Bison, key to conservation, return to Kane County after 200 years

A bison in Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in Burlington Township on Dec. 22, 2025. Six American bison have been introduced into the preserve. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

By Adriana Pérez | adperez@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: December 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM CST

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Citizens can help monitor the prairie and bison, and Native Americans can reconnect to their roots under a community science program.

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Bison return to Kane County after 200 years, a crucial step for conservation and Indigenous connection

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