Buffalo Speaks Reserve

Buffalo Speaks Controlled Burn - October 24th 

We had a great burn day, although the specific area we planned to ignite wasn’t completed this time — that opportunity will come. What truly mattered was the gathering itself. Sixteen fire and land stewardship enthusiasts came together to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and advance our collective understanding of site management.

The photo below (by Eddee Daniel) offers an excellent visual of the day’s success: perfect smoke management and a clear sense of how the site fits within its surrounding landscape. The drone imagery, in particular, adds valuable perspective — the tan-colored upper wet terrace visible on the right edge of the photo is a clear marker of our progress and an important reference for future work.

Photo credit: Eddee Daniel

Prairie Seeding Honors Ancestors at Buffalo Speaks Reserve

Prairie Seeding Honors Ancestors at Buffalo Speaks Reserve

In January Milwaukee Audubon Society’s field just north of the Kolterman Indian mound site is asleep beneath a protective blanket of snow. Beneath this snow is a profound history. And beneath the snow are seeds that were sown on November 21, 2020.

Cultural fire at Buffalo Speaks Reserve preserves American Indian tradition

Cultural fire at Buffalo Speaks Reserve preserves American Indian tradition

By Jim Uhrinak and Matt Smith

Photos by Eddee Daniel

If Buffalo Speaks Reserve is the crown jewel of the Niagara Escarpment along the east side of the Horicon Basin, the Kolterman Indian Mound Group is one of the facets that makes it sparkle.