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2021 Energize! Conference attendees gathered outside a brick building.

Energize!

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is designed to empower South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders from across the state to share success stories, get new ideas and take action to improve their own communities.

wood working tools sitting on a table

4-H Wood Science Project

Woodworking is a valuable skill for a hobby, household repairs, or even a career. Learn about types of wood, uses for various kinds of wood, how to make connections and joints, safety tips, common tools and project ideas from the very simple to impressive!

male 4-H youth holding a model rocket

4-H Aerospace & Rocketry Project

Want to design, build, and launch your own rocket? Always been interested in airplanes and flight? Blast off to the aerospace and rocketry project area!

a young woman leading a group of young children in a learning activity

4-H Child Development Project

The possibilities are endless in the child development 4-H project area! Learn how children grow and develop and apply that to create games, snacks, and books for children.

black-colored snow in a ditch

“Snirt” and How To Minimize It

Blowing soils, dust storms and “snirt” (snow with dirt on it) are frequent challenges during dry, windy winters. Learn some soil health principles to limit erosion and minimize snirt on field edges this planting season.

Young woman sitting on a couch.

Sit Less and Move More

Many people may feel frustrated because of jobs that force them to stay sitting for long hours during the day. If you are one of those people, don’t get discouraged!

Three older women going for a walk near a park.

The Health Benefits of Volunteering

Research indicates that volunteering brings substantial health advantages, particularly for older adults. Learn how you can get involved to make a difference in both your personal health and your community!

A lush, green spinach patch growing in a community garden

Community Gardens: Liability Insurance

Groups organizing a community garden often ask about liability insurance. They will typically consider getting a policy if they have an organization to protect, or as coverage for the landowner in case a participant is injured and elects to sue.

small black sap beetles on sweet corn

What’s Bugging Your Garden: Picnic Beetles

One of the most common garden insect questions I get asked is “what are those little black, spotted beetles that are in my sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries and perhaps worst of all, in your beer! These little nuisances are called picnic or sap beetles. They are attracted to ripe or damaged fruit and vegetables.

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Fall Noxious Weed Control

Fall weed control can give the best weed control, but it also can be a poor time. If the noxious weeds were sprayed or clipped earlier this summer, and there is good weed growth now, this would be an excellent time to spray these weeds and get a good kill.