During the summer of 2015, we will be working to install infrastructure to safely host the bison and to keep the public safe while viewing these iconic animals. We plan to introduce an experimental herd in the fall of 2015. The bison are considered experimental because we hope to learn how they help facilitate the restoration of tall grass prairie and prairie bird habitat. Because bison graze differently than cattle, which had been pastured on the lands where we are reintroducing bison, their presence will change the composition of prairie plants. We are excited to learn how these changes come about as the bison make Midewin their home.
Bison will have two equally important but widely different impacts on the prairie at Midewin. First, they will facilitate the prairie's continuing restoration. Second, because bison are a charismatic and iconic animal of the prairie—like lions or pandas in other parts of the world—they have the unique ability to attract and impassioned visitors and supporters. These two roles will improve Midewin, both on-the-ground and as the exceptional cultural and natural attraction it is.