Cranes, Comics, and Conservation: Announcing Our 2026 Keynote Speaker, Rosemary Mosco
The Monte Vista Crane Festival is thrilled to announce that Rosemary Mosco—acclaimed author, illustrator, and science communicator—will be our 2026 keynote speaker!
If you’ve ever smiled at a clever Bird and Moon comic or read her work in The New York Times, Audubon, or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Living Bird magazine, you already know that Rosemary has a rare gift for blending humor, science, and art to connect people with the natural world.
About Rosemary Mosco
Rosemary is an author, illustrator, and speaker whose creative work helps people see nature in new and delightful ways. She has written and illustrated for The New York Times, Audubon, Rewiring America, PBS Kids’ show Elinor Wonders Why, and Ranger Rick. Her nature comic Bird and Moon won the National Cartoonists Society’s award for Best Online Short Form Comic and even inspired an award-winning museum exhibit.
Her science communication has reached audiences of all ages, from her acclaimed books like Birds Are Weird and Butterflies Are Pretty... Gross! to her climate change comics, which have been featured in exhibitions at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) headquarters and the Peabody Essex Museum.
Rosemary is a graduate of the Field Naturalist Program at the University of Vermont, and her playful, approachable style makes even complex environmental topics accessible and memorable. (She’s also judged a bird tattoo contest—twice—and co-founded an event celebrating invertebrate butts, proving that science and humor make the perfect pair.)
Join Her Live at the 2026 Monte Vista Crane Festival
We’re beyond excited to welcome Rosemary to Monte Vista as our keynote speaker. She’ll share her passion for birds, science, and storytelling in an inspiring talk designed for anyone who loves the natural world, whether you’re a lifelong birder, an artist, or simply curious about the cranes.
In addition to her keynote, Rosemary will lead a special drawing workshop for both kids and adults, where participants can create their own nature-themed comics under her guidance. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most creative science communicators in the country—right here in the San Luis Valley!
A Perfect Fit for the Festival
For years, we’ve featured Rosemary’s Bird and Moon comics in our festival newsletters. Her work captures the same spirit that defines the Monte Vista Crane Festival: curiosity, joy, and a deep respect for wildlife. Having her join us in person feels like a full-circle moment, and we can’t wait to share the experience with all of you.
Stay tuned for more announcements about next year’s speakers, tours, and workshops as we continue to build another unforgettable festival.
Pre-Order Our Keynote’s Book — Support Local
Support local and celebrate our keynote speaker by ordering Rosemary Mosco’s The Birding Dictionary through the Narrow Gauge Book Co-op—choose shipping, in-store pickup, or pre-order now and pick it up at the festival.
Pre-ordering supports an independent bookstore and guarantees your copy for the event.
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