VALENTINE, Neb. - One of the most genetically pure bison herds in the nation lives in Nebraska. This video story gives you a personal tour of Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge near Valentine, where history and conservation meet.

The refuge is home to around 400 bison. Formed in 1913, it’s one of the oldest herds in the country.

“This was one of those six federal herds that was established to restore the species. Bison at the end of the 1800s were on the brink of extinction. This was one of those six herds that was re-established to populate all of the bison in North America,” said Wildlife Refuge Manager Matt Sprenger.

Also unique about the herd? They’re among the most genetically pure bison in the world, with very little mixing of cattle genes, which is a big deal when it comes to conservation.

“Particularly when a lot of these herds were brought into captivity, there were crosses between bison and cattle. Our bison have a low introgression rate with cattle, so there are very few cattle genes in our bison. That’s what makes it most unique. A lot of the bison herds that are part of the private sector will have more cattle genes within that herd,” Sprenger said.

You can come out to the refuge at anytime to look at the herd. Depending upon the time of year, bison may be viewed from the refuge roads. The Visitor Center is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“When you drive through the refuge and see the bison, they may see some animals that look really skinny. It’s not because they’re short of forage," Sprenger said.

Instead, Sprenger said it’s because everything at the refuge is left to nature-birthing, aging and dying. Crews don’t kill aging animals or vaccinate new babies.

“We conserve that genetic diversity of the original plains bison. That’s why this herd is really that important,” Sprenger said.

A glimpse of America’s past, thriving in America’s heartland.