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Iowa
Reintroduction of Bison to Iowa
Bison at Broken Kettle Grasslands
At the end of October 2008, a small herd of bison will be reintroduced at Broken Kettle Grasslands in the globally significant Loess Hills, in western Iowa. These bison are part of the prairie restoration effort that has diversified that plant and animal communities in the stunningly beautiful landscape. Learn more about bison: Why now? Why bison?
Bison Quick Facts
Just the facts on these large, grass-eating mammals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have the mind of a probing reporter? Read about Broken Kettle Grassland bison in a question and answer format. These are the ones we have fielded the most.
Herd Management
Bison are natural and important components to managing a native prairie – given their presence on the native prairie. Still, Broken Kettle Grasslands bison need some management to ensure the health and identification of our herd and the safety of our staff and neighbors. Learn about our management plans.
Herd Origin and Genetics
While the bison benefits the prairie, the Conservancy can benefit bison. We are engaged with Texas A&M, as they genetically test all of herds and bison using the best available science. The Broken Kettle Grassland herd comes originally from Wind Cave National Park, which is historically and genetically valuable as one of two closed breeding herds in North America that shows no evidence of cattle genes. Read more.
Bison Diary
See the bison arrival at Broken Kettle Grassland preserve and learn more about the herd, the genetics and the process to get the bison to Iowa. Scott Moats, Broken Kettle Grassland preserve and bison manager, provides a details on the herds process. Check back often to read new diary entries.
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