Content by David Kringen

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.

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.

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.

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).

The Pactola Lake reservoir near Rapid City, South Dakota.

Water Quality Standards in South Dakota

Fact sheet to raise awareness among citizens of South Dakota about the Water Quality Standards in the state.

Birds flying over a snow covered wetland

The Importance of Wetlands in Winter

Drive by a wetland in the dead of winter and it may look like a shut-down ecosystem, patiently waiting for spring to return. But that is simply not the case. While winter may present its own challenges, life goes on and wetlands play an important role.

Watershed Academy attendees discussing riparian area management in the countryside on a bridge over a waterway.

The Importance of Riparian Areas

Riparian areas occur along streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, and shorelines and can be considered the last line of defense before pollutants enter a body of water. Learn about the many benefits these areas offer and the programs available to support their conservation.

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).

Flooded farm yard. Photo by John Shea, FEMA.

Checking and Treating Domestic Water Supplies After a Flood

Depending on its location, domestic well water supplies can oftentimes be negatively impacted during a flood.

Two young males sorting and identifying aquatic invertebrates on a yellow tarp.

Aquatic Invertebrate Sampling: Teaching an old dog old tricks

Sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates is an important aspect of assessing surface water quality. Their presence, absence, and abundance give us an indication of the condition of the waterbody.