The Return of Indiana’s Bison
It may be hard to imagine now, but Indiana was once home to roaming herds of American bison.
By 1830, they were gone.
Even more striking—so was nearly all of their habitat. More than 99% of Indiana’s native prairie disappeared due to agriculture, development, and changing land use. For generations, this landscape—and the wildlife that depended on it—seemed lost for good.
But today, that story is changing.
At Kankakee Sands in northwest Indiana, a major restoration effort led by The Nature Conservancy has been quietly transforming the land for decades. What was once considered unusable farmland has become a thriving prairie ecosystem, with thousands of acres replanted with native species.
And in 2016, something remarkable happened: bison returned.
Starting with just 23 animals, the herd has grown to more than 90 and now roams over 1,100 acres. Their presence is more than symbolic—it’s essential. Bison are a keystone species, meaning their natural behaviors, from grazing to creating wallows, actively shape and strengthen the prairie ecosystem.
Want to learn more about this incredible conservation success story?
- Join us at the Crown Point Community Library on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. for “ The Return of Indiana’s Bison.”
- Guest speaker Mary Kay Emmrich, Bison Ranger at Kankakee Sands, will share insights into the restoration process, the role of bison, and what this means for the future of Indiana’s natural landscape.
- The program is free and open to the public.
- Registration is requested: Call (219) 306-4593 or register online at https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=3652&EventID=583977&PK=
