GALT, CA (MPG) - Since September, Sandhill Cranes have been making their seasonal migration to Delta wetlands where they will remain until February or March. In celebration of their return, the 27th Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival (SCF) will be held at Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square on Nov. 8 to 9, with an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 7.

Activities at Hutchins Street Square, including speakers and wildlife presentations, an art show, exhibit hall and children’s activities, are free and open to the public.

Featured speakers include noted biologist and sandhill crane expert Dr. Gary Ivey, while UC Davis Professor Dr. Jay Lund and Dr. Greg Golet of the Nature Conservancy will discuss the changing Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its wildlife. 

Presentations on Bald Eagles, native bats and Western Pond Turtle conservation are among the fascinating opportunities to learn about nature and wildlife conservation. Free workshops on crane photography and the Japanese poetry form, haiku, will allow attendees to explore new ways of connecting with nature.

 

Pictured is 2025 Sandhill Crane Festival artist Jennifer Anderson. Photos courtesy of Lodi Sandhill Crane Association

The event’s popular SCF Art Show will include the work of area artists, including Jennifer Anderson, whose work appears on this year’s poster. Anderson will also be giving a woodcut print demonstration during the 2025 festival. 

Having received several awards for her work, she has also been the recipient of the “People’s Choice Award,” selected by festival attendees.

In Anderson’s words, “Art-making is my key to the secret garden, my journey through the looking glass; it provides never-ending possibilities of exploration and connection. Some imagery seems to be hard-wired into my soul, especially birds. I am captivated by their movements, their forms and the space they create with their actions.”

In addition to experiencing a printmaking demonstration by the featured artist, attendees can experience a beginner’s workshop, “Photographing Sandhill Cranes,” or create their own artwork under the tutelage of Lodi Community Art Center volunteers. 

 

The Sandhill Crane Festival Art Show provides attendees a great opportunity to enjoy wildlife paintings and photography. The 2024 Festival artist Nora Williams is pictured here with some of her work.

A “Beginning Bird Carving Workshop” (space limited) on the basics of bird carving will be led by Master Carver Jim Burcio of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association.

A variety of engaging guided wildlife tours are scheduled, with pre-registration required. Festival details, including tour availability, fees and registration and event schedule is available at lodisandhillcrane.org.

Hutchins Street Square is located at 125 S. Hutchins St. in Lodi.

The volunteer-driven Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival is a collaboration of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association and the City of Lodi, with the support of sponsors and contributors.