonder and beauty around you. Explore the practice of Nature Journaling by collecting and recording your observations, questions, and explanations in a notebook. This indoor workshop features a variety of cool Wisconsin nature specimens to explore, along with a complimentary nature journal to get started. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin nature journaling. Just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity!
Kathy DeVries is a natural science illustrator and educator inspired by the Great Lakes ecosystems. By marrying fiber arts, natural science illustration, and design, she focuses on the small creatures found in our everyday lives. She is interested in modernizing historical natural science illustration from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Kathy graduated from the rigorous Rhode Island School of Design’s Natural Science Illustration Program in spring 2024. She also studies painting under Sarah Kaiser, MFA, in Evanston, Illinois. Many of Kathy’s most recent illustrations focus on the ever-growing encroachments on open spaces and their impact on nature, especially in urban areas.
Prior to her art career, Kathy was a corporate marketing executive for over thirty years. Her work has been shown at exhibits throughout the Midwest, and she is a board member of Wisconsin Craft.
Nicki Gordon
Whooping Crane Biologist, International Crane Foundation
Reintroducing Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin
Sunday, November 16 | 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
Join Whooping Crane Biologist Nicki Gordon for a look at one of North America’s most endangered species. Discover how Whooping Cranes—once on the brink of extinction—are being reintroduced into the wild right here in Wisconsin. Learn how the International Crane Foundation’s North America Programs team monitors and safeguards these rare birds, and get a glimpse into the ongoing research that is protecting and shaping the future of this Whooping Crane population.
Nicki Gordon grew up in northwest Ohio and earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University. After graduating, she interned with wildlife research projects around the world, gaining experience in aviculture with endangered Hawaiian birds, reintroduction research for giant pandas in China, and primate behavioral studies in South Africa. Nicki began her work with the International Crane Foundation as a Field Ecology Intern in 2019. She completed her M.S. in Wildlife Ecology in 2024, focusing on predator occupancy on the breeding grounds of the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. Now, she is working as the Whooping Crane Biologist at the International Crane Foundation.
Glory-June Greiff
Public Historian and Preservation Activist
A Sense Sublime
Saturday, November 15 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
“A Sense Sublime” is a dramatic performance of poetry and prose celebrating nature and spirituality. Dramatic performance brings the words of the poets and essayists to life, helping the audience see and feel their connection to nature. These writers found in Nature their inspiration, their link to the Infinite, their connection to the Wonder. The works performed represent writers from the English Romanticists and American Transcendentalists to (of course) Aldo Leopold and even the presenter herself.
Glory-June Greiff is a public historian and preservation activist who has written scores of successful nominations across Indiana and beyond to the National Register of Historic Places, numerous articles, and two full-length books: Remembrance, Faith and Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana and People, Parks, and Perceptions: A History and Appreciation of Indiana State Parks. She has portrayed author and environmentalist Gene Stratton-Porter countless times in recent years, but had first fallen in love with Stratton-Porter’s work as a naturalist and photographer after seeing an exhibit in the 1980s of her groundbreaking photographs. Interpreting this remarkable woman of a hundred years ago combines Greiff’s work as a historian and environmentalist with her interest in theater.
Buddy Huffaker
Executive Director, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Opening Remarks
Saturday, November 15 | 8:30 to 9 a.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Kick off the Great Midwest Crane Festival with the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Executive Director, Buddy Huffaker! Join him in giving thanks to the plethora of people and organizations that make this yearly event happen, including the foundation’s long-standing relationship with the International Crane Foundation, before transitioning into the festival’s first event!
As executive director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, my work may involve anything from giving a talk to fundraising to reviewing financial statements – sometimes all in the same day. Having joined the organization as an intern 20 years ago, I can honestly say I’ve done just about everything around here. At one point, I was a pretty decent field botanist, could run a chainsaw, and even acted as a line boss on prescribed burns.
My academic background is in landscape architecture and plant ecology, but I’ve also completed a lot of professional development coursework on fundraising, management, and finance. I’ve been recognized as an Executive Scholar in Not‐for‐Profit Management by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. I also participated in the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation and was elected to represent the Northeast Region at the U.S. Forest Service’s Centennial Congress. My contributions to books include a foreword with Nina Leopold Bradley in Aldo Leopold and the Ecological Conscience, and a chapter in The Farm as a Natural Habitat on assisting private landowners interested in implementing Leopold’s land ethic.
While my responsibilities have lately taken me away from the field, it has been very rewarding to see the Leopold Foundation’s programming and reach expand so much, and to know that we’re truly helping now to advance a conservation ethic across the country and beyond.
One of the most thrilling parts of my job is interacting with individuals and communities all over the country who are working not only to fully understand Leopold’s vision of a land ethic, but more importantly, implement it in their day-to-day lives.
Amy Laundrie
Education and Communications Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Tiny Heroes, Giant Flights: A Crane-Inspired Story and Puppet-Making Workshop
Sunday, November 16 | 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater, International Crane Foundation
Step into a world where cranes carry more than their own wings—they carry stories. Author Amy Laundrie will share an excerpt from her new children’s book Snip and Bittersweet, where two four-inch-tall creatures tumble from the back of a migrating Sandhill Crane and must brave a Wisconsin winter on their own.
Following the reading, children will bring the story to life by creating their very own crane puppets to take home. This hands-on activity blends imagination, wildlife appreciation, and creativity—perfect for young festivalgoers and families who want to connect literature, art, and the wonder of cranes.
Amy C. Laundrie is a Wisconsin author, retired elementary teacher, and lifelong nature enthusiast. Her latest middle-grade book, Snip and Bittersweet, draws inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife of her home state, especially her fascination with Sandhill Cranes. A columnist and travel writer as well, Amy delights in weaving together stories of people, place, and the natural world. Whether in her books, classrooms, or community events, she invites children to imagine big adventures in small, magical worlds.
Diane Moller
Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center
Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center Live Demonstration
Saturday, November 15 | 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Join us at the Aldo Leopold Foundation for one of the two live raptor demonstration programs given by the Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center! Come learn about the lives of these majestic birds, their habitat and see live hawks, falcons, and eagles! Each presentation is 45 minutes in length. Seating will be extremely limited; be sure to arrive early for the best chance to view this program!
We ask that you follow the following simple rules for the live demonstration:
• Absolutely no pets or service animals
• Please limit your photos: No flash photography, tripods, or video
• After the first presentation, the raptors need 30 minutes of rest. We ask all attendees to leave the Lecture Hall during this time
Dianne Moller founded Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center located near Milton, Wisconsin, in 1998. Dianne is a native of southern Wisconsin and has worked with raptors for over 25 years. She is a licensed rehabilitator, educator, and master falconer through state and federal agencies. Hoo’s Woods admits more than 100 injured, sick, and orphaned raptors annually. They present outreach education programs reaching thousands of audience participants each year. Their 12 non-releasable education birds make learning fun while encouraging community involvement and fostering a respect for nature and wildlife. Dianne has served on boards for the North American Falconer’s Association, the International Association of Falconry representing U.S. falconry in the Middle East, and as past President of the Wisconsin Falconers Association. She is a past recipient of the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year award and the Giveback Non-profit award from the Milton Community.
Dexter Patterson
Wisco Birder
Birds of the Great Lakes Author Presentation
Sunday, November 16 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater, International Crane Foundation
Book Signing and Meet & Greet following the presentation from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in the George Archibald Welcome Center Gift Shop.
Join Dexter Patterson—also known as the Wisco Birder—for a heartfelt and inspiring presentation that draws from his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes, and also explores how the power of birdwatching can bring people together. With his dynamic storytelling and joyful energy, Dexter will share how birding helped him find healing, purpose, and community. Through the lens of his book, Dexter will share stories, birding tips, inclusive outreach strategies, and best birding practices that promote environmental stewardship, social connection, and mental wellness. Pre-order Dexter’s new book, Birds of the Great Lakes, here.
Meet Dexter Patterson, also known as the Wisco Birder on social media. Passionate about making birdwatching inclusive for everyone, Dexter’s lively “You Ready? Let’s Go!” videos showcase his discovery of various bird species and have garnered millions of views. As an educator, photographer, writer, and co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Dexter is committed to demonstrating that birding is open to all. His goal is to promote inclusivity and help people connect with the beauty of nature. Through his efforts, he encourages a new wave of birdwatchers to venture into the outdoors and admire the diverse life surrounding them.
Roger Reynolds
Natural Mindfulness Guide
Mindful Moments Workshop: Connecting with Cranes and Ourselves
Saturday, November 15 | 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 16 | 12:45 to 2:25 p.m.
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater, International Crane Foundation
An additional registration fee is required for this workshop.
Cultivate a deeper sense of presence among the cranes at the International Crane Foundation during this Mindful Moments Workshop. This ‘down-to-earth’ session offers a unique opportunity to cultivate moment-to-moment awareness, which can help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Mindful practices include: sitting, standing, and gentle movement. As the group visits the incredible birds throughout the Crane Discovery Center, we will focus on our breath, senses, surroundings, thoughts, and emotions. No prior mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary; all are welcome to join this peaceful journey of self-discovery and connection with nature. Please dress warmly, as most of this workshop may take place outdoors.
Roger Reynolds is a certified Natural Mindfulness Guide with a lifelong passion for playing in nature. He has been practicing mindfulness for over a decade and has been profoundly moved by the International Crane Foundation and cranes for over 30 years. Roger looks forward to sharing this unique opportunity to focus our awareness while connecting with the beauty and calls of the cranes.
Vesper Rothberg
Oil Painter, Tattoo Artist, and Lifelong Birder
Bird Funerals: Painting Ecological Change – An Artist Presentation by Vesper Rothberg
Saturday, November 15 | 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
George Archibald Welcome Center Theater, International Crane Foundation
Join Vesper Rothberg, a Washington-based oil painter, tattoo artist, and lifelong birder whose work explores the intersection of art, science, and environmental awareness, for an artist presentation. Drawing from a background in biology and ornithology, Vesper creates vivid, emotionally resonant paintings that often memorialize birds lost to human-related hazards like habitat loss and window strikes. Their work reflects a deep reverence for avian life and aims to spark conversations around mortality, grief, and ecological responsibility. Through themes of fragility, resonance, and the beauty of the natural world, Vesper invites viewers to see birds—and our impact on them—with new clarity and compassion.
Observing Whooping Cranes: Hands-On Drawing and Anatomy Workshop
Sunday, November 16 | 12:45 to 2 p.m.
Ron Sauey Memorial Library, International Crane Foundation
Join artist and birder Vesper Rothberg for a hands-on bird drawing and anatomy workshop focused on the Whooping Crane. Participants will study both skeletal and taxidermied crane models to explore avian anatomy and better understand the structure, movement, and elegance of these endangered birds. With guidance from Vesper’s artistic and scientific background in ornithology, attendees will learn techniques for observing and illustrating birds with accuracy and sensitivity. This workshop offers a creative space to connect more deeply with the beauty and form of one of North America’s rarest crane species.
Vesper Rothberg (they/them) is an oil painter, tattoo artist, and lifelong birder currently living in Bellingham, Washington. They approach birds as individuals with curiosity and empathy, and explore environmental interconnectivity at a global turning point for ecological conservation. Vesper has always been driven to share their curiosity and concern for the natural world with others, and they are heavily influenced by a background in biology and ornithology. They use academic research, field observations, and scientific community outreach to inform their work. Learn more about Vesberg’s work at vesperrothberg.com.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Owls: Designed for Darkness
Sunday, November 16 | 10 to 11 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
These seldom-seen, silent winged hunters shine best when the sun goes down. Wisconsin is home to a variety of native owls, each with its own special adaptations. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center staff will model owls’ special night hunting adaptations and basic behaviors, providing insights into their natural history. Our resident owls will captivate your audience as they witness firsthand the incredible power of these amazing birds!
Dr. Stanley Temple
Senior Fellow
Aldo Leopold Foundation
The Passenger Pigeon: Lessons from the Past for Bird Conservation
Saturday, November 15 | 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
In 1914, the last surviving Passenger Pigeon died at the Cincinnati zoo, ending a calamitous half-century in which the pigeon declined from billions to one and then to none as a result of uncontrolled market hunting and the resulting disruption of nesting colonies. The loss of one of the world’s most abundant birds stands as the iconic extinction event in our country’s history. Accounts by early naturalists, such as John James Audubon, describe flocks darkening the sky. In 1871, the largest nesting ever recorded occurred in central Wisconsin. In 1947, Aldo Leopold penned one of the most poignant essays ever written about extinction, “On a Monument to the Pigeon,” which later appeared in his masterwork, A Sand County Almanac. Professor Stan Temple recounts the sobering story of the Passenger Pigeon and what it can tell us about the ongoing extinction crisis and our relationship with other species.
Why are Birds so Important in Conservation History?
Sunday, November 16 | 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Lecture Hall, Aldo Leopold Foundation
Concern about birds has been a primary motivation for many of the most important conservation initiatives throughout the history of the modern conservation movement. That’s because we value birds and care about them and are therefore willing to make sacrifices for them. Birds are important for ecosystem health, can be environmental indicators, contribute to climate regulation, have economic value, connect us to nature, have cultural and spiritual significance, provide scientific insights, help with pest control, bolster efforts to protect biodiversity, and face growing threats. In response, we have adopted policies, legislation, and actions designed to protect them. Professor Stan Temple will review the reasons why birds are so important, the various actions we have taken because they are so important to us, and the status of bird conservation today.
Dr. Stanley A. Temple is the Beers-Bascom Professor Emeritus in Conservation in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For 32 years, he held the academic position once occupied by Aldo Leopold, and during that time, he won every teaching award for which he was eligible. He and his students have helped save many of the world’s endangered species and the habitats on which they depend. He is currently a Senior Fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation. He has received conservation awards from the Society for Conservation Biology, The Wildlife Society, and Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. He has been President of the Society for Conservation Biology and Chairman of the Board of The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin. Stan was recently inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.