Once covering more than 140 million acres in North America, the TallGrass prairie is now mostly relegated to a part of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The TallGrass Prairie Preserve in Oklahoma is managed by The Nature Conservancy. It was originally part of the old Chapman-Barnard Ranch.
According to an interview with Frederick Drummond, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees — James A. Chapman and Horace G. Barnard, owners and operators for many years of the Chapman-Barnard Ranch, were marvelous stewards of the land. Because of their care for the property, the preserve is not much different today than what was years ago when the original herds of bison roamed the prairie.
The headquarters of the preserve is in the historic Barnard Ranch Bunkhouse where Ben Johnson entertained the “Duke”, John Wayne. This area is a popular film location for major motion picture companies. Although we have since found that Kevin Costner was not here for his own film, Dances with Wolves, it would have made the perfect setting.
That is why we have brought along the CD from this movie. Because it’s the perfect music to go hunting buffy with …
