August 15 – Trip to Neal Smith

“Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge : Using Bison in Reconstructed Prairie Management

Join us for a field day at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on August 15, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This will be a day of informal discussion in which we will examine the role of bison in a reconstructed tallgrass prairie. The Refuge has a herd of about 45 adult bison in an 800 acre area that has been planted with tallgrass prairie and is managed with ecological restoration as its primary goal. Bison present opportunities as well as challenged to the restoration work. We will visit the enclosure to observe and discuss issues including differences and similarities in bison and cattle and other considerations such as: grazing, wallowing, movement, other behaviors, seed dispersal, invasive species, burning, erosion, and bison management…Please bring your own lunch and come prepared to be in the field most of the day.”

Check out this offering by the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. If this is something you are interested in, give the Wapello County Conservation Board a call by August 3 to sign up for a ride. We will take our 15 passenger van up for this day-long program. The cost to you will be $5 per person to help cover the cost of fuel. The Refuge event is free. Space is limited so call early. Call 641-682-3091