Each spring, over 80% of the world’s population of Sandhill Cranes—around 1,000,000 birds—converge on the Platte River in central Nebraska. This migration draws bird watchers, scientists, and tourists from around the globe. The Alda Crane Viewing site, located near Alda, Nebraska, is a key destination for this migration. However, after 30 years of exposure to the elements, the wooden deck was aging, the asphalt trail was in poor condition, and parking had become inadequate for the number of people visiting the site each year. Recognizing the need for substantial improvements, the Central Platte Natural Resources District engaged us to develop a renovation plan.  

The renovation replaced the deteriorating wooden deck and outdated asphalt trail with a new elevated viewing deck and a 1,160-foot ADA-compliant concrete path. Two of the three existing parking lots were upgraded to concrete surfaces with designated handicap spots, while the third was decommissioned and repurposed for maintenance activities. Additional enhancements included shoreline stabilization, habitat improvements, and a new angler access pad in the pond. 

The project was not without significant challenges. Given its proximity to the Platte River, the site was situated within a floodplain, requiring the design to meet floodplain regulations and consider flood risk, along with continuous monitoring of Platte River flows. The project team also conducted endangered species surveys throughout construction to protect threatened or endangered species such as the whooping crane, piping plover, and least tern. Additionally, the team had to carefully navigate grant funding requirements from the Recreational Trails Program and the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and adhere to a tight construction timeline. The site closed to the public in February 2024 and reopened in June of the same year. 

Although the site had to be closed during one spring migration season, further disruption to the public was minimized by staying on schedule and keeping the public informed during site closures. Two large signs at the project site explained the closure and the planned improvements, and information packets detailing the upgrades, funding sources, and alternative sites to visit were also available at the NRD office and circulated on social media. This communication educated the public on the careful planning behind the construction and built anticipation for the site’s reopening. 

The renovation has brought significant social, economic, and sustainable benefits to the community. By transforming the site into an ADA-accessible, hard-surfaced area, the project has improved safety and accessibility, allowing visitors of all abilities to enjoy the crane viewing and trails. The improved parking facilities have addressed previous safety and organizational concerns, providing 38 organized parking spaces for visitors and eliminating hazardous egress onto the paved county road. 

With these improvements, the Alda Crane Viewing Site is better equipped for its visitors. By balancing accessibility, safety, and environmental stewardship, this project ensures future generations can continue to experience the beautiful migration of Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River.