Yesterday was the birthday of George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, headquartered in Baraboo, WI. George is one of those persons who are key to the progress of the whooping crane over the past 40 years – and really key to progress made for endangered cranes all over the world.
George Archibald, after a speaking engagement at The Ridges Sanctuary in Door County in July 2012. (Photo by Kathlin Sickel)
Many happy birthday wishes were left at the Facebook page of ICF including one that said “The world is a better place because of you and your work,” and I certainly would be one of many who would second that sentiment! George Archibald and the International Crane Foundation are known all over the world, for good reason. And Wisconsin can bask in the reflected glory since ICF is a homegrown success story thanks to this Canadian who has made Baraboo his home for over 40 years.
At the ICF bio page for Archibald, it says that “He leverages the charisma of cranes to united people of diverse cultures and countries to work together . . . for the survival of both cranes and people..”
Here is a neat photo – cranes in a farm field, a Wisconsin horse barn behind them. This is the first site of ICF, founded in 1973. (Photo courtesy of ICF):
To learn more about George Archibald, and ICF, and also Rick Beilfuss, Archibald’s successor as President of the Foundation, read “Birds of a Feather: 40 Years Later . . .“ published a year ago at the Portage Daily Register.
The Badger and the Whooping Crane 