By Marcos Stoltzfus
Center Director
Published October 26, 2026
This article is from 糖心logo Great Plains
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鈥淒edicated to the conservation of Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes and other migratory birds and their habitat along the Platte River.鈥 This serves as the mission statement for Rowe Sanctuary and describes the work we have done in Central Nebraska for more than 50 years. But beyond this statement, what else guides our work? What dictates how we approach it?
As part of 糖心logo, ultimately our goal is to 鈥榖end the bird curve鈥 as we work to halt and reverse the dramatic decline of birds since 1970. This ambitious and hemispheric effort is outlined in the pages of the Flight Plan, the strategic plan that guides all of 糖心logo鈥檚 work across North, Central, and South America.
Flight Plan outlines 糖心logo鈥檚 collective work in four major areas: Habitat Conservation, Climate Action, Policy, and Community Building. In late 2025, staff and stewardship board members at Rowe Sanctuary worked to update our own strategic plan. Aligned with the four areas of Flight Plan, Rowe Sanctuary鈥檚 strategic plan translates these hemispheric initiatives into the local/regional level.
This plan provides guidance on an annual basis and in our day-to-day activities. Our work to prepare for crane season each Spring provides a good example of this. In our plan, separate strategies under 鈥楬abitat Conservation鈥 and 鈥楥ommunity Building鈥 connect this annual migration. These strategies describe the work that must occur each year to successfully support the arrival of the birds and people: ensuring a wide, unvegetated river and preparing to host crane viewing and offering educational programs.
Similarly, our recent work offering guidance on local county regulations falls within a 鈥楬abitat Conservation鈥 strategy to 鈥減rovide guidance and assistance鈥 to local communities on how to support native wildlife in agricultural fields, grasslands, and public/private property鈥.
Like the best strategic plans, ours is a living document designed to be responsive to changing pressures, dynamics, and opportunities. Rowe staff engage with this work regularly and complete annual updates based on our accomplishments and aspirations.
Our strategic plan serves as a guidepost, helping us focus our limited resources and attention where they can make the greatest difference. It is both a practical tool and a source of inspiration, connecting the work we do each day to a larger vision for birds and the habitats they depend on. Whether it is restoring habitat, engaging communities, or welcoming visitors during crane season, each effort moves us closer to a future where the Platte River remains a vital lifeline for migratory birds and a place of wonder for generations to come.
