Oldest Mail Order Catalog Supports Whooping Crane Conservation
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Oldest Mail Order Catalog Supports Whooping Crane Conservation
Originally published 2005-03-06

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo, Wisconsin is proud to announce it has received a $30,000 challenge grant from The Orvis Company to support ICF's efforts to reintroduce the endangered Whooping Crane to the eastern United States.

The Orvis Company, based in Manchester, Vermont, is synonymous with the distinctive country lifestyle. Conservation is a core value of the company, which offers products from fly-fishing gear to apparel to travel packages. Each year, Orvis sets aside 5% of pre-tax profits and invites customers to join in matching grant campaigns to protect some of the earth's most pristine environments and extraordinary species. One of three 2005 recipients, Orvis has awarded ICF a challenge grant to help rear and release Whooping Cranes, monitor the movements and distribution of birds from previous releases, and manage ICF's captive flock of Whooping Cranes to breed chicks for release.

The Orvis grant prompted the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation to match customer contributions to the project. As such, private contributions to the 2005 Whooping Crane Project will be quadrupled. The goal is to raise $100,000.

Abby Ward, Orvis Company Communications Coordinator said, "Conservation is one of the core values of The Orvis Company. Our matching grant program allows us to magnify our contribution to support the project, and involves our customers on a more personal level. Orvis felt compelled to keep the momentum going on the Whooping Crane project. The company is truly looking forward to doing our part for the success of the project and the species," she added.

Orvis' internal travel agency has also developed a trip package to Wisconsin. Participants will visit the ICF's World Center for Cranes in Baraboo as well as the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge to view the young cranes as they train for their migration to Florida. This rare opportunity will take place in September 2005.

ICF is a member of the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a coalition of federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations working to establish a new migratory population of Whooping Cranes in the eastern United States. The first historic migration of these cranes occurred in fall 2001, when ultralight aircraft led a flock of seven young Whooping Cranes from Wisconsin to Florida along the Eastern Flyway. Since then, three additional ultralight-led migrations have occurred. Once taught the migration route, the birds make their independent return to their summering grounds in the spring. There are currently 46 Whooping Cranes in this flock.

Please visit the Orvis website if you would like to make a donation and quadruple your gift to the ICF Whooping Crane Project.
 
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