Seven of the species are currently designated as endangered and four others have been proposed for listing. It was against this backdrop that ICF was founded in 1973 to become the world's center for the study and preservation of cranes. ICF is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge, and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to these ecosystems. Our work also demonstrates endangered species management for the public, and facilitates breeding and education efforts with cranes elsewhere in the United States and abroad. ICF is also concerned with habitat protection and restoration.
Cranes are excellent indicators of the health of wetland and grassland ecosystems worldwide.
ICF strives to alert scientists, government officials, and the public to the dependence of cranes on their habitats, the causes and remedies for habitat destruction, and the importance of wetlands and grasslands for both wildlife and people. ICF supports research, serving primarily as a catalyst for research, by making available its facilities and bird collection to scientists, by sponsoring workshops and publications, and by fostering a network among conservationists, biologists, and managers around the world. Education is also an important component of ICF's efforts to preserve cranes. The first level is Wisconsin and neighboring states, from which families, groups, and schools can easily visit our site and also benefit from outreach programs such as staff presentations and the Midwest Sandhill Crane Count. Second, we strive to inform people throughout the United States, through outreach programs, educational materials and films, and national media coverage of our programs.