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Leaves clogging stormwater drain.

Urban Stormwater Systems and Leaf Litter

Leaf litter can be a significant source of organic debris to urban stormwater systems during fall rain, which can mean nutrient spikes in the receiving bodies of water. Learn some expert tips for managing leaf litter this fall.

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the fiftieth percentile, for first fall occurrence of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

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.

Color-coded map of the United States showing October 2022 temperature outlook. Temperatures in South Dakota are leaning above average. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2022 Fall and Early Winter Climate Outlook

The warmth of September is likely to continue into October with odds leaning towards drier than average conditions according to the latest climate outlook released on September 15, 2022.

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference participants.

Registration Open for the 2022 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

September 21, 2022

Registration is open for the 2022 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center in Brookings, South Dakota.

Lake water with intense algae bloom throughout.

Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and Phosphorus in South Dakota Surface Waters

Too much phosphorus in water can lead to increased growth of aquatic plants, algae blooms and fish kills. Learn about some recent research investigating the impact of phosphorus runoff on South Dakota's water resources.

Lake water with abundant blue-green algae throughout.

What is the “a” in Chlorophyll-a?

Have you ever heard the term "chlorophyll a" used in reference to a lake's blue-green algae content? From type "a" to type "f," learn how different types of chlorophyll impact lakes and aquatic environments.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Western South Dakota Stream Guide now available for landowners, managers

January 24, 2023

A new manual, “Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams” – or the Stream Guide – is now available as a free digital download.

Color-coded temperature outlook map of the United States for February through April 2023. For an in-depth description of this graphic, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

La Niña’s Third Year Concludes With Cold Temperatures

A rare, third consecutive year with La Niña conditions is coming to an end, but not without bringing cold temperatures in early February. See what to expect for the rest of winter and early spring with an analysis of the NOAA's latest climate outlook.

a graphic image showing drought in South Dakota

Water Conservation and Efficiency During Times of Drought

As drought conditions continue to expand across the state this year, more thought is given towards South Dakota’s limited water resources. We live in a state where weather conditions and rain patterns seem to comfortably exist at the extremes; we either have way too much or nearly not enough. While this isn’t always the case, it is important to keep in mind that our water resources are finite and all of us should be thinking about doing what we can to protect them.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.