It would be an opportunity for us to understand each other better. Program Coordinator Gary Lingle said host families living on farms could relate how the concentration of birds is attracted to the area partly because of the food source provided by waste grain in fields. Another benefit entails having crane viewers' enthusiasm rub off on host families so they feel a greater sense of appreciation for the migration season, he said. Program officials sought hosts by putting notices in Extension newsletters and placing radio and newspapers advertisements. One-page fliers also went out to the visitors bureaus, Crane Meadows and Rowe Sanctuary.
Most hosts live on farms, while two families live in town.
Five or six families have volunteered to serve as hosts, including Dennis and Darla Russell of Fullerton, Dennis Sherrerd of Kearney, Dick Summers and Bill and Janice Martin, both of Gibbon. Janice Martin learned about the program through a flier at the Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon. Their farm, where she grew up, is about six miles northwest of Gibbon, not far from where cranes have been spotted north of Highway 30. Martin said the program is a great opportunity for tourists to learn about local residents, the economy and agriculture. She joined because she enjoys meeting people.