K.P. Wilska
You might think you know Texas wildlife — the armadillo, the horned lizard, maybe even the black-tailed jackrabbit. But look closer at the symbols of Texas, and one animal towers above the rest: the American bison. In Texas, few creatures capture the imagination like the American bison. Rugged, shaggy, and undeniably powerful, it’s a symbol of the open plains and a reminder of a landscape that once stretched endlessly across the state.
In Fort Worth, the bison still roam, and they’re getting their moment in the spotlight this November. The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is rolling out the welcome mat for National Bison Day on Saturday, Nov. 1, with a slate of events designed to bring visitors face-to-face with these legendary beasts.
Early risers can join the Bison Pasture Hike from 9 to 10 a.m., trekking across the pasture and learning how to spot the subtle signs these giant grazers leave behind. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Bison Artifacts exhibit at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center invites history buffs to meet Albert from Log Cabin Village and discover how early Texans used bison for food, clothing, and tools. Then there’s the Bison Meet and Greet at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon — a chance to learn about the herd and even help staff feed them. Finally, at 2 p.m., the Behind the Fences session offers a glimpse into how the bison pasture is managed and how these animals are cared for on a daily basis.
The Fort Worth Nature Center’s bison herd has a storied history. Established in 1973 with two cows and a bull from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the herd welcomed its first calf the following year. This made it one of the first municipal-owned bison herds in Texas — predating even the Fort Worth Stockyards’ longhorn herd and the Goodnight herd managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the 1980s. Today, 11 cows, one bull, and four calves make up the 16-strong herd, which fluctuates naturally with environmental conditions and pasture capacity to support prairie conservation goals.
Each November, the herd undergoes a veterinary roundup for health checks, vaccinations, and monitoring. They rotate among six pastures as part of a sustainable grazing plan designed to mimic the natural prairie cycles that once shaped the landscape. Careful genetic management keeps the herd pure — free from cattle hybridization — while private donations continue to expand their pastures and improve public viewing opportunities.
The newest addition, Oak Motte Pasture, funded by the Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge through donations from Mercedes-Benz, the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation, Menzies Aviation, and an unnamed donor, opens later this year with an overlook designed for visitors to admire the herd.
At the Fort Worth Nature Center, the bison are more than a herd — they are living symbols of prairie conservation. By moving across the pastures, they help shape the land, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem while offering visitors a chance to witness their vital role firsthand. The Nature Center works hand in hand with state and national bison organizations to spread awareness and teach Texans — and visitors from across the country — about the importance of protecting these iconic animals.
Across the United States, National Bison Day celebrates the bison’s enduring significance. Advocates are campaigning to make the first Saturday in November the official day to honor these animals, recognizing their lasting impact on Texas landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
