Who would believe that within a year of the restoration of a
Lawrence County, Illinois floodplain, two endangered birds could
find it? This recently happened when a breeding pair of whooping
cranes took a break from their northern migration to enjoy the
newly restored wetland. Whooping cranes are considered one of
the most endangered wetland-dependant species in North America.
These magnificent creatures, found only in North America, are
the tallest birds on the continent, and are beloved for their
distinctive call and intricate mating dance. In 2010, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that the total population of
whooping cranes in the U.S. was fewer than 400. Whooping cranes
generally mate for life, and may return to the same watering
holes again and again over the years. The creation of the
330-acre floodplain, in the historical Purgatory Swamp between
the Wabash and Embarras Rivers, was an almost immediate boon for
migrating and regional wildlife. As soon as the restoration work
was completed, w