Focus on Arts and Ecology

October 20, 2023 

Dear Jon,

When I saw this footage from our team in Nebraska, I knew I had to share it with you. Because seeing a thriving bison herd grazing on the American prairie was once at risk — in fact, they were almost extinct by the 20th century.

With decades of careful conservation efforts, these iconic animals are making a big comeback, with a population of around 500,000 today.

That's why I wanted to share this behind-the-scenes video with you. It's a fascinating look at your support in action — and a rare, up-close look at truly captivating creatures.

Although bison numbers are on the rise, they remain vulnerable because their tallgrass prairie home is one of the most endangered and least protected habitats on Earth. Cropland conversion and development have cut down this vital landscape to only 4 percent of its original size.

That's why, with your support, The Nature Conservancy is hard at work protecting vital grassland habitat for bison and the countless other species who rely on the prairies to survive. Like in Nebraska, at the 56,000-acre Niobrara Valley Preserve — one of our largest preserves in the country — where we've been restoring and managing the land with grazing bison and cattle, as well as prescribed fire.

That's why this video is so inspiring. It an example of how you're helping us make a tangible difference for threatened lands and species around the world. I hope you enjoy this footage and that it makes you proud to be a Conservancy member.

Thank you for all you do to protect our precious lands, waters and wildlife.

With gratitude,

Dave Strauss
Director of Membership
The Nature Conservancy

PHOTOS: Bison in The Nature Conservancy's Niobrara Valley Preserve, Nebraska. ©Chris Helzer