Ohio Division of Wildlife announced on Monday, July 20, that the first calf was born at the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center located in Morgan County in the morning.
The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Welcome Center overlooks a herd of bison that consisted of one bull and nine cows that were all pregnant during the grand opening of the visitor center. Bringing the herd to the Visitor Center was a collaborative effort between ODNR, The Wilds, and the Columbus Zoo. A designated enclosure within view of the site of the new visitor center safely contains the herd.
The ODNR website shares how the bison herd is beneficial to grassland health. Due to their grazing nature, bison promote native plant diversity, reduce invasive plant pressure, and create varied habitat structure. Of course, their presence at the visitor center also gives observers stopping by the unique opportunity to witness an iconic North American species.
“With the bison, the visitor center, and the surrounding amenities, this is a unique spot to bring your family and friends to make some great memories in Southeast Ohio,” stated Chief of the Division of Wildlife Kendra Wecker during a ribbon cutting that was held at the visitor center in April.
The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center, located at 110 Natural Resource 1, McConnelsville, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center features an information desk and orientation maps, naturalist programming, educational displays about local wildlife and habitat management, and, of course, restrooms and vending machines. For further information, please visit ohiodnr.gov.
