Conservation

All Conservation Content

Herd of bison behind a fencline in a pasture.

Getting Started With Bison Ranching

While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

Aerial view of South Dakota wetlands.

Prairie Pothole Wetlands: Small Basins, Big Impact

The benefits of prairie wetlands extend far beyond wildlife. These wetlands filter pollutants and excess nutrients from agricultural and urban runoff, trap sediment, recharge groundwater, and store floodwater.

A photo of two beef cattle with their heads in a typical feeder that contains golden-brown hay.

Feed Management for Efficient U.S. Livestock Systems: Introducing the National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee

The National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee brings together experts in animal science, nutrition, and natural resource management to increase awareness and use of livestock feeding management and to address conservation needs.

Group of college students sitting around a table having a discussion
Oct 14

South Dakota Student Water Conference

The South Dakota Student Water Conference will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the University Student Union (1421 Student Union Ln, Brookings, SD 57007).

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.

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.