sandsage bison range

During our roadtrip of the Midwest we spotted the Sandsage Ranch marked on our large scale road map and decided to investigate . It took a great deal of finding but after asking directions at the next door golf club we were on our way.When we first saw the rather dilapidated ranch buildings it looked as if it was defunct but nothing could be further from the truth, From around the back came young Ben a national park graduate and offered to give us a guided tour of the ranch in his 4x4,he explained how they manage the herd and care for these magnificent animals. It was a privilege to get up close to the herd and see the noble bulls and several new born calves.Charge NONE just what ever you think is a fair donation to this great cause!!

We kind of stumbled on this activity during a 5000 mile roadtrip. It is a State-sponsored facility, started in 1905, that protects a small herd of native buffalo on the natural Kansas plains. The manager, Tom Norman, is an extraordinary individual who works long hours making sure the animals are protected. When he saw us looking in at the facility's under-renovation building he immediately took us under his wing, stuffed us in his Chevy Suburban, and took up out on an hour tour of the bison herd in their natural habitat. He was extremely knowledgeable and totally dedicated to the preservation of the animals and their natural environment.They are sponsored by the State of Kansas but, as are all state government activities, are always in need of supplemental funding. We've initiated a membership into the Friends of Sandsage Bison Range and have sponsored one of the cows who just calved a day before our visit.We would recommend a visit to this facility for anyone who is interested in nature and preserving the environment.