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McHenry County Conservation District
Environmental Conservation Organization The partnership between McHenry County Conservation District and Ruhter Bison was honored with a Best of the Best Award on October 25th by Illinois Association of Park Districts at their Best of the Best Awards Gala! Partnerships like these help further expand the reach of conservation efforts. Grazing bison enhances soil health and fertility, improves carbon sequestration, and advances grassland habitat. McHenry County Conservation District and Ruhter Bison partnered to integrate bison into a grassland management strategy by converting an overgrazed cattle feedlot and crop field into a prairie ecosystem regeneratively grazed by native bison. We also facilitate education with public programming about the natural and cultural history of bison. After only two growing seasons, biological activity has improved and soil respiration has increased, organic matter percent has doubled, and the Haney soil health score tripled. Bobolink and Savanna Sparrow densities have increased, and there is a high demand for educational offerings on this unique approach to farming and conservation. Thank you to our partners at Ruhter Bison, and IAPD for honoring us with this award. Learn more at MCCD.me/BisonGrazing
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