Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Our Experts

Professional portrait of Alexander "Sandy" Smart

Alexander "Sandy" Smart

grey circle and body outline on a light blue background

Allison Dollen

Professional portrait of Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin

Professional portrait of Kaylee Wheeler

Kaylee Wheeler

Professional portrait of Krista Ehlert

Krista Ehlert

Professional portrait of Lora Perkins

Lora Perkins

Professional portrait of Parker Witt

Parker Witt

Professional headshot of Pete Bauman

Pete Bauman

Professional portrait of Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly

View All Experts

Our Programs

Grassland Management School

Northern Plains Water Voice

Prescribed Fire

Range and Soil Judging

Upcoming Events

A fishing boat in the middle of Oak Lake
Jul 09

Oak Lake Field Station Field Day

Attend the Oak Lake Field Station field day on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT at the Oak Lake Field Station (19862 483rd Ave., Astoria, SD 57213).

A group of people listening to a presentation
Oct 07

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

The Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

Related Topics

Conservation, Grassland, Soil Health, Wildlife, Grassland Fire

Related Content

A group of people listening to a presentation
Oct 07

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

The Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

Lake water with abundant blue-green algae throughout.

What is the “a” in Chlorophyll-a?

Have you ever heard the term "chlorophyll a" used in reference to a lake's blue-green algae content? From type "a" to type "f," learn how different types of chlorophyll impact lakes and aquatic environments.

Road ditch near a crop field with noticeable soil deposited from wind erosion.

How to Maintain Soil Health During Dry Growing Conditions

Adopting soil health practices can help to reduce the loss of valuable topsoil by wind erosion during droughts. Learn how to manage your fields now or in the future to maintain soil health during periods of dry times.