Conservation

All Conservation Content

A group of people listening to a presentation
Oct 15

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

The Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

Producers surveying a rangeland site.

Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Well-managed grassland area adjacent to a wetland.

Private Property vs. Public Access: Managing Non-Meandering Waters in South Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region

Fact sheet on managing non-meandering waters in South Dakota's prairie pothole region.

Illustrated diagram of the freshwater mussel lifecycle. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

The Importance of Fish for Native Freshwater Mussel Reproduction

To reproduce, freshwater mussels rely on fish to carry their young into new areas and disperse them when they are old enough. By conserving suitable fish habitat, it also allows us to indirectly conserve mussels by providing necessary resources for mussels to reproduce.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond
Sep 09

Tri-State Drainage Research Forum

The Tri-State Drainage Research Forum will be held from September 9-10, 2025, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

Monarch butterfly visiting a blanket flower near a backyard garden.

Backyard Natural Resources Webinar Series

Learn how to support healthy ecosystems in your backyard and beyond in this webinar series.

Grassed waterway leading to a large watershed in the distance.

Northern Plains Water Voice

SDSU Extension, in collaboration with its partners, will provide an educational video series on the issues and topics that impact water resources in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

two ducks swimming in a pond

SDSU Extension, SD Grassland Coalition sponsor Wallace Duck Day

June 27, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition are excited to announce a conservation-focused bus tour as part of this year’s Duck Day in Wallace.

A group of people listening to a presentation
Oct 16

Eastern South Dakota Water Conference 2024

The Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center (631 22nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006).

The Pactola Lake reservoir near Rapid City, South Dakota.

Understanding Suspended Solids in South Dakota's Waterways

Fact sheet on understanding suspended solids in South Dakota's waterways.