Lillian Annette Rowe Bird Sanctuary, commonly
known as Rowe Sanctuary, is dedicated to the conservation of sandhill
cranes, whooping cranes and other migratory birds, and their habitat along
the Platte River in southcentral Nebraska.
Owned and managed by the
National Audubon Society,
the original purchase of 782 acres in 1974, which was funded by Lillian
Annette Rowe of Trenton, NJ, included 2.5 miles of river channel, wet
meadows, and some agricultural fields. Additional land
acquisitions have increased the current size of the sanctuary to 1,448 acres.
Along with preserving habitat
for wildlife, nature-based education is a major focus at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center,
where year-round education
opportunities exist for local schools and the general public.
Hours of Operation
The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center
is open year round, except most holidays and the week between Christmas and
New Years. Hours of operation are listed below:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday -
Friday
During crane season, we are open from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., seven days a
week, starting the middle of February through the middle of April.
Access to Rowe Sanctuary is
limited to two walking trails that originate from the Iain Nicolson
Audubon Center. These trails are open from dawn until dusk for most
of the year, but are closed during crane season and during rifle deer
season. Please contact us at 308-468-5282 if you have any questions.
