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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.

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 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 …

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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.