Celebrate the Season of the Sandhill Crane at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Sandhill Cranes at the Woodbridge Ecological Preserve
Photo by Charles Pannell

The California Department of Fish and Game invites folks to come out and enjoy the season of the Sandhill Crane, on their 2.5-hour tours at Woodbridge Ecological Preserve. These seasonal tours are held every Saturday at dusk, from October through February. During this time, these migratory cranes winter in California’s Central Valley, which boasts abundant food, a temperate climate and a suitable habitat.

The Sandhill Crane tours start at the South Site of the Woodbridge Reserve — located just off Interstate 5 near Lodi — with a brief presentation on the birds and their habitat. Participants then travel in their own vehicles to the North Site of the reserve, for a look at the cranes impressive nightly behaviors.

Access on the tours is excellent, with wheelchair-accessible parking and viewing areas at both sites. And since there’s very little walking involved, they’re also a good choice for slow walkers. Participants are also encouraged to bring along camp chairs if standing for long periods of time is problematic.

Advance reservations are required, and the tour size is limited to 30 people. An $8 donation is requested. Plan ahead, because these popular tours fill up fast. For more information, or to make tour reservations, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region3/woodbridge.html.

For more information about the Sandhill Cranes and Lodi’s annual Sandhill Crane Festival, visit www.cranefestival.com. And for details about other wheelchair-accessible viewing sites, trails and boardwalks, consult the Winter 2011 issue of Emerging Horizons.