CANCELED: 2025 Festival of the Cranes victim of government shutdown

The 2025 Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has been canceled, marking a significant loss for Socorro County’s tourism and conservation community. The difficult decision was announced by the Friends of Bosque del Apache, citing the ongoing, prolonged federal government shutdown as the direct cause.

The annual December event (was scheduled for Dec. 3-7, 2025) draws thousands of birders, photographers, and nature lovers from around the world to witness the spectacular winter migration of sandhill cranes and snow geese to the refuge near Socorro.

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Refuge Priorities Force Cancellation

The Friends of Bosque del Apache expressed their heartbreak over the decision but stated it was necessary for both the refuge’s health and the public’s planning needs.

Upon the shutdown’s end, the priority for refuge staff will immediately shift from visitor preparations to essential habitat management. Staff will have to “dive into mowing, flooding, and preparing habitat for our winter birds”—critical tasks that cannot be delayed. This lack of lead time leaves no window for preparing the grounds for the large-scale festival.

Additionally, the organization acknowledged the dilemma facing attendees who plan travel months in advance. “We simply cannot give our guests, many who travel great distances, enough time to make their reservations and plans,” a spokesperson noted.

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A Call for Continued Support

The cancellation highlights the deep and long-term challenges facing the refuge, which is a unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The organization confirmed that even after the shutdown is resolved, the refuge will still contend with major issues like water shortages and continuing budget reductions.

The Friends of Bosque del Apache are now calling on the public to increase their support during these “unprecedented times.” They emphasized that public action is crucial to helping the refuge face its multiple challenges.

The group noted that many people have asked how to help, and they provided clear guidance, stating “there is much you can do to make a difference,” which typically includes donations, membership, and contacting legislative representatives.

Since the Festival of the Cranes is a major fundraiser that has been canceled, direct financial support is key to filling the budget gap for conservation projects.

• Make a Donation: Provide a one-time or recurring (monthly/annual) financial contribution directly to the Friends of Bosque del Apache, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Become a Member: Join the organization as a paid member to provide ongoing, reliable funding for the refuge’s needs, such as habitat restoration, equipment purchases, and education programs.
• Shop the Nature Store: Support the refuge by purchasing books, gifts, apparel, and other nature-themed items from the organization’s physical or online store.
• Buy a Raffle Ticket/Participate in Fundraisers: Engage in smaller fundraising activities hosted by the Friends group, such as raffles for themed items like a quilt.

Advocacy and Awareness

Supporters are encouraged to use their voice to advocate for the refuge’s stability and resources, particularly regarding federal funding.

• Contact Representatives: Reach out to elected officials to express concern about how government shutdowns and budget cuts are negatively affecting the National Wildlife Refuge system, specifically Bosque del Apache.
• Spread the Word: Tell friends and family about the importance of the refuge and its conservation needs. They can invite others to join the Friends’ mailing list to receive regular updates.

Volunteerism and Involvement

When the refuge is fully operational (i.e., when a government shutdown is not in effect), physical help is vital.

• Volunteer: Donate time to assist with various projects and programs, such as helping in the Nature Store, engaging in land restoration, or assisting with administrative tasks.
• Participate in Community Science: Contribute observational data to projects like eBird or iNaturalist, which helps the refuge staff track species and inform management decisions.

By providing financial resources and political advocacy, the public helps the Friends of Bosque del Apache maintain critical habitat management (like the mowing and flooding mentioned in the news story) and continue environmental education programs that benefit the next generation.