Amanda Hegg

Amanda has been at Rowe Sanctuary since 2020 and spends most of her time planning and conducting habitat management and biological monitoring activities that improve the sanctuary and broader Platte River Valley ecosystem for priority species like cranes and grassland birds. She also coordinates Rowe’s native plant greenhouse and works with community partners on native plant restoration and landscaping projects that benefit birds and pollinators.  

Amanda grew up in South Dakota and is a graduate from the University of South Dakota where she studied sustainability and conservation biology. She developed an interest in crane conservation and ecotourism during a trip to the Platte River in college. A few years later, she applied to work on the conservation team at Rowe Sanctuary and was selected for the Marian Langan Conservation Young Leader fellowship program.  

Cranes are still her favorite birds to this day, with raptors following closely behind! Outside of work, she volunteers with the raptor rehabilitation nonprofit Raptor Conservation Alliance. Amanda's previous experience includes studies of Missouri River bird communities with the Missouri River Institute and National Park Service in southeastern South Dakota, and park management in the Black Hills of South Dakota with Game, Fish and Parks.