The story of the International Crane Foundation began in 1971 at Cornell University with two students who shared a passion for cranes. Ornithology students Ron Sauey and George Archibald envisioned an organization combining research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world?s 15 crane species. In 1973, with the generosity of the Sauey family ? who rented their horse farm to Ron and George for $1 a year! ? the International Crane Foundation ?hatched? in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Over more than 50 years, we have developed unique collaborations and led effective community-based conservation programs, important research projects and innovative captive breeding and reintroduction efforts. These endeavors have inspired international cooperation, helped improve people?s livelihoods, and protected millions of acres of wetlands and grasslands on the five continents where cranes live.