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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.
West Nile Virus Update: Sept. 17, 2021
The South Dakota Department of Health's latest update indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Codington, Hand, Hughes, Lincoln and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.
Fall Armyworm Caterpillars Causing Issues in South Dakota
This week we started to receive reports of pastures and alfalfa stands that have been heavily fed on by fall armyworm caterpillars. Typically, these pests are not an issue in South Dakota. However, populations have been very large in many states during 2021, and they have now moved into South Dakota.
Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?
With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.
West Nile Virus Update: Aug. 2, 2021
As of Aug. 2, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Brookings, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln and Brown counties in South Dakota.
First Fall Frost Dates
The first fall frost often marks the end of the growing season, and many garden plants may not survive the freezing temperatures. Learn about some available tools we can use to predict the first fall frost dates around the state.
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.
Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 9-11
When working with upper elementary youth in a garden consider their physical development and skill level as you develop learning activities. Nine to eleven year olds have better coordination and reaction time by this age, however sometimes dues to growth spurs there can be short-term issues with balance and coordination. Additionally, these children have more body strength and their hand dexterity has increased.
CSA Benefits: A Consumer Perspective
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs can offer a wide variety of benefits to consumers.
Garden Clubs & Associations
Novice gardeners and master gardeners share a love of and respect for nature, which is one of the many reasons why they naturally seek out like-minded individuals to organize clubs or associations.