These soil organisms provide cranes protein to convert to energy and calcium for egg laying. The Mark Bolin trail winds through a native prairie and wet meadow owned by the sanctuary. This stretch of the river was dedicated in 1984 in memory of a dedicated conservationist who had, as a priority, the maintenance of continued flow of water in the Platte River, rather than diverting the water for irrigation. Family and friends through the National Audubon Society established the nature trail to the memory of Mr. Bolin who had lived his life along the Platte near Gibbon. Wetlands Located in the heart of Nebraska's Rainwater Basin, Rowe Sanctuary also owns a seasonal wetland.
Wetlands serve many of the same functions as wet meadows and provide important habitat for cranes.
Conservation programs like the Wetland Reserve Program assist private landowners, like the sanctuary, in restoring wetlands that have been degraded through the actions of man.