PARCHED

o avoid drying out the San Luis Valley aquifer during the current drought in southern Colorado, farmers andO from the aquifers need repairs, a costly fix that will take years to complete, since congressional funding goes to day-to-day management. Luckily, you can help by attending the Monte Vista Crane Festival, a free annual celebration of the majestic migrators being held from March 11 to 13 this year. Guests drive to locations in the refuge to watch the cranes and learn more about them from experts. Beauchaine says the influx of visitors shows higher-ups at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the crane’s habitat is popular and helps the Friends of the San Luis Valley National Refuges (the group that plans the festival) advocate for grants to make Monte Vista better—for birds and humans alike.