Upcoming May Events
- SDACD
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
To enlarge the flyer, please click the button with the arrows in the image's upper right corner.
May 6-7
Conservation in Action Tour
Location: Sioux Falls, SD (with farm visits in southeastern SD)
Learn more & register: https://www.ctic.org/tour
Details: Kick off your 2025 growing season with the 18th Annual Conservation in Action Tour, hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year’s tour takes you into the heart of the Great Plains to explore how producers and partners are advancing soil health, biodiversity, and crop production through innovative conservation practices. Set during a pivotal time in the planting season, the tour offers a hands-on look at the strategies shaping resilient, productive agricultural landscapes across the region.
May 17
Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park
Location: Bear Butte Education Center (20250 Hwy 79, Sturgis, SD 57705)
Time: 8 AM - 3 PM MT
Details: Celebrate South Dakota’s migratory birds at the first Bird Bash at Bear Butte!
Bird Crafts
Mindful Birding
Bird ID
Birding Activities
Live Bird Presentations
And MORE!
All ages and experience levels are welcome at this free event! Follow the signs and meet us for a fun-filled day!
May 18
Garden Discovery Festival at McCrory Gardens
Location: McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007)
Time: 1 PM - 5 PM
Details: Celebrate the start of summer with SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens at the Garden Discovery Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at McCrory Gardens in Brookings. Held during National Public Gardens Week, this free, family-friendly event features plant sales, educational booths with hands-on activities, expert presentations, and guided tours.
Browse native plants from the SDSU Native Plant Initiative or shop for annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs from the Brookings Area Master Gardeners, with proceeds supporting horticulture scholarships. From 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., join SDSU Extension specialists for a garden design workshop focused on annuals and native plants. Then, celebrate McCrory Gardens’ 60th anniversary with a special guided history tour from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Rain or shine, all are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of discovery, learning, and connection in the gardens.
For more information, visit SDSU Extension website.
May 30-31
Annual Bird Watching Tour
Where: Totton Ranch in Chamberlain, SD
Start Time: May 30 at 3:25 PM
Details: The South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC) invites you to the 2025 Bird Tour near Chamberlain, SD. Join us on a journey to view the abundant populations of birds that make their home in this region. Learn how rangeland management plays an important role in the state’s agricultural industry as well as provides an exceptional environment for South Dakota’s native feathered friends.
Register: https://sdgrass.org/bird-watching-tour/
Free to current SDGC members and students; $35 per person for non-members (includes a 1-year SDGC membership). Meals included. Lodging is on your own.
What to bring: Bring your digital camera & binoculars. Wearing appropriate clothing and sturdy, enclosed footwear for walking on uneven terrain, changing weather conditions and protection from the elements and injury is recommended.
Lodging: You are welcome to bring a camper or tent. There are no camper hookups, but there is plenty of room to park. Chamberlain and Oacoma have several lodging options.
For more information, contact:
Judge Jessop at 605-280-0127 ext. 3 or judge.jessop@sdconservation.net.
What’s Coming in June:
June 2-5: Young Adult Ranching for Profit Workshop in Faith, SD
June 10-11: Rangeland & Soil Days in Belle Fourche, SD
June 12: Women on the Range (WOTR) Pasture Chat in White River, SD
More details coming soon
June 17-19: Grazing School in Wall, SD
June 20: Women on the Range (WOTR) Road Show in Winner, SD
More details coming soon
