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South Dakota

A closeup of two pasqueflowers in bloom.

Make a Difference in South Dakota

The Nature Conservancy is bringing a spirit of innovation to preserving life on Earth. In South Dakota, we’re working with diverse partners to protect land and water, provide food and water sustainably and tackle climate change. We're also working and organizing with local communities to leverage nature as a tool to build a brighter future for all South Dakotans.

Stand Up for Nature

Explore Our Work

Aerial view of several beaver damn analogs installed along a stream to slow and hold water.

Ranchers Unite Behind Nature-Based Solutions for Unpredictable Rainfall

Discover how a South Dakota rancher has slowed down water on his land, hoping to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

Lake Alexander prescribed burn.

Restoring Fire to Native Grasslands

The Conservancy uses fire to restore native grasslands and provide many benefits to people and nature.

Cattle in a field.

Beef and Bison Can Help in Fight Against Climate Change

Native grasslands are not only incredibly diverse, but they are also enormously important in tackling climate change. Grazers like cows and bison play a role in keeping grasslands healthy.

By Nancy Labbe

Closeup of the head of a pronghorn with some vegetation hanging out of its mouth.
Afternoon Snack Just a pronghorn munching on some vegetation. © Joshua Baklund

Places We Protect

See the Places We Protect in Your Community

Since 1961, The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect lands and waters in South Dakota.

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Rocky terrain at TNC's Whitney Preserve.

Whitney Preserve

A convergence of sage lands, pine forest and grasslands makes this area important for conservation.

Closeup of a large bison standing in a grassy field.

Samuel H. Ordway, Jr. Memorial Preserve

The grasslands of the Great Plains once covered one-fifth of the North American continent.

Closeup of the wispy prairie smoke plant.

Altamont Prairie Preserve

Altamont Prairie was TNC's first foray into protecting and preserving South Dakota's lands.