Visit to Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Crane Sanctuary

Join us for a visit to Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Crane Sanctuary in Jackson County. In the fall, thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate from northern Michigan and Canada and gather in the Haehnle Sanctuary. By day, the cranes can be found feeding in fields surrounding the sanctuary. Towards sunset, the ritual of roosting begins, and large numbers of cranes will enter the sanctuary and settle in for the night. The Sandhill Crane stands 4 feet tall, has a wingspan of 6 feet, and a loud, distinctive call —the sight and sound of large groups flying into the sanctuary is an unforgettable experience! We will begin with a one-hour tour and bird walk, followed by time for observation before sunset.

Registration Link: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po0000251oeqIAA

Signup Instructions: Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event. Registration for this event will be limited to 15 participants.This event is free and open to everyone. Donations to help maintain the crane sanctuary are much appreciated and can be made at the Haehnle Sanctuary website. Please watch your email for outing-related updates or changes. We normally send a reminder the day before each outing. Occasionally, we may need to send last-minute updates because of unusually heavy traffic, trailhead parking closures or other unexpected circumstances.

Recommended Items: Bring binoculars if you have them, and if you dont, we will have several pairs to borrow. For all hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks if needed, and seasonally appropriate clothing. We will have bug spray and sunscreen available (or you can bring your own). To help prevent tick bites, wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot, and consider long sleeves and long pants when hiking in grassy or wooded areas. After returning home, check your body and clothing for ticks, shower soon after coming indoors, and wash and dry your clothes on high heat, which can help kill any ticks that may be present.

Additional Directions: Meet at 4:15 pm at the Harold Wing Overlook. We will begin our tour at 4:30pm and we will wrap up by 6:30pm. Haehnle Sanctuary is 5 miles northeast of downtown Jackson. The entrance is near the intersection of Seymour Rd & Fairlane Dr, Grass Lake, MI. The easiest route is from I-94 Race Rd. exit, north to Seymour, then west.There is parking, an ADA-compliant toilet on site, and drive-up access to the overlook for guests with limited mobility.

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather