Bison Herd Returns to Restore Prairie at Afton's Belwin Conservancy

A celebrated annual event is taking place this weekend as a herd of 29 juvenile male bison arrives at Belwin Conservancy in Afton.

The bison, on loan from NorthStar Bison in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, will spend the summer grazing on 130 fenced-in acres, helping to restore the prairie through their natural behaviors.

Photo byDayTripper

Bison Release Event Saturday

The bison release is a popular community event that draws hundreds of visitors each spring.

This year's Belwin Bison Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18th with family-friendly activities including a 5K "Run with the Bison" fun run, educational displays, live music, interactive eco-art, and food trucks.

The bison are scheduled to arrive at noon, with the release taking place shortly after. Admission is $10 per car.

"Watching these magnificent animals return to their summer home on the prairie is always a spectacular sight," said Lynette Anderson, Belwin's Restoration Specialist. "Their grazing patterns promote biodiversity and create the perfect disturbance to keep this vital habitat thriving."

Observe the Bison All Summer

After their release on Saturday, visitors can view the bison herd throughout the summer via Belwin's two-story observation platform, open daily from dawn to dusk.

A $500 donation also provides the opportunity to schedule a private "Bison Buggy" ride into the field for an up-close experience.

The bison will remain at Belwin until late September before returning to NorthStar Bison. Their annual summer residency has been transformative for the prairie's ecosystem.

"The balance and abundance of wildlife, grasses and flowers on our bison prairie is second to none, thanks to the bison's presence," said Anderson. "They are crucial to maintaining this beautiful and dynamic habitat."