On November 15, 2013, a whooping crane was photographed hanging out with thousands of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl at a moist soil unit of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
A former fallow field choked with invasive woody plants, Texas R.I.C.E. constructed the project to recreate a functioning and effective wetland for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Service's Coastal Program, Brazoria NWR and partners like Texas R.I.C.E. have been working together to restore prairie and wetlands in the area, both on and off the refuge, for many years.
The visiting whooping crane was able to use this wetland because of generous support provided by the Houston Endowment, Meadows Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Shell Marine Program, Trull Foundation, Hershey Foundation, Hamman Foundation, North American Wetland Conservation Fund, Coastal Impact Assistance Program and hard work and assistance from staff of the Brazoria NWR and Coastal Program.
