ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- Elkhart County Parks invites members of the public to gather at Boot Lake Nature Preserve to observe the semi-annual congregation of the Sandhill Cranes on Friday.

Parks officials say these birds congregate in our area during winter and spring before flying to other parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Organizers say they're hoping to see a hundred or more cranes as they prepare to rest at the wetland.

Attendees should dress prepared to be outdoors for an extended period of time. You're also encouraged to bring binoculars.

The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday and is expected to last an hour.

There's no fee to attend.

Attendees are asked to meet at Boot Lake Nature Preserve, located one mile northwest of Elkhart and I-90 at 51430 C.R. 3 N.

If you have questions or need more information regarding this event, you may contact Andy Langdon, Interpretive Naturalist, at [email protected] or 574-875-7422.