Located in Kearney, Nebraska, the Rowe Sanctuary is a 4,000-acre protected area that serves as a vital stopover point for migratory sandhill cranes and other waterfowl. The sanctuary, which was established in 1974, provides critical habitat for numerous bird species, including the endangered whooping crane. Every year, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 sandhill cranes stop at the sanctuary during their spring migration.

The Rowe Sanctuary's primary focus is the conservation and education of migratory bird species. To achieve this, the sanctuary offers guided tours and educational programs that allow visitors to witness the majestic sandhill cranes in their natural habitat. One of the most popular events at the sanctuary is the Sandhill Crane Migration Tour, which takes place from late February to early April. During this tour, visitors can witness the arrival of the sandhill cranes as they gather in the fields and wetlands surrounding the Platte River.

One of the key features that make the Rowe Sanctuary an essential stopover for migratory birds is its unique geography. The sanctuary is situated in the Rainwater Basin region of Nebraska, which provides a network of shallow lakes, wetlands, and grasslands that cranes and other birds can use for foraging and roosting. The Platte River, which flows through the sanctuary, serves as a vital water source and provides crucial habitat for numerous aquatic species. Proximity to the nearby Platte and Wood rivers helps to ensure the overall health of the ecosystem.

During the peak migration season, the sanctuary becomes a hotbed of activity, with thousands of birds concentrated in the area. A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management revealed that the Rowe Sanctuary is one of the most critical stopover points for sandhill cranes, with an estimated 80% of the entire population using the Platte River as a migratory pathway. Furthermore, research conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the sanctuary's unique combination of habitat types provides essential fueling stops for migrating birds, allowing them to continue their journey northward.

While the Rowe Sanctuary's main focus is on migratory birds, the sanctuary also supports a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can observe numerous non-avian species, including deer, bison, and prairie chickens. The sanctuary's fields and wetlands are also home to a variety of plant species, including prairie grasses and cattails.

For those interested in getting a closer look at the sanctuary's diverse wildlife, several viewing areas are available. The sanctuary's visitor center features a live camera feed that streams footage from a crane roosting site, providing visitors with an up-close view of the majestic birds. Alternatively, guided tours can be taken to the sanctuary's observation blinds, where visitors can observe the birds in their natural habitat.

The Rowe Sanctuary has established numerous partnerships with other conservation organizations to further its mission of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. One of the key partners is the Nature Conservancy, which has worked with the sanctuary to restore and protect wetlands and other habitats essential for bird migration. Additionally, the sanctuary has collaborated with researchers from various institutions to study and monitor migratory bird populations, helping to gain insights into the complex dynamics of bird migration.