By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension is expanding its support for native plant education and conservation by welcoming Allison Dollen as its new Native Plant Field Specialist. In her new role, she works with producers, landowners, and the public to advance native plant education and help strengthen restoration efforts across South Dakota.
Dollen is based on the SDSU campus in Brookings and helps extend the university’s Native Plant Initiative. Her work focuses on increasing awareness of native plants that grow well in South Dakota and highlighting the environmental and agricultural benefits they provide. She also serves as a resource for individuals interested in restoration projects and native plant management.
Dollen shared her enthusiasm for the position and her commitment to helping people achieve their restoration goals. “I hope to establish myself as a resource on everything pertaining to native plants for the people of South Dakota,” she said. “I want to connect them with the wonderful organizations across the state already working to get more native plants on the landscape.”
Originally from northeastern Iowa, Dollen grew up on a family farm where she developed an interest in native plant restoration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in animal ecology from Iowa State University. She later completed a master’s degree in biological sciences with a specialization in natural resource management from South Dakota State University.
“I grew up helping with restoration projects on the farm and am so grateful I get to make a career out of doing the same for other landowners,” she said.
Her professional experience includes work with Iowa Learning Farms, Water Rocks!, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the SDSU Natural Resource Management Department.
SDSU Extension Interim Director and professor Sandy Smart said Dollen brings valuable experience to the position. “Allison is very familiar with growing native plants (grasses and forbs) for habitat and seed production,” Smart said. “She will help growers and industry professionals with the goal of increasing the seed supply and demand for native plant uses in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains region.”
For more information, contact Allison Dollen, SDSU Extension Native Plant Field Specialist.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education