Take a step back in time at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge’s annual Bison Day! All ages are welcome to spend a day on the prairie and discover the wonders of the bison. The FREE event will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Activities include live music, live wildlife displays, arts and crafts, games, discovery hikes, children’s story-time and a weaver’s guild demonstration. Participants will also enjoy hands-on activities including archery and a scavenger hunt. There will be a Nature Tots program at 10:30 a.m. for three to five-year olds. Registration is required for a narrated but tour along the wildlife drive at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can tour the bison and elk enclosure, see live bison, and even listen in on a talk from a biologist to learn all about the herd at Neal Smith NWR. At 2:00 p.m., the bison chip-throwing contest will complete the day’s activities with prizes for each of the winners. All of these activities are free and open to the public. Lunch will be available for purchase. Be sure to bring along your sense of wonder and a well-practiced throwing arm. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 3. For more information about the event or to register for a bus tour, contact Doreen Van Ryswyk at 515-994-3400 or Doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov.