By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension is promoting native plant education through a series of Native Plant Expos being held across South Dakota this spring. The free events are designed to help gardeners, landowners, and community members learn more about native plants and the benefits they provide to landscapes, wildlife, and local environments.
The expos will take place in Rapid City, Spearfish, Sioux Falls, and Pierre. Events are scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. MT on June 5 in Rapid City, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT on June 6 in Spearfish, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on June 13 in Sioux Falls, and from noon to 5 p.m. CDT on June 21 in Pierre. These free events provide opportunities for gardeners, landowners, and community members to learn about native plants, restoration practices, and sustainable landscaping. For additional details, interested individuals can visit the SDSU Extension Events page.
Lora Perkins, professor and SDSU Extension Native Plant Specialist, emphasized the value of native plants for South Dakota landscapes. “Native plants help people create landscapes that feel like home. They are the plants that want to grow in South Dakota,” Perkins said. “They are adapted to our soils, weather and seasons. This makes our native plants practical choices for yards, gardens and community spaces.”
The events feature presentations on several important topics, including native seed storage, seed source selection, the benefits of using plugs versus seeds, and plant species that support bird populations. Participants can also learn how native plants perform under South Dakota growing conditions and how they contribute to healthy ecosystems.
Native plants grown by SDSU students using locally collected seed are available for purchase. Educational materials and gardening resources are also provided to help attendees continue learning after the events.
Each location offers themed plant packs designed for regional conditions. These include collections focused on bird habitats, pollinator gardens, native grasses, rock gardens, harsh soil environments, fragrant sensory gardens, and native penstemons. Some locations also feature specialty plants such as native ball cactus and presentations on topics such as dark sky conservation.
The Native Plant Expos support SDSU Extension’s broader effort to increase awareness of native species and encourage their use in landscapes across the state.
“The Native Plant Initiative at SDSU and SDSU Extension are helping more people grow plants that are beautiful, resilient and distinctly South Dakotan,” Perkins said.
For more information, contact Lora Perkins, professor and SDSU Extension Native Plant Specialist, or visit the SDSU Extension Native Plant Resources page.
Photo Credit: pexels-zartijenni
Categories: South Dakota, General