Natural Resources
All Natural Resources Content
Native Plants for Bird Habitat in South Dakota
South Dakota has a range of habitats that support many bird species, and native plants play an important role in all those habitats.
Rangeland Wildflowers: Their Value to Livestock and Pollinators
Native wildflowers and shrubs are critical to providing a wide array of services that increase the resiliency of rangelands, provide pollinator habitat, and contribute to livestock nutrition.
West Nile Virus Update: October 16, 2025
As of October 16, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health reported 86 human cases of West Nile virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Todd, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.
SDSU Extension welcomes new water specialist
October 29, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Ryan Lefers as the new Griffith Endowed Chair in Agriculture and Water Resources, South Dakota Water Resources Institute Director and SDSU Extension Water Management Specialist.
Fall Pasture Report: Considerations for Dormant Season Grazing
Recent fall rains across the region continue to improve soil moisture conditions in preparation for the dormant season. Unlike in years past, a fall green up has been in full swing for much of the region.
West Nile Virus Update: September 26, 2025
As of September 26, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) reported 74 human cases of West Nile Virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.
Insects Are Being a Nuisance This Fall
The weather is changing, and many of us are noticing an uptick in the nuisance bites caused by several insects. The continued warm weather is going to increase the activity of all insects, including the ones that are causing us displeasure.
SDSU Extension Announces Interim Leadership Roles
September 24, 2025
The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has announced interim roles for several SDSU Extension leadership positions.
Women on the Range
Women on the Range is a program that is open to all. Through hands-on workshops and peer learning, this program empowers landowners, ranchers, and natural resource managers to build confidence and leadership in grazing and land stewardship.
White River ‘Pasture Chat’ offers unique experience for women in agriculture
September 17, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension’s new “pasture chat” event provided a unique experience for women involved in agriculture in the White River region.