FROM THE NEST by AwA
CRANE SEASON EVERY YEAR THE Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition (CCCC) celebrates the arrival and departure of Sandhill Cranes to northwest Colorado. The organization formed in 2012 in response to discussions around hunting the Greater Sandhill Crane and the realization of the need for protections for these majestic birds. Since then, viewing cranes, photographing them, drawing them and writing about them have become as regular as the seasons. So, when the dark winter days start to drag on, pull out some paper, a pen or paintbrush and celebrate the crane through art and writing. Encourage your children to join you and enter their work in one of CCCC’s competitions. POSTER CONTEST: For kids ages 10-15. The contest runs May–July and encourages kids to learn about Sandhill Cranes and engage in the arts. There is a $100 cash prize and the winning poster gets displayed throughout the Yampa Valley, on the CCCC website and on social media. CRANE-INSPIRED CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST: This annual scholarship contest raises awareness of the Rocky Mountain Greater Sandhill Cranes in high school students in Routt and Moffat counties. FIRST CRANE SIGHTING CONTEST: The first person to spot a Sandhill Crane in the Yampa Valley in spring, and to document their sighting with a photo or video, can submit their entry as part of this contest. Prizes are given to the first sighting in West Routt, North Routt, South Routt, Steamboat Springs, Craig, and West Moffat. 48
Winter 2022
CRANE COLORING CONTEST: CCCC sponsors the Crane Coloring Contest every year as a program to help raise “crane awareness” in kids aged 3 to 18. The contest runs from March–August. Kids can color, paint and decorate the crane coloring page and return it to CCCC. Contest rules and coloring pages are available in March of each year. Awards are given out at a special ceremony at the Bud Werner Memorial Library during the annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival in early September. CCCC PHOTO CONTEST: CCCC’s annual Photo Contest is perfect for amateur and professional photographers. The contest runs from September–August; entries are due in mid-August. Get your camera ready! Art with Altitude