Annual Midwest Crane Count 2026

Annual Midwest Crane Count 2026

April 18th, 2026 | 5:30 am - 7:30 am | Selected survey locations in Eau Claire & Chippewa Counties | Location: Wisconsin

The Annual Midwest Crane Count is one of the largest citizen-based wildlife surveys in the world. The primary purpose of the count is to monitor the abundance and distribution of cranes across the Upper Midwest. Every April, volunteers travel to their local wetlands to count cranes. This annual count of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes covers 6 states, 120 counties and over 1,500 volunteers. Last year in WI more than 13,000 cranes were counted. Beaver Creek’s Citizen Science Center holds counts in both Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties. This is a great opportunity for all ages. You can participate solo or as a small group. This is a free, easy and fun way to participate in citizen science, observe cranes and take part in the start of spring migration. Pick your survey location and zone at registration (see maps below).

Ages: All ages! (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Free
Location: Selected survey locations in Eau Claire & Chippewa Counties

Register by: Saturday, April 11 | Walk-ins will not be accepted

Chippewa County Zone Map

Eau Claire County Zone Map

Visit Website: Register Now