PIERRE, S.D. – At one point in its history, almost all of South Dakota was covered with grassland. Over time, it was cut in half by agriculture, urbanization and other development. Now, the race is on to get landowners from communities all over the state to restore native plants.
National Native Plant Month is an observance at the core of South Dakota’s identity. People wanting to protect the state’s beloved grasslands encourage landowners in urban and rural areas to set aside growing space. South Dakota’s prairies often conjure up images of species like tallgrass, which have deep roots that are good at absorbing water. But some varieties haven’t fared as well because of different types of land use. The World Wildlife Fund says only 53 percent of the Great Plains region’s grassland remains intact. Drew Anderson runs a farm near Lemmon, S.D., where he conserves native plants. He says every little bit helps, and they don’t have to just grow in rural settings.
That desire is reflected in a recent ad campaign from the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition and statewide polling. In a survey commissioned by the group, there was broad bipartisan support among voters to prioritize effective grassland management. Anderson says patience is a challenge they’re up against, noting that it can take a year or two to see real evidence of native plant growth.
Anderson says it isn’t just livestock grazing that stands to benefit from an abundance of grasslands.
If you want to grow some native plants on your property but aren’t sure how to get started, Anderson recommends visiting your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office. The Grasslands Coalition also has guidance and other key information on its website.
