Last month, Mark Lindvall shared an amazing video when he was at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge during their bison roundup. Mark is also a part of the Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association. Mark shared the photo with the Refuge Friends community on the Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates Facebook group with the caption:
“Last day helping with the buffalo roundup at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. The buffalo have all been worked through the corrals and are crossing the Buffalo Bridge into the wilderness area where they will winter. The bridge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.”
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge American Bison Roundup | Mark Lindvall
Thank you, Mark!
Waterfall at Fort Niobrara NWR, NE | Joan Van Gorp
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is located in north-central Nebraska and encompasses almost 20,000 acres. The national wildlife refuge was once a frontier military fort and was established in 1912 as a “preserve and breeding ground for native birds”. Later, the For Niobrara NWR’s purpose was expanded to include the conservation of bison and elk herds, like those that once roamed the Great Plains.
At Fort Niobrara NWR you will see a unique blend of topography, soils, and rock formations. The Niobrara River flows across the national wildlife refuge for 9 miles, cutting deep canyons into the limestone rocks along the river.
You can drive the 3 ½ mile auto tour route near the Visitor Center to see bison, prairie dogs, elk, many different birds, and historical points of interest. There is a scenic overlook just off the highway that runs by the Fort Niobrara NWR. Also, a nature trail descends stairs down to the base of Fort Falls and continues to the Niobrara River.
Definitely put Fort Niobrara NWR on your list of national wildlife refuges to visit!
Prairie dog in Fort Niobrara NWR, NE | Joan Van Gorp