Take a virtual expedition to celebrate National Bison Day

MONTANA—National Bison Day is Saturday, Nov. 6. A national celebration is a fitting tribute to the 2,000-pound titan designated as America’s National Mammal.

As a keystone species, bison have had a tremendous influence upon the natural environment in which they lived. Before the era of mowers and prescribed burns, bison were the massive mammals that ensured sustainable grassland growth. Today their role in grasslands is something Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is studying with its experimental herd. Bison are still vital to prairie ecology, providing natural landscape maintenance through grazing, but with a shrunken habitat, they are delivering different kinds of benefits to the public.

The 4th annual celebration of National Bison Day crosses agencies, boundaries and countries with an interpretive Zoom broadcast from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Hosted by multiple agencies and organizations, the celebration will showcase the many facets of bison. From cultural history to modern-day science, we will explore the significance of bison on the landscape.

Specialists from the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and Forest Preserve District of Will County will lead viewers on a search for the resident bison that call Midewin home. They’ll also discuss the surprising relationship between bison and short-eared owls.

The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center will explore the “Sacred Bison, Source of Life." This two-part presentation will feature an artist’s 3-D rendering of a bison depicting the bison family tree and an educator discussing the role of bison in Native American life and society.

At First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, we will tour rock art and learn about the importance of bison in Native American culture.

“It’s partly a recognition of the central role our national mammal has played for the Lewis and Clark expedition and Native Americans,” said Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center Supervisor Jeff LaRock. “We look forward to extending this event around the country, and now, internationally.”

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