Wetland habitat health
Wetlands provide essential habitats for a wide variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes, which rely on these ecosystems for nesting, foraging, and migration.
Here’s to the next 40 years
The 40th Anniversary of the MVCF was an overwhelming success. Here’s to another 40 years of cranes, community, and conservation.
Hawks Aloft Returns
After a forced hiatus from recent crane festivals due to COVID restrictions, we are very pleased to announce that Hawks Aloft will once again be bringing their Avian Ambassadors to this year’s Crane, Craft and Nature Fair.
Celebrating 40 Years of Cranes & Conservation
March in the San Luis Valley brings frequent snowfall, strong winds, and the annual return of the area’s oldest visitors—Sandhill Cranes. Although cranes have been migrating through the Valley’s wetlands for centuries, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the event dedicated to showcasing the majesty of the cranes and their habitat: The Monte Vista Crane Festival.
A 40th Anniversary Keynote from ICF
A 40th Anniversary Keynote from ICF ICF Co-Founder to share Lessons Learned From 50 Years of Crane Conservation Big anniversaries deserve to be celebrated in style. That’s why we are very excited to announce that for our 2023 keynote speaker, we will be hosting a speaker from an organization that is also celebrating a hallmark …
A Fresh New Look
A fresh new look The monte vista crane festival celebrates 40 years with a brand new logo! 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the Monte Vista Crane Festival. Over the past four decades, we have grown from a small event, largely attended by SLV locals, to a thriving, three-day festival filled with tours, lectures, live …
CraneCam1 braves the elements at the monte vista wildlife refuge
CraneCam1 braves the elements at the monte vista wildlife refuge It may not have to endure the same conditions as the Mars Rover’s ChemCam, but CraneCam1 still takes its fair share of abuse to provide crane enthusiasts with the latest footage of bird activity on the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge. In spring and fall, CraneCam …
CraneCam1 braves the elements at the monte vista wildlife refuge Read More »
Lights, camera, action! MVCF gets a new video!
Lights, camera, action! MVCF gets a new video In November 2021 , the Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges was awarded a $28,000 grant by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) to fund an enhanced marketing program. Matching Funds of $10,000 were added by the Rio Grande County Tourism Board and the Monte Vista …
Crane Update: October 16, 2021
The cranes are in the valley! In the fall, cranes spread out across the farmland surrounding the towns of Monte Vista and Alamosa. Your best bet for seeing cranes during the day is to drive the county roads. A good place to try is Stanley Road between Alamosa County Road 104 and 102. Also, several …
CTO Grant News Release
The Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges was awarded a $28,000 marketing matching grant from the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) to fund an enhanced marketing program for the Monte Vista Crane Festival with the goal of increasing visitor stays and spending during and around the annual series of events each spring.