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South Dakota 4-H Launches Outdoor OWLS Program

April 29, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota 4-H have unveiled a brand new, yearlong program for youth interested in outdoor education and natural resources.

A sump pump and emergency backup battery set up in a basement. Courtesy: Jeff Covey (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Flooding and Sump Pumps

For many homes with a basement or crawl space, a sump pump and drainage system can help reduce the risk of a basement flooding from high water table situations. Here are a few tips for making sure your sump pump is working as it should, and you are not causing problems for your neighbors downstream.

Aerial view of flooding in Southeastern South Dakota.

Global and U.S. Perspectives on Flooding

In this article, we will explore the statistics and impacts of floods, both globally and within the United States, based on data from various studies and reports.

Winter wheat field with extreme soil erosion due to drought.

Impacts of Drought on Soil, Water, Forage and Livestock Grazing Systems

Grazing systems are complex, because soil, water, forage and livestock components are interconnected and affect each other. Producers can put themselves back in the driver’s seat by developing annual systems-level grazing plans for favorable and unfavorable situations.

Woman using a grazing stick to measure forage status.

Using the ‘Grazing Stick’ To Assess Pasture Forage

Assessing pasture forage is a key step in planning grazing strategies. A grazing stick is a tool that uses simple math and measurements to determine herd size, stocking rates and available grazing days. We will address how to use a grazing stick in this article.

Workshop attendees at an aquatic species identification station.

SDSU Hosts South Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Citizen Monitoring Workshop

On August 10, 2023, the South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association, in conjunction with SDSU Extension, and the University of Minnesota held the inaugural South Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Citizen Monitoring Workshop.

Ventenata grass aggresively spreading throughout rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Ventenata

Ventenata is an invasive annual grass that's an emerging threat to South Dakota rangelands due to its ability to exclude desired native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes a problem in your area.

Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat signs in a bed of plants and yellow flowers.

Funding Opportunities for Small-Scale Pollinator Habitats: A Guide for Urban and Home Garden Projects

Learn about some of the many funding opportunities available for urban pollinator habitat projects of all sizes and scopes.

Rangeland covered with dense thickets of maturing cedar trees.

Cedar Trees and Rangeland Loss

The issue of cedar tree invasion into South Dakota’s rangelands tends to be a regional conversation. There is generally broad agreement among most resource professionals that these trees are in fact changing our landscape in a negative way.

A herd of cattle grazing near a stock pond.

Virtual Eastern South Dakota Water Conference to be Held October 14

September 22, 2020

The 2020 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference, sponsored by the South Dakota Water Resources Institute, will be held Wednesday, October 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.