What's happening in South Dakota conservation.

The Women’s Ag Network brings women together across South Dakota for connection, learning, leadership development, and support in agriculture, conservation, and rural communities. They have several events happening this spring, including the launch of two new Hubs: South Central (Winner) and East (Brookings). Events include networking opportunities, professional development, and community connection. Find details and register at www.womensagnetwork.org/hubevents.

Across South Dakota right now, conservation districts are out planting trees - shelterbelts on the edges of farm fields, native trees along streams, and seedlings in backyards and neighborhoods. It's one of the most rewarding things we do. But here's the thing: planting day is just the beginning. The first year or two after planting is the most critical time in a young tree's life. Give it the right start, and it'll reward you for decades. Ignore it, and even a healthy tree

Join the challenge here: http://lesslawnmorelife.com/ What is Less Lawn More Life? Less Lawn More Life is a free 12-week challenge that helps people bring more nature into their yards - planting native flowers and shrubs, reducing turf grass, and creating habitat for the birds, bees, and butterflies that make South Dakota's landscapes come alive. Over 20,000 people across the country have already joined, restoring more than 25,000 acres of habitat in the process. This Year's

Explore upcoming conservation events!

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.