Where people and the prairie restore each other
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is located north of Wilmington, IL and is just one hour from Chicago. Midewin is undergoing a transformation as the U.S. Forest Service and several partners work to restore a native tallgrass prairie ecosystem. (Google Map)
UPDATE: BISON INTRODUCTION PROJECT
The U.S. Forest Service’s Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and other partners and volunteers are celebrating the arrival of 27 American bison at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
“We are proud to be a part of bringing these iconic animals to their natural environment in Illinois and appreciative of the partnerships that made this possible,” said Mary Mitsos, interim NFF president.
The first bison to arrive at Midewin came from Colorado Oct. 14. Four bison bulls were transferred to Midewin by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, located at the National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, Colo. The bulls, one 2-year-old and three 3-year-olds, will help grow the herd at Midewin.
On Oct. 20, 23 bison cows arrived at the Prairie from the Buffalo Country Buffalo Ranch in Gann Valley, South Dakota.
“Once the bison arrived at Midewin, they were kept in a secluded area inside the new bison corral. Midewin staff monitored them for a few days as they settled into their new home. On Oct. 23, they were released into one of four pastures, located near State Route 53 and the Iron Bridge Trailhead area,” said Wade Spang, Prairie Supervisor.
The public is welcome to view the bison. However, due to the vast size of the pasture system and the rolling topography, spotting bison depends where they choose to spend their time. Visitors may or may not see the animals on any given day because of the herd’s location. Binoculars are recommended.
Visitors are encouraged to begin their visit to Midewin at the Welcome Center located between Wilmington and Elwood along State Route 53. The Welcome Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Closed on Saturdays from November - March.
The Iron Bridge Trailhead is the main access point to the bison area. A self-guided trail leads visitors to the bison pasture fence line, where you might see bison grazing. Be aware that depending on your route, you may have to hike, bike, or ride your horse 1-2 miles in an effort to view the bison.
Organized groups or families may also borrow one of Midewin’s “bison boxes” full of educational materials. The box also includes Midewin artifacts, pictures and information suitable for teachers or youth leaders to conduct a self-led educational hike on the Prairie. The boxes are available at the Welcome Center during business hours (except federal holidays).
Part of the on-going prairie restoration at Midewin includes introducing American bison to graze on an experimental basis on approximately 1,200 acres of fenced pasture located within the Prairie’s 19,000 total acres. In keeping with the Midewin Prairie Plan, the experiment will provide information on how bison improve the diversity of native vegetation on restored prairies, compared to similar prairie restoration sites without bison. Midewin staff will also monitor how bison grazing on restored prairie provides suitable habitat for a suite of grassland birds. The bison introduction effort is a partnership between the National Forest Foundation, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and other local and regional organizations.
Visit the Bison Project web page to see how Midewin has been busy getting ready for their arrival.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to recieve updates related to the Bison Project and many other activites on Midewin.
Read more about Midewin's history, mission, and shared vision.
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