Bird Bus Tour Gives Nex-Gen Conservationists a Front-Row Seat to Prairie Wildlife

JAMESTOWN, N.D. - Area students took to the prairie on May 29 for the annual Stutsman County Bird Bus Tour, joining the Stutsman County Soil Conservation District (SCD), USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a hands-on conservation experience at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.

Now in its second year, the tour is held the first Friday after school dismissal to encourage participation from local youth.

The event began as an idea from Braedon Honetschlager, district conservationist with the NRCS Jamestown Field Office, who wanted to introduce more young people to birding after noticing the abundance of waterfowl in nearby prairie potholes. Working with Gina Olson of the Stutsman County SCD, organizers secured a bus, binoculars, community partners, and support from The James River Valley Library System, which handled registration and served as the departure point.

At Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, Refuge Manager Paul Halko introduced students to the Prairie Pothole Region - a landscape shaped by glacial depressions that provides critical habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. He also explained how wetlands are conserved through easements and managed by adjusting water levels along the James River.

During the first stop, students used binoculars and spotting scopes to observe waterfowl and grassland birds while learning about habitat management practices such as rotational grazing, prescribed fire and invasive weed control. "Bobolinks and meadowlarks are great indicators of well-maintained prairie," Honetschlager told the group, noting that these species thrive where grazing, fire and weed control support a balanced ecosystem.

Students also learned how rangelands function as dynamic systems shaped by grazing, fire and biological controls. Halko described how managers combat noxious weeds like leafy spurge, use flea beetles for biological control, implement rotational grazing and apply prescribed burns to maintain healthy prairie ecosystems.

At the end of the tour, each student received an entry-level pair of binoculars and a cinch sack filled with information on North Dakota birds - tools meant to encourage continued outdoor learning and exploration.

This year's event was supported by Pheasants Forever, Vortex, NRCS, the Stutsman County Wildlife Club, Orriginals, the James River Valley Library System, Farmers Union Insurance, and Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.

Organizers say the Bird Bus Tour is building the next generation of North Dakota conservation stewards by connecting students directly with the wildlife and landscapes they're learning to protect.

From left, Paul Halko, Shelly Bunde, Gloria Jones, Braedon Honetschlager, Regina Olson and Nichole Greshik gather for a group photo during the Stutsman County Bird Bus Tour on May 29, 2026, at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota. District Conservationist Braedon Honetschlager helps Bird Bus Tour attendees use binoculars and a spotting scope to search for waterfowl and grassland birds during the May 29, 2026, event. Paul Halko, refuge manager at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, talks with Bird Bus Tour attendees during a stop at the refuge, explaining the Prairie Pothole Region and how local wetlands and grasslands are managed. Bird Bus Tour attendees look out over Arrowwood Lake as they learn about the Prairie Pothole Region and its glacial-formed wetlands that support migratory birds such as upland sandpipers, and dabbling ducks (Mallards, pintails, teal, and widgeons.)

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