How Bison Help to Heal the Earth

Shane & Ibby Bridwell
Apr 22
2 min read

We’re honoring the original stewards of the Great Plains: the American Bison.

Bison are a native keystone species—which means their presence directly supports the health and balance of ecosystems. For thousands of years, bison roamed North America, naturally shaping the land in ways that can’t be replicated.

Bison grazing on a grassy hill under a cloudy sky. The brown animals are scattered, with a serene and natural atmosphere.

Here’s how Bison help to restore the Earth:

Mob Grazing That Mimics Nature

Bison move in tight herds, grazing intensively in one area before moving on. This behavior tramples old plant material into the soil, fertilizes the land with manure, and gives grazed plants time to recover. The result? Healthier grasses, deeper roots, and more resilient pastures.

Hooves Like Tillage Tools

Their sharp, heavy hooves break up compacted soil and press seeds into the ground, acting as natural cultivators. This improves water infiltration, encourages seed germination, and boosts soil aeration and structure without the need for tractors or machinery.

Manure That Builds Microbial Life

Bison don’t need feedlots or chemical fertilizers. Their manure is perfectly balanced to feed the soil microbiome—nourishing fungi, bacteria, and other organisms that build carbon-rich, living soil.

Selective Grazing = Biodiversity Boost

Bison graze on dominant grasses, allowing wildflowers and less aggressive species to flourish. This increases plant diversity, which attracts more insects, birds, and pollinators. More plants = more life.

Wallows: Nature’s Microhabitats

Bison roll in loose dirt on the ground to rid themselves of insects, mud, and winter fur. It's the equivalent of taking a bath. These shallow depressions, called wallows, collect rainwater and become micro-wetlands—home to frogs, insects, and native plants. It’s a small act with a big ecological ripple effect.

Bison don’t just live on the land—they reshape it, restore it, and make it more alive.

Every time you choose regeneratively raised bison meat, you're supporting that natural, healing process; that is good for the planet - and healthy for you.