Upcoming May Events
- SDACD
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Upcoming Events at a Glance
May 2 - Discover the Outdoors with iNatrualist in Sioux Falls
May 7 - Native Plants Learning Opportunity in Aberdeen
May 9 - Outdoor Campus Spring Saturday Open House - Bird Watching in Sioux Falls
May 16 - Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park
May 19 - Onaka Area Prescribed Fire Training
May 19 - Women's Ag Network Social: Negotiating with Confidence
May 20 - Women's Ag Network Social: From Pasture to Plate - Beef & Grazing Insights
May 26 - Webinar: Monitoring Soil Health at Small and Large Scales
Scroll down for event details and flyers.
MAY 1
Webinar: Starting No-Till Growing Beds
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: free!
About:
Join Christina Lind, Farm Manager at Blue Dasher Farm near Estelline, SD as she dives deep into the different chemical-free approaches to starting no-till growing beds. Christina has done various experiments over the last few years to see what no-till methods have been most successful in South Dakota and she’s excited to share what has worked best for her in different scenarios including with grapes, annual veggies, and cut flowers. Christina will also be hosting an in person event on the topic on May 9th at the farm.
MAY 2
Discover the Outdoors with iNaturalist
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Ages: adults only; 18 and older
Location: 4500 S Oxbow Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Register: https://tinyurl.com/meapz36n
About:
Discover the Outdoors with iNaturalist!
Ready to explore nature in a whole new way? Join Emily White from the South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists for a hands-on introduction to the iNaturalist app. The iNaturalist app is a free mobile application and social network that allows users to identify plants, animals, and fungi.
What to Expect:
• A guided walk-through of the app’s features
• A mini BioBlitz around the Outdoor Campus – Sioux Falls
• Learn how to record and identify species right from your phone
• Light snacks provided
Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing and arrive with the iNaturalist app already downloaded on your phone.
MAY 7
Native Plants
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Aberdeen Public Library
About:
Discover the beauty and benefits of native plants with SDSU Extension Specialist, Robin Buterbaugh and Prairie Partners Master Gardener Mike Connelly.
Learn how native plants support pollinators, conserve water, and thrive in our local landscape.
MAY 9
Outdoor Campus Spring Saturday Open House - Bird Watching
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Location: 4500 S Oxbow Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57106
About:
No registration required and you can drop in at any time during the program. Come learn how to utilize a field guide and binoculars and then get out on our trails to see what our winged friends are up to.
MAY 16
Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Bear Butte State Park - 20250 SD Highway 79 Sturgis, SD 57785
Cost: free!
About:
Join us for the 2nd annual Bird Bash at Bear Butte State Park, a fun, family friendly, celebration of birds and nature.
Enjoy hands on activities like scavenger hunts, mist netting demonstrations, and meet live ambassador birds from Black Hills Raptor Center.
Learn how to use binoculars, spotting scopes, eBird/Merlin apps, and bird ID books with guidance from wildlife and natural resource professionals.
Win prizes while learning skills to start or improve your new favorite lifelong hobby!
This is a free, accessible event is perfect for all ages - bring your friends and family for a morning of outdoor adventure! May 16 is part of the SD State Park Open House weekend. Please gather at the Visitor Center and the Bird Bash will be outside in the yard.
MAY 19
Onaka Area Prescribed Fire Training
Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Coyote Trail Ranch - located at the Corner of 338th Ave and 156th St in Faulk County SD
Cost: free!
RSPV: Required by May 8, contact Jan Rounds Janice.rounds@sdstate.edu or 605-882-5140
Lunch: Not provided, bring your own food and beverages.
About:
To participate in the live fire students must have attended a past evening session OR the classroom training offered the morning of the field day. RSVP required and participants will receive more details once registered.
Classroom and field day offer the basics of planning, preparation, and conducting safe and effective prescribed fire on private property. Includes classroom, equipment training, skills, and participation in live fire.
MAY 19
Women's Ag Network Social: Negotiating with Confidence
Time: Noon-1 PM - Meal on your own at the Branding Iron
Place: Branding Iron, Belle Fourche, SD
Pre-Register: By May 17 bring your own food and beverages.
About:
Ready to negotiate with confidence?
Join us as Meg McNeese walks attendees through practical tips and strategies to help you feel more confident at the negotiation table, whether in your career, business, or everyday life.
You’ll also have the chance to put those skills into action with structured networking time, designed to help you connect, learn, and grow alongside others.
Come ready to learn, connect, and build confidence, we hope to see you there!
MAY 20
Women's Ag Network Social: From Pasture to Plate
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30pm
Place: Sweet Grass, Wessington Springs, SD
Pre-Register: By May 19
About:
Join us for an evening focused on beef, grazing, and practical knowledge you can take back to your own operation and kitchen.
Heather Larson, owner of Sweet Grass in Wessington Springs, will share her expertise on selecting and preparing cuts of beef — including how to choose the right cut and the best ways to cook and serve it for optimal flavor and quality. With a background in animal science, meat judging, and Extension work, Heather brings both education and real-world experience to help simplify what can often feel overwhelming.
In addition, we’ll hear from NRCS on grazing opportunities and resources available to producers. This portion will provide insight into grazing practices, land stewardship, and programs designed to support sustainable and effective use of your operation.
Whether you’re looking to gain confidence in the kitchen, better understand beef from pasture to plate, or learn more about grazing support and resources, this event offers a well-rounded and practical experience.
Additional beverages and meal options will be available for purchase at your own expense.
MAY 26
Webinar: Monitoring Soil Health at Small and Large Scales
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Cost: free!
About:
Join SDSPA as Dr. Caro Córdova of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln dives into monitoring soil health at both small and large scales and how that can benefit your operation. Drawing on global experience, she will share insights into regenerative agriculture and on-farm strategies for long-term sustainability.
MAY 31
Garden Discovery Festival
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Place: McCrory Gardens, 631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007
About:
SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens are kicking off the summer programming with the Garden Discovery Festival on Sunday, May 31, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. CDT at McCrory Gardens. The afternoon will feature plant sales, educational booths with hands-on activities and guided garden tours.
The festival will be a fun-filled way for all generations to learn and interact with gardening and the natural world. This is a free, family-friendly event open to all that will be held rain or shine. Garden Discovery Festival is supported by the Mary F. Buckmiller McCrory Gardens Endowment.
