South Dakota State University
IN-47: Innovation A

Historically, native grasses and forbs (wildflowers) were abundant across the Northern Great Plains. Native plants are the foundation that supports insects, pollinators (including bees), birds and wildlife. Loss of grasslands and invasive plants began to emerge as problems in the 1800s. Initially, managing vegetation was simply removing occasional invasive plants from a background of native plants. However, now our grasslands are so heavily impacted that management can be envisioned as restoring native plants in a background of invasive species. Further, so few grasslands remain that we need to maximize the biodiversity of native plants in every area possible. These areas include private and public lands such as grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, farms, ranches, parks, yards and urban areas.

This new reality requires a more thorough understanding of native plant restoration and production than currently exists for native plants in the Northern Great Plains.

The Native Plant Initiative started in 2020 and is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resource Management (NRM), the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences (AHPS) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). This Initiative is led by Dr. Lora Perkins in the Department of Natural Resource Management.

Currently, there is little development of the native plant materials system in the whole northern Great Plains region. Native Plant Initiative is also the only one working on production of natives (in the greenhouse and in the field) and coupling that with restoration.

Mission
To support the use of native plants in private and public lands in the Northern Great Plains through research, education and outreach

Vision
Abundant and diverse native plants providing ecosystem services and natural heritage throughout the Northern Great Plains
Engaged stakeholders, excited collaborators and an educated public involved in expanding native plant use region-wide
Vibrant and profitable native plant material production, distribution and trade supporting the expanded use of native plants region-wide

The Native Plant Initiative focuses on three areas: plant material development, wildland management and restoration, and using native plants in professional and private landscaping.

The initiative hosts an annual native plant sale and photo contests. It has published multiple outreach and research publications. In addition, the Initiative has partnered with campus and the City of Brookings to implement landscape designs that feature native plants.