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Young woman applying insect repellant before an evening hike.

Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites

Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.

Teardrop shaped tick with a dark brown body and legs and an elongate white patch behind its head.

Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota

The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.

Small black fly.

What Are Those Little Flies That Keep Biting Me?

If you have been swarmed and bitten by small black flies this year, you’re not alone. The culprits of these bites are commonly referred to as black flies or buffalo gnats. The reason we are noticing so many in 2019 is likely due to favorable spring conditions that included a lot of moisture.

Tick that is dark brown to black in color with a reddish-orange abdomen.

An identification guide to common Ticks of South Dakota

A guide to identifying common ticks in South Dakota

variety of fresh vegetables in basket

Family Fun With Gardening

Gardening is a fun way to incorporate physical activity into your day, and is a great way to connect kids to where their food comes from!

A young girl with a snail-shaped watering can.

Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 6-8

A garden can be used to teach many concepts to a board range of ages. When working with early elementary youth you will want to consider characteristics of their development when planning lessons and activities.

several children next to a raised garden

Ages & Stages in the Garden: 4-5 year olds

If considering a garden-based learning program for four to five year-old it is important to understand some of their developmental characteristics prior to planning your program. Young children’s abilities will differ greatly from older youth.

Wicker basket full of raw sheep’s wool sitting on a lawn.

Wool: A Natural Bio-Enhancement for Gardens

Sheep's wool has been seeing increased use in gardens as mulch or a soil additive due to its numerous benefits. Learn how wool can help your plants and garden thrive this gardening season!

Baskets of fresh vegetables at a farmers market

Local Foods: Whole Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Fresh, whole raw fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota can currently be sold without a food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health.

Four rows tilled through the three clover treatments

2023 On-Farm Experiences Growing Cucurbits in Newly Established Clover Living Mulch in Eastern South Dakota

Research report determining the impact of two established clover species on weed suppression, crop growth, and yield of squash.