Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

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Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

Emma Martin • December 12, 2024

Festival of the Cranes- January 10-12th, 2025

Photo By: George Lee

Over the years, Decatur, Alabama, has become a haven for nature lovers every January. The annual Festival of the Cranes draws spectators from near and far to marvel at the majestic Sandhill and Whooping Cranes as they make their winter migration south. This celebration of nature and community is more than just a gathering; it’s a story of conservation, history, and connection.

Each winter, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge transforms into a sanctuary for thousands of Sandhill Cranes and the rare Whooping Cranes. Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, the refuge spans 35,000 acres and serves as a vital waypoint for migratory birds. It’s a legacy of conservation, echoing the ethos of Theodore Roosevelt, who preserved millions of acres of natural habitats during his presidency.

The cranes arrive from northern Canada and the Great Lakes, traveling through Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee before reaching Alabama. While the first sighting in the state was in 1928, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Sandhill Cranes began frequenting the area in significant numbers. Today, their presence is breathtaking, with up to 20,000 Sandhill Cranes observed in the refuge and surrounding fields.

Photo By; George Lee

The 2024 Festival of the Cranes, set for January 10–12, promises an unforgettable experience as it kicks off with a Bird Walk lead by third generation farmer, Christopher Joe, On the 10^th at 3pm. Visitors are invited to spend the weekend at the Observation Building near the refuge’s Visitor Center, where they can take in the sights and sounds up close.

The festival also offers a variety of events at the Princess Theatre, including the Wings to Soar Raptor Program, the play Thank You, Rachel, and musical performances by Muscle Shoals Sound. You can also visit the public library for presentations, the Cook Museum of Natural Science for over a dozen interactive exhibits, and the Alabama Center for the Arts to hear from prominent bird enthusiasts such as the “Bat Lady” Vicki Smith, Dr. James McClintock, and herpetologist Jimmy Stiles.

The “River City” also boasts an array of shopping, dining, and lodging options, all steeped in the area’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re strolling through the historic downtown or savoring local cuisine, Decatur invites you to immerse yourself in its charm.

Photo By: George Lee

The Festival of the Cranes is more than an event; it’s a testament to the importance of conservation and community. The Whooping Cranes, once on the brink of extinction with only 20 birds remaining in the 1940s, now number over 600 thanks to dedicated efforts. Seeing these magnificent creatures alongside the Sandhill Cranes is a wonderful reminder of what’s possible when people come together to protect the natural world.

As you plan your visit, don’t forget to explore the refuge’s nature trails and capture the beauty of the cranes in flight. Share your photos on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @VisitDecaturAL and @wheelerrefufugeassociation

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious, the Festival of the Cranes in Decatur is an experience you won’t forget. It’s a story of nature’s resilience, the power of conservation, and the joy of coming

together to celebrate the world around us. Mark your calendar and prepare to be inspired.

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Fun Facts about Cranes
• Cranes are among the oldest living birds on the planet.
• The average crane stands 3 to 4 feet tall, weighs 6–12 pounds, and has a wingspan of up to 7 feet.
• Cranes can live anywhere from 20–40 years.
• According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the earliest unequivocal Sandhill Crane fossil is estimated to be 2.5 million years old.
• Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, spending most of their daylight hours in areas where food is abundant, often walking several miles daily through dry pastures, fields, or marshes in search of food.
• Sandhill Cranes are monogamous and mate for life, becoming territorial during the breeding season. Each pair vigorously defends its nesting area.
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Faith, Architecture, and Activism: The Story of First Missionary Baptist Church

By Emma Martin • February 21, 2025

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

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