Nebraska Bird Partnership

The nation's longest running wildlife festival is celebrating the big 4-0 this year.

The Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (RWC) began in 1970 to highlight Platte River crane viewing opportunities and conservation issues. At that time, a wildlife watcher could have a blind on the river to him- or herself to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of cranes coming in to roost. Times have certainly changed; now visitors need to make reservations early for a weekend spot, and plan on sharing.

RWC has changed too. The co-sponsors, the Nebraska Bird Partnership and Audubon Nebraska, are offering more field trips and activities than ever before. Attendees of the March 18-21 Celebration have the opportunity to register for Rainwater Basin and Kearney area birding trips, prairie grouse lek tours,and,of course, crane viewing blind tours. Other planned activities are a photography workshop with award-winning photographer Michael Forsberg, and a free gala reception at the Museum of Nebraska Art for the Galapagos and Great Plains exhibit with Dr. Paul Johnsgard and Alison Johnson. Families will also feel welcome in the Wild Experience Room, with free hands-on activities and presentations geared toward the younger crowd,including live reptiles and raptors.

Like many that turn 40, you won't see too much fanfare associated with the birthday. Exceptions include offering RWC t-shirts that commemorate 40 years of river conservation, and a lunchtime keynote address on Saturday from Ron Klataske, executive director of Audubon Kansas. Ron was around at the beginning of RWC, When he served as a regional director of Audubon. Ron will give his retrospective on river conservation in Nebraska.

For registration information, visit the Rivers and Wildlife Celebration page.