I made it to the annual Bison release at a local conservancy. They're restoring several acres back to a natural prairie.
Bison were an important part in keeping the prairies healthy, so each year a small herd of Bison are brought in to help in the prairie restoration.
The Bison keep the soil loose with their hooves as they walk around. They eat about 30 pounds of grass a day meaning when they poop that out it helps fertilize the prairie. Another plus is seeds cling to their coat and get transferred to other areas of the prairie.
In the past millions of Bison kept millions of acres of prairie healthy and thriving. Both were vital to the plains Native Americans. I'd read one Bison would support one Native American for a year.
Then the white man came. The Bison/Buffalo were slaughtered and the prairies plowed under. Projects like I visited today are just a tiny sliver of what used to be. There were a number children there today so hopefully they have a new understanding of the delicate balance of nature.
It was an enjoyable day for me. The large crowd was friendly, spirits were high,.kids were having fun. Then two trailers of Bison rolled in. One by one the doors were opened and out charged the wooly beasts. Every one cheered and it was over and a happy crowd broke up and headed home.
I didn't bother to take photos this time. I went and just enjoyed the event.
