On Dec. 5, 2025, eight American bison stepped off a trailer and into the Burlington Forest Preserve in Sycamore, IL, for the first time in 200 years.
In a three-way partnership between the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC), Ruther Bison (a family-owned bison conservation business) and the forest preserve, they worked together to bring the animals back to their natural habitat after they were hunted out of the area.
Bison used to call the area their home, but after a combination of overhunting and development, they have been pushed out of the area and became extinct in Kane County. They act as a key species for the ecosystem, as their natural habits generate biodiversity, encourage nutrient cycling and support other animals like birds and bees. Additionally, bison are significant in Native American culture, with some tribes viewing them as relatives and of important symbolic value.
In a prairie restoration project that began in 2022, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County sought partnership, and the AIC agreed to help the process of bringing a herd of eight to one of their local preserves.
Since then, the three groups have been working together to get the prairie ready for the bison, including building new fencing and getting the legal rights to have the animals. They want to continue to expand, building out the land to 60 acres and bringing in a total of 15 bison, which will require further infrastructure to be built.
“This isn’t something that you want to rush into,” said Michelle Blackburn, Agricultural Coordinator for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “I had to do a lot of research. Luckily, Ruther Bison has a lot of experience with herd management.”
Bison are the largest mammal in North America, standing at six feet tall and weighing up to 2000 pounds. Despite this, they are relatively calm creatures. Bison are exclusively herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. They are also agile, as they are able to run up to 35 miles per hour, cross wide, fast-moving rivers, and jump up to six feet.
They have a habit of rolling around in dirt, which is called wallowing, to get rid of flies, shed fur and attract mates. Bees are attracted to the area, which increases the amount of birds as well. This brings diversity to the habitat and enhances the environmental benefits that both species bring.
After some initial apprehension, the bison are adapting well to their new environment, and they have grown to become very friendly with the staff.
“They are very calm, very docile animals,” herd manager Sam Parsons said. “They are very curious about people and are very good so far.”
The park is currently closed for the winter, which means the public is not allowed to visit. But the park has a limited number of early admission tickets available for adults until the end of March. To learn more about visiting the bison yourself, go to their website, kaneforest.com.
