Highland Cattle herd helps restore native prairie at Hitchcock Nature Center 

A herd of fluffy, photogenic Scottish highland cattle are currently grazing at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. It's part of a plan by Pottawattamie County Conservation to restore natural prairie to the park. Basically, the prairie evolved with large herbivores - such as bison and elk - that help spread prairie seed. Ping calls farm animals a "facsimile" of that process. "We can bring seed out here and while they're suppressing that brome, they're opening up bare spots on the ground that the seed can have an opportunity to germinate," said Natural Resources Technician Aric Ping. Those interested in seeing the cattle - from a respectful distance - may find them near the Hohneke Trail. They'll be in the park during the early part of summer. Video shows ... highland cattle grazing in Iowa's Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center