Codington County Conservation District

09/22/2026

09/22/2026

~2026 Garden Hotline Recap~
Aberdeen Edition

This was Beth Frederickson's first year serving on the Garden Hotline. Over the growing season, Beth was able to share her passion of Horticulture with many new people.

Her very first call was a person asking for help on finding the South Dakota state flower, Eastern pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens). Our client wished to observe the plant growing in its native plant habitat. Beth made some suggestions and the client was successful, finding the pasqueflower growing in the 'wild.'

If you share this desire next spring (Easter - first of May), here are some tips:

✅The Black Hills are a good place to spot pasque flowers.
✅They often grow on hilltops where they don't have much competition of grasses, on the edge of ravines, or in rocky places.
✅If you are East River, look for them in Newton Hills State Park, on the Sioux Prairie near Colman, and at the Oak Lake Field Station in northeast Brookings County.
✅They can be found near Pierre - look on hillsides.

You can also purchase plugs of pasque flowers from the SDSU Native Plant Initiative and plant your own.

09/17/2026

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fextension.sdstate.edu%2Ftree-pest-alert&data=05%7C02%7Cdeanna.kunkel%40sd.nacdnet.net%7C5581d16e0c584dc942f508df1372c374%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639251055782382501%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZrpiGymaJFf8%2BUCs70qsu8Hknfwl%2FDITGzVMzSVI4mQ%3D&reserved=0

Samples received/Site visits

Codington County, Dogwood sawfly
The first sign of the dogwood sawfly (Macremphytus) is
notching on the lower foliage of a redosier dogwood
(Cornus sericea). Most of the larvae are on the
underside of the leaves. If a cane with notched leave is
raised, the creamy white larvae with mottled black
markings may be seen.
Larvae can be found up to about 3,000 GDD so they are
just about done feeding. The larvae will soon be
dropping to the ground to find a place to pupate for the
winter. Unfortunately, they like to create a pupa
chamber in logs or landscape timbers so they may bore
a little into the wood.

Since the larvae are almost finished feeding there is not
much value in spraying. However, next year if the larvae
are noticed on the same plants (and they do not always
appear on the same plant from year to year) in August,
spraying with an insecticide containing carbaryl or
malathion as the active ingredient and labelled for this
use will eliminate most of the insects before they do
much damage.

From seasonal issues and timely recommendations to disease diagnosis and expert advice, the Tree Pest Alert is a trusted resource for selecting, planting and caring for trees and shrubs all year round.

09/11/2026

Never forget

08/26/2026

🌾 Explore South Dakota’s native prairie!

Join South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and The Nature Conservancy in South Dakota for a FREE Native Prairie Tour & Management event at Schurman Game Production Area near Waverly on Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m.–noon.

See native prairie management in action, learn about prescribed fire, prairie restoration, native plants, seed harvesting, w**d management and more. All ages are welcome!

Check out the flyer for details and directions.

08/22/2026

The Conservation District is looking for a Grain Drill Operator. This is a seasonal, part-time position. Previous experience is required. Please message to have an application sent out. Pay is $20 per hour. Perfect for a retired farmer as the schedule is varied mostly between spring and fall. Hours are flexible.

08/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

South Dakota State Fair Offers Mobility Options for Fairgoers

The South Dakota State Fair is committed to making the fairgrounds accessible so all guests can enjoy their visit. Several mobility and transportation services are available throughout the fair to support visitors with mobility needs.

More information in the release below.

08/20/2026

🇺🇸 VETERANS HUNT

Hosted by Prairie Hills SD Chapter #970 and Coteau Prairie Chapter #830, the Veterans Hunt allows current and former military members to get outdoors, enjoy a day in the field, and connect with fellow Veterans!

📅 Event Schedule
• 7:30 AM: Registration at American Legion Codington County Post 17
• Participants will then travel to the hunting location, where trap shooting will be available before the hunt
• After the hunt, everyone will return to the American Legion for bird cleaning, fellowship, and a meal
• Event concludes by 1:30 PM

https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events/2nd-annual-veterans-hunt/e604a60a-2185-46b0-985a-1ee9cfeeabef

⚠️ Hunters must have a gun and safety orange. If you need help obtaining any of these items, please contact the Prairie Hills PF Chapter.

🇺🇸 Come enjoy a day in the field with fellow Veterans!

08/20/2026

Get ready to win

Pheasants Forever 2027 Calendar Raffle is Here!

For just $60, you'll be entered into 52 weekly drawings throughout 2027 for your chance to win an incredible lineup of prizes!

🎉 Some Prizes include:
~ Rock River .223/5.56 AR-style r***e
~ R***r American Gen 2 6.5 PRC
~ Wi******er SXP Upland Field (12 or 20 ga.)
~ Stoeger M3000 Semi-Auto
~ Vortex Diamondback binoculars (2 prizes!)

💥 Plus, every Thursday throughout the year, $60 cash will be given away!
With 52 gun prizes, 52 cash prizes, and 2 Vortex Diamondback binocular packages, there are 106 chances to win with a single calendar!

📅 Drawings are held every Thursday beginning in January 2027.

📩 To purchase your calendar or for more information, contact:
Tylor at +1 (605) 520-1866 or send us an email at [email protected]

❗️Don't wait❗️ Calendars are limited, and once they're gone, they're gone! Good luck!