Join Us for the 2026 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

The 2026 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for March 20-22, 2026, and join us in Othello, Washington, for a weekend celebrating the remarkable spring migration of Sandhill Cranes. This year’s theme, Discover Sandhill Magic, highlights the intricate journeys of migratory birds and the landscapes that support them.

The Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) is proud to be part of this exciting event! Our team will be on-site throughout the festival, ready to connect with the community and share information about conservation programs that support wildlife, habitat restoration, water quality, and sustainable land management.

CBCD will be leading two guided hikes on Saturday, March 21st, led by CBCD’s Education and Outreach Program Manager, Kaley Wisher, and Conservation Director, Dinah Rouleau. Participants will get a firsthand look at how agriculture and wildlife habitat intersect in the Columbia Basin landscape. Located on an irrigated farm, the group will observe how plant buffers and riparian zones provide essential cover and food for birds and pollinators. Participants will also gain insight into how different farming practices can positively or negatively influence wildlife habitat across working agricultural landscapes. Along the trail, the guide will discuss the history of irrigation projects that transformed the region and the ongoing efforts to balance water use for crops and ecosystems. Participants will identify how shrubs, grasses, and wetlands support native wildlife, including deer, coyotes, otters, and waterfowl, highlighting how habitat restoration enhances biodiversity and soil health. Through observation and discussion, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the Columbia Basin’s interconnected agricultural and ecological systems, showcasing themes of stewardship and sustainability.

Throughout the festival, CBCD staff will be available at our booth to answer questions about conservation initiatives and cost-share programs that benefit local landowners and the environment. Wade Haughton, CBCD’s Project Manager, and Griffin Hansen, CBCD’s Program Manager, will be AG Guides on the bus tour during the morning fly-in. Stop by to learn how we can work together to preserve the natural beauty of the Columbia Basin!

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival holds special meaning for CBCD, thanks to the dedication of Marie Lotz, our conservation district’s former manager. Marie coordinated the festival for many years, and her legacy continues to be celebrated through this annual gathering. For more details, agenda, and to register, please visit www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org.

We can't wait to see you there!