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

Group of youth walking through a field
Jun 09

Rangeland and Soil Days

Rangeland and Soil Days will take place June 9-10, 2026, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall (512 6th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717).

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).

Related Topics

Conservation, Grassland, Soil Health, Wildlife, Grassland Fire

Related Content

Map of South Dakota of Northern Great Plains and the Western United States. Colors indicate the number of grasshoppers per square yard in each of the sampled locations. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2026

Almost every year in South Dakota there is a risk that grasshopper populations will reach levels capable of causing issues for producers. Unfortunately, our prediction for the 2026 growing season won’t change the trend.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.

Young absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge plants emerging.

Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow

Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.