The Crane Trust is dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife species that depend on the Central Platte River Valley’s unique ecosystems. Through a combination of habitat restoration, adaptive management, and targeted conservation efforts, the Trust focuses on safeguarding key species such as the Sandhill Crane and the endangered Whooping Crane.

Crane trust lands include the largest piece of contiguous lowland tall grass prairie in the state of Nebraska. We also help to protect the entire 80 miles of river, prairies, and wet meadows that provide safe territory and foraging opportunities for cranes. Our initiatives include managing vital stopover habitats, conducting controlled burns to maintain prairie health, and implementing grazing practices that enhance plant diversity and ecological resilience. Additionally, the Trust monitors and supports other at-risk species to ensure that the entire ecosystem remains robust and capable of sustaining its rich biodiversity. By addressing both the needs of individual species and the broader ecological context, the Crane Trust plays a crucial role in preserving the health and functionality of this critical wildlife habitat.

The Platte River’s ecology is a dynamic and intricate system shaped by its unique hydrology and the diverse habitats it supports. Historically, wildfires, flooding, and ice jams scoured the river’s landscape while natural ecosystem engineers like bison, prairie dogs, and beavers naturally maintained the river’s delicate balance. This is a complex and adaptive ecosystem whose natural forces have been severely constrained, and now relies on the work of humans to preserve the habitat. Without human management, the channels would be choked with vegetation and cut into the land, deepening the shallow river channels that the cranes need.

The river’s changing conditions foster rich plant and animal communities, supporting species such as the Sandhill Crane, which relies on the valley’s nutrient-rich fields and wetlands for refueling during migration. Conservation efforts aim to restore and preserve these habitats, ensuring that the river continues to support its ecological functions and sustain the diverse wildlife that depend on it.

Beyond its role as a migratory hub, the Central Platte River Valley is also a region of historical and ecological significance. Historically, this area was characterized by a broad, braided river system interspersed with sandbars and surrounded by lush grasslands. Over time, human activities such as agriculture and development have altered the river’s natural flow and surrounding landscape. Conservation efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve the valley’s ecological functions, including habitat management and river restoration projects. These initiatives aim to maintain the valley’s critical role in supporting migratory birds and to enhance the resilience of the local ecosystem against future environmental pressures. Through these efforts, the Central Platte River Valley continues to be a vital link in the migratory journey of countless species and a testament to the importance of conserving natural habitats.

Nebraska’s prairie landscape is a quintessential example of the North American Great Plains ecosystem. Once dominated by tallgrass prairies, these regions are rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife adapted to the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. Historically shaped by natural disturbances such as fires and bison grazing, Nebraska’s prairies have evolved to support species like the Greater Prairie Chicken and the endangered Regal Fritillary butterfly. However, extensive agricultural development and urban expansion have significantly fragmented these landscapes. Ongoing prairie restoration efforts aim to reverse this decline by reintroducing native plants, managing invasive species, and mimicking natural processes to restore ecological balance and preserve the prairie’s vital role in maintaining regional biodiversity and soil health.

Crane Trust and other conservation groups manage large tracts of land to maintain and restore tallgrass prairies and wetlands. These projects often involve controlled burns to simulate the natural fire regime that once shaped these ecosystems, as well as re-seeding with native grasses and forbs. Additionally, grazing practices are adjusted to mimic historical patterns, promoting a diverse plant community and preventing overgrowth of invasive species. These restoration initiatives not only support the conservation of iconic species such as the Sandhill Crane and American Bison but also contribute to broader ecological health, enhancing the resilience of Nebraska’s prairies against future environmental changes.