DESCRIPTION: Want to escape the classroom? Then this tour is for you. Dr. Gary Ivey will take you out to the fields where you can learn first-hand about the foraging and behavioral habits of Sandhill Cranes. The Delta has a variety of food sources available, including corn, rice, alfalfa, native plants, insects, and small critters. Dr. Ivey will share his wealth of knowledge about what brings thousands of cranes to this region and how they go about their business during daytime hours. Sandhill Cranes don’t stay in one place, so you will travel together to several locations. This is a unique opportunity to have your questions answered by the preeminent crane expert in our valley.
Dr. Ivey works with the International Crane Foundation as a Research Associate and is an expert on Sandhill Cranes in the Pacific Flyway. He has worked with wildlife for over 40 years, concentrating his work on waterbirds, waterfowl, and wetland conservation. He studied nesting ecology of Sandhill Cranes for his Master’s Thesis and wintering ecology of Sandhill Cranes for his PhD, both from Oregon State University.
TIME: 8:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS ON SATURDAY
DIRECTIONS TO THE TOUR: From the North on Interstate 5, exit on Peltier Road and drive South on the frontage road two miles to Woodbridge Road. From the South on Interstate 5, exit on Turner Road and drive North on the frontage road one mile to Woodbridge Road. This tour begins at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve SOUTH UNIT parking lot, located 2 miles West of Interstate 5 on Woodbridge Road. Watch for the sign on your left.
LANDS PASS: A Lands Pass or hunting or fishing license is required for this tour. Click here for more information about how to purchase a Lands Pass. You will be required to show your pass or license.
OTHER TOURS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST: You may be interested in knowing that other Sandhill Crane tours are available during the fall and winter. For more information about California Department of Fish and Wildlife tours during the season go to this CDFW website. For information about Sandhill Crane tours through the Cosumnes River Preserve, chick here.
TICKETS:
Adult: $40.00
Book this tour beginning September 3, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE: September 3 – October 26, 2024
NOTE: Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered before the tour.
LATE REGISTRATION: Customers who register online after October 26 must present a hard copy or phone display the email receipt to their tour guide at the time of the tour.
REGISTRATION AT THE FESTIVAL: Unsold tickets will be available during the festival and can be purchased on this website.
This map can be used to search for the best route to your tour from your current location. Drive time from Hutchins Street Square in Lodi, California to this tour is approximately 19 minutes.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHERE AND WHEN TO MEET YOUR GUIDE: Check in with Dr. Ivey at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve SOUTH parking lot near the restrooms by 10:00 a.m.
QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION: Contact the Registration Coordinator at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org or leave a message at (800) 581-6150. Notify the Registration Coordinator in advance if special accommodations are needed. Expect a response from the Coordinator within the week.
TOURS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE
NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT
CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refunds (minus a 3% processing fee) are available prior to a tour upon the customer’s request at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org. A full refund is automatically issued for any events cancelled by the festival organizers.
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