Once the statue was erected in 1999, there was so much more to making the site truly spectacular.
In the summer of 2000, the Kidder County Natural Resource Conservation Services furnished 39 tree
species for an arboretum. These trees are found throughout North Dakota with a few being native to the
state. With determination and perseverance, all but six have survived and thrived. Five larger trees were
also donated to the site by the N.D. Forest Service.
To give the site a burst of color, many flowers fill rock beds around the Crane. As visitors pass through
the entrance, they'll see two large boulders surrounded by purple petunias. Bordering on the north and
west side of the flower area is a hedge of Cotoneaster and Wild Rose bushes. Russian Olive,
gooseberry and lilac was used on the east side as a wind barrier and bird food during the winter. In an
endeavor to keep the flower beds alive with color from early spring through fall, asiatic lily, iris, rose
bushes, mums, and many annuals were planted giving the site color and change from year to year.
With an idea developed by local rancher, Paul Smokov, 10 different grass species commonly found in the
Couteau Region of central North Dakota were planted around the site with the help of many volunteers.
Scientific and common names for the grasses are listed on informational plaques, which were supplied
by RoughRider Industries.
In the summer of 2005, volunteer work began on the waterfall and pond area. Hard work and sweat made
all this a reality to add more interest and beauty to the site.
Plans for 2006 include constructing seating areas, submerging waterlilies and mini-cattails in the pond,
planting even more flowers, and erecting additional kiosks diagramming the trees and history of the crane.
The necessary water supply to keep everything alive and beautiful was installed and donated by Fred
White of the Lone Steer. General grounds maintenance is provided by Tim White.
In the summer of 2000, the Kidder County Natural Resource Conservation Services furnished 39 tree
species for an arboretum. These trees are found throughout North Dakota with a few being native to the
state. With determination and perseverance, all but six have survived and thrived. Five larger trees were
also donated to the site by the N.D. Forest Service.
To give the site a burst of color, many flowers fill rock beds around the Crane. As visitors pass through
the entrance, they'll see two large boulders surrounded by purple petunias. Bordering on the north and
west side of the flower area is a hedge of Cotoneaster and Wild Rose bushes. Russian Olive,
gooseberry and lilac was used on the east side as a wind barrier and bird food during the winter. In an
endeavor to keep the flower beds alive with color from early spring through fall, asiatic lily, iris, rose
bushes, mums, and many annuals were planted giving the site color and change from year to year.
With an idea developed by local rancher, Paul Smokov, 10 different grass species commonly found in the
Couteau Region of central North Dakota were planted around the site with the help of many volunteers.
Scientific and common names for the grasses are listed on informational plaques, which were supplied
by RoughRider Industries.
In the summer of 2005, volunteer work began on the waterfall and pond area. Hard work and sweat made
all this a reality to add more interest and beauty to the site.
Plans for 2006 include constructing seating areas, submerging waterlilies and mini-cattails in the pond,
planting even more flowers, and erecting additional kiosks diagramming the trees and history of the crane.
The necessary water supply to keep everything alive and beautiful was installed and donated by Fred
White of the Lone Steer. General grounds maintenance is provided by Tim White.
Nature at its best!
In 2004, three kiosks were erected which provide
self-guided tours of Long Lake Refuge, Dawson
Slade Refuge, Horsehead Lake and Chase Lake
and the different migratory and nesting birds in
each area. The kiosk signs were designed by
Karen Brandt of Countryside Designs and Signs.
A James Miller Memorial Flower Garden was
planted in 2004 in honor of the statue's creator.
self-guided tours of Long Lake Refuge, Dawson
Slade Refuge, Horsehead Lake and Chase Lake
and the different migratory and nesting birds in
each area. The kiosk signs were designed by
Karen Brandt of Countryside Designs and Signs.
A James Miller Memorial Flower Garden was
planted in 2004 in honor of the statue's creator.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |