Happy Arbor Day! Today we're celebrating by shining a spotlight on some of the incredible trees that call our great state home. South Dakota might be known for its wide-open prairies, but look a little closer, from the Black Hills to the river bottoms along the Missouri, our state is home to a surprising variety of native trees. These aren't just pretty faces. Native trees are perfectly adapted to our climate, support local wildlife, and play a huge role in keeping our soil a

Today we celebrate the land, water, and natural resources that make South Dakota such a special place to call home and we couldn't be more excited to be part of the work that keeps it that way! Earth Day is a reminder of why conservation matters and here in South Dakota, that work happens every single day. Through our 68 local conservation districts, farmers, ranchers, landowners, and communities across the state are taking real action to protect our soil, water, and wildlife

Registration is open now through May 22. Register at ANR Connections If you're newer to working in agriculture or natural resources in South Dakota, ANR Connections is a great way to build your understanding and confidence. This program offers a broad, real-world look at South Dakota’s agricultural systems, from planting and livestock production all the way through harvest. Along the way, participants learn directly from experienced professionals, connect with producers, and

In 2026, two major milestones are being recognized around the world and across the country: the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and America’s 250th anniversary . To celebrate, the South Dakota Grasslands Initiative has launched the 46.9 for the Grasslands Challenge , a statewide effort encouraging people to get outside and experience South Dakota’s grasslands. Watch this short 30-second video to learn more: Participants are encouraged to wa

Most people don't give much thought to the ground beneath their feet. But in South Dakota, that ground is kind of a big deal. A single teaspoon of healthy South Dakota soil contains more living organisms than there are people on Earth. It's not dirt. It's alive, and today we're celebrating it.

Explore upcoming conservation events!