SDSU Extension promotes native plants with events across state

SDSU Extension will host a series of Native Plant Expos across the state this spring: June 5, 2026, in Rapid City; June 6 in Spearfish; June 13 in Sioux Falls; and June 21 in Pierre.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce a series of Native Plant Expos across the state this spring.

Upcoming events are from 5 to 7:30 p.m. MT on June 5, 2026, in Rapid City; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT on June 6 in Spearfish; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on June 13 in Sioux Falls; and noon to 5 p.m. CDT on June 21 in Pierre. For more information visit the SDSU Extension Events page.

The events are free to attend, and registration is not required. Lora Perkins, professor and SDSU Extension Native Plant Specialist, said gardeners, landowners and others who may be interested in native plants are especially welcome to attend.

“Native plants help people create landscapes that feel like home. They are the plants that want to grow in South Dakota,” Perkins said. “They are adapted to our soils, weather and seasons. This makes our native plants practical choices for yards, gardens and community spaces.”

Each location will have themed plant packs available for purchase, tailored to that region. Short presentations at these events will highlight native seed storage, seed source selection, the cost-benefit of using plugs versus seeds, seed sources and how they perform in South Dakota and native plants that support birds.

Native plants grown by SDSU students using local seed will be available for sale, along with SDSU Extension materials and handouts. SDSU faculty, SDSU Extension field specialists and students will be available to answer questions at each event, as well.

“The Native Plant Initiative at SDSU and SDSU Extension are helping more people grow plants that are beautiful, resilient and distinctly South Dakotan,” Perkins said.

Native plants will be available at the SDSU Extension Native Plant Expos across the state this spring. (SDSU Extension photo)

More information about each event:

• June 5: Education Garden in Rapid City. Themed plant packs include: Bad Soils Pack, with plants suited to harsh soil conditions; the Winter Birdscape Pack, with plants that support birds through the winter; and the Grass Pack, with native grasses for texture, structure and habitat.
• June 6: The Snapper’s Club in Spearfish. Presentations will also include why dark skies matter. Themed plant packs include: the Penstemon Pack; the Rock Garden Pack, with plants for a dry, sunny site or rock garden; and the Butterfly Pack, with plants that butterflies especially enjoy. This event also serves as part of the requirements for Bee City USA Certification through the Xerces Society. 
• June 13: Rock Garden Nursery in Sioux Falls. Themed plant packs include: the Rock Garden Pack, with plants for a dry, sunny site or rock garden; Jack’s Pack, with plants that have yellow and blue flowers; and the Grass Pack, with native grasses for texture and habitat. Also available is the native ball cactus, in terracotta pots.
• June 21: East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center in Pierre. Themed plant packs include: the Winter Birdscape Pack, with plants that support birds through the winter; the Bad Soils Pack, with plants that do well in harsh soil conditions; the Penstemon Pack, featuring a selection of native penstemons; and the Sensory Garden Pack, with plants selected for fragrance.

For more information, contact Lora Perkins, professor and SDSU Extension Native Plant Specialist, or visit the SDSU Extension Native Plant Resources page.