Episode 39: Thunder & Fire

60 million American bison, commonly known as buffalo, once thundered across the prairies of North America. These mighty giants terraformed the land, diversified prairie ecosystems, and sustained many native First Nation tribes across the continent.

Now, tribes and conservationists are joining forces to bring the species back from the brink, finally returning the American bison to their native grasslands.

The Osage Nation in Oklahoma, with help from allies at the Nature Conservancy and the Bronx Zoo, are reviving their cultural and spiritual connection to buffalo by rebuilding a herd that once shared their land. By reigniting traditional land management practices like prescribed fire, the Osage support the herd as it continues to grow, which in turn, restores natural balance that help the entire prairie ecosystem thrive.