A Scientist in Parks intern stands beside a digital map showing GPS tracking of bison movement at Wind Cave National Park.

Your Adopt-A-Bison Donations at Work

Published On: September 15, 2025By

Adopt-a-Bison donations in action at Wind Cave. A new exhibit uses GPS collars to track bison and highlight prairie wildlife conservation.

Since 2017, the Adopt-A-Bison program has raised more than 0,000 to support bison conservation at Wind Cave National Park. This summer, visitors can see the results for themselves in a brand-new interactive wildlife display at the park’s visitor center.

A New Exhibit at Wind Cave Visitor Center

The exhibit utilizes GPS data from collared bison to illustrate how the herd moves across Wind Cave’s prairie. Visitors can also explore a prairie dog colony through time-lapse video and learn about endangered black-footed ferrets in a short film.

Why This Display Matters

“The content for this display represents four years of dedicated work by interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff,” said Angela Jarding, biologist at Wind Cave National Park. “We are confident it will deepen visitors’ understanding of the park’s keystone species: bison, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. Wind Cave deeply appreciates BHPFA for establishing the Adopt-A-Bison program.”

Green baseball cap embroidered with an adult bison and a calf, available through the Adopt-a-Bison program.
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Support wildlife conservation with BHPFA’s Adopt-a-Bison gear, including caps featuring embroidered bison and calf designs.

Donations at Work for Conservation and Education

The display was developed during the 2024–25 winter season by Scientist in Parks intern Parker DePond, supported by radio collars purchased through the Adopt-A-Bison program.

“We’re proud to support Parker and the Wind Cave team in creating this educational experience,” said Patty Ressler, executive director of BHPFA. “It’s a clear example of how visitor donations directly support wildlife conservation and public education.”

➡️ Learn more about Adopt-A-Bison on the website or stop by the Wind Cave Park Store.

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