August 6
Learning from Down Under with Colin Seis
Where: Drifters Bar & Grill – 325 Hustan Ave., Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM CST
Details: Join the conversation with world renowned Australian Soil Biologist Colin Seis as he tours around the US making a stop in South Dakota!
This field & classroom tour will highlight:
Soil Health
Pasture Cropping
Perennial Seedings
Soil Biology
Ecological Problems in Ag
Registration: Register at www.tinyurl.com/2024SeisWorkshop or call Cindy (605)-280-4190. Meal included.
Free for SDSHC members or $25.00 for non-members, which includes membership for 2024.
August 8
2024 SD Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Tour
Where: 45696 SD HWY 22, Castlewood, SD
Directions: From Kones Korner in Castlewood, go two miles east on HWY 22. Blioux River Ranch is on the north side of the road at 457th Avenue.
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM CST
Details: This event celebrates the outstanding land stewardship and conservation efforts of Barry and Eli Little and their family. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the innovative conservation practices implemented at the ranch, including sustainable grazing, soil health improvement, and wildlife habitat enhancement. The event features guided tours, presentations, and discussions on topics such as cover cropping, managed livestock grazing, and creating habitats for pollinators.
RSVP: Please RSVP to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or by calling/texting 605-280-0127 to ensure an accurate meal count.
For more details about the Littles’ conservation journey, visit their story at https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award-program/blioux-river-ranch.
August 21
Landowner Workshop: Beaver Dam Analog Structure
Where: Old Meeker Ranch – East of Custer, SD – End of Willow Creek Road
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 MT
Free lunch provided by the Custer Conservation District.
Details: Join us for a free workshop on Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) structures! BDAs are like man-made beaver dams that help prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and create homes for wildlife. The workshop, hosted by the Custer County Conservation District and the SD Game, Fish and Parks, will cover what BDAs are, how they work, and how to build them. Plus, it’s free, and lunch is provided!
Registration: Call (605)-673-5680 by August 14 to register.
August 28
Day County Conservation Bus Tour
Departure: Bitter Lake Lodge, 14307 446th Ave, Waubay, SD 57273
4-hour bus tour with stops at Bitter Lake Lodge, Bob Narem Prairie Restoration, Joe Butler Farm and Pickerel Lake.
Time: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM CST
Details: Come tour the eastern edge of Day County and learn about the hydrology of Bitter Lake, healthy soils, prairies, pollinators, and invasive Zebra mussels.
Beverages and snacks, including Purple Cow Ice Cream, will be provided.
To RSVP or for more information:
Josh Wagner (Day County Conservation District): daycd@sdconservation.net
Matt Hubers (Ducks Unlimited): mhubers@ducks.org