Nature, history on display at KDWP area near Garden City

On Saturday, June 16, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host the second semi-annual Buffalo Days at Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area, 1/2 mile south of Garden City on Business Highway 83. The day-long event will begin at 9 a.m. and feature buffalo-viewing tours of the range, pioneer re-enactors, flint knapping, and animal and habitat displays.

Displays are free of charge and include Kansas Critters, featuring native Kansas wildlife from Lee Richardson Zoo; the History of the Range, with bison facts and artifacts; demonstrations of virtual fishing and a laser hunting simulator; and the KDWP centennial celebration history of state wildlife conservation.

Re-enactor Ken Weidner and his son will portray Cheyenne braves on hunt. Mark Berry and Kirk Shapland will present a reproduction of a buffalo hunter camp, and Karl Grover and Ron Drummond will present a reproduction of an 1868 frontier infantry camp.

The re-enactments and bison herd and range tours require a $5 admission fee for those 13 and older and $3 for ages four to 12. Those younger than four will be admitted free of charge. Displays close at 6 p.m., and a final "Sunset on the Prairie" tour departs at 7:30 p.m. Tours take about one to two hours, depending on the bison herd's proximity to the loading zone, and also include nature walks and tour guides providing historical information on the bison and prairie.

A concession stand serving bison burgers and a souvenir booth will be available. Proceeds support volunteer efforts to provide prairie and bison education.
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