Cranes And People:

A Struggle For Coexistence

DERBY — The Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society, Inc, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental protection’s (DEP) Kellogg Environmental Center, will host a program on cranes, some of the most stately and graceful birds on earth.

“Cranes And People: A Struggle for Coexistence” will be presented on Tuesday, November 16, at 7:30 pm, at Kellogg Environmental Center. Cranes are revered in many cultures for their beauty, fidelity to their mates, and long life. Many of them are dependant upon wetland habitats for breeding sites, wintering grounds, and resting and feeding stopovers during migration.

Management practices for rivers, marshes, and other wetlands, however, have put increasing pressure on grange populations. Consequently, more than half of the world’s species of cranes are considered threatened or endangered.

Ted Gilman will present a slide program covering the beauty, natural history, and distinct characteristics of cranes and the challenges of managing water and wetlands to fulfill the needs of both cranes and people. The program will cover cranes from around the world, but will focus particularly on the United States and China.

The program will take place at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Avenue (off Route 34; signs are posted). A donation of $4 is requested.

For further information, directions, or to register, contact the environmental center at 734-2513 or Mr Hornak at 203-729-6777.