Journey North Whooping Crane Migration

Thank You!
Abby Studnicka, Home School Teacher (Chillicothe, Illinois)

"My 9 year old daughter and I have been following the whooping crane project through the wonderful Journey North website, and the OM field journals, for many months with homeschooling. I used to be an intern, many years ago, at the International Crane Foundation, so I have been passionate about cranes for a long time."

Folding Paper Cranes/Fundraising. "We cried for a week upon hearing the news, and felt as though 17 of our dear friends had died. Our goal is to make and sell 1000 cranes to raise funds. When we reach our goal, 100 percent of the money will be sent to Operation Migration. The paper cranes are beautiful, and strung with wire and beads. We have 5 local businesses carrying them for us. We have a display with the cranes and photos, and the story of the birds set up at each location. We have gone door to door. We also set up at our local grocery store, and did very well there.

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Press Coverage. A local journalist wrote our story to help us get the word out. >>

Illinois Audubon Society. After seeing the article in the Chillicothe Independent, the Illinois Audubon Society congratulated us on our efforts and invited us to sell our cranes at their annual meeting in spring 2007.

Sisters Win Conservationist of the Year Award. The girls raised $2,500 for the cranes! Their efforts earned them an award, and their story inspired others to donate money, too. See their Earth Day display.

Operation Migration Team Honors Nadia and Eve! Slide Show >>

I decided that I wanted to help my girls take a tragedy, and make some good come from it. They have learned lessons on science, math, and geography... through your site. Now they are learning about grief, and making something positive come from it. They are learning that as children, that they can make the world a better place, if you dedicate your self to a cause close to your heart, and persevere. I am hoping to inspire other children to know that they too can make a difference in the world.

Abby Studnicka, Home School Teacher