October 8, 2008

Baraboo, WI: The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is now building new, more natural exhibits to display its four species of African cranes at its headquarters near Baraboo, WI.  The exhibits will emphasize the cranes’ stories—their cultural and ecological significance, efforts that successfully benefit cranes, and opportunities for their protection. These exhibits, expected to open in June 2009, were made possible by a gift of nearly $3 million from the Dohmen Family Foundation of Milwaukee.

Martin Sell, AIA, president of MSA-Integrated Project Delivery (MSA-IPD), is the project leader.  The project calls for total renovation of a 5-acre site that includes creation of 4 new wetland areas.  Five different buildings, including a crane holding building, an amphitheater, and 3 shade structures, also will be constructed. To view construction updates of the African exhibit projects, visit the web site of MSA Professional Services at www.msa-ps.com.

 “We have been very considerate of sustainable issues for this project,” Sell said.  “We’re reusing materials, such as the asphalt that was torn out and will be recycled.  We’re using a pervious pavement material that is made of 100 percent recycled glass, and installing photovoltaic collector systems to generate enough electricity to power the entire exhibit.  Solar water heating systems will be installed on the crane holding building to provide winter heating for the building.  Species of vegetation native to Wisconsin – including prairie grasses – will be used for the landscaping to reduce the need for watering and fertilization.”

Sell noted that the new Africa Exhibits is part of a larger plan to renovate ICF’s campus to strengthen its ability to educate and inspire visitors, and to raise awareness about global conservation efforts to protect cranes and theirecosystems.  The Dohmen Family Foundation as well as many other ICF donors have made construction of the new exhibits possible, as well as supporting the important work being conducted by ICF in Africa.

Bob Dohmen, ICF Board of Directors member who attended the recent groundbreaking ceremony with his mother, Mary, said the gift was made in honor of his father, Fred.  The family’s patriarch passed onto his children a love of wildlife, animals, birds and conservation.  The family also developed a love for Africa’s natural beauty and diversity after visiting the continent. 

The foundation’s gift was also meaningful because of his mother’s career as a teacher.  Mary Dohmen spent her first three years as a first grade teacher at the Second Ward School in Baraboo before moving to Milwaukee.  The gift combines the family’s love of Africa with a love of education for all ages.  He noted that cranes are symbols of harmony, fidelity, longevity and good fortune throughout many cultures.  A portion of the gift will be used by ICF to expand its on-the-ground conservation programs in Africa to protect cranes and the natural habitats on which they depend.

ICF is the only location in the world where visitors can view all 15 of the world’s crane species.  The new exhibits will display the Blue, Wattled, Grey Crowned and Black Crowned Cranes of Africa.  To learn more about ICF, visit www.savingcranes.org.

MSA is working with a number of Midwest based consultants on the project including the Kubala Washatko Architects Inc., The 106 Group Inc. (interpretive planning) and Applied Ecological Services Inc. (ecological and landscape designers). CLR Design or Philadelphia developed the master plan for ICF.

MSA Integrated Project Delivery (www.msa-ipd.com) offers a highly collaborative integrated team approach to construction project delivery for private and public clients.  MSA Professional Services has assisted ICF with planning, design, and construction management of the Africa Exhibit project.  MSA is a full service consulting firm with approximately 300 professionals and support personnel, including engineers, architects, planners, surveyors, GIS specialists, and environmental scientists.  Clients are served from 14 offices in the Midwest.