When: August 8, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: 45696 SD HWY 22, Castlewood, SD
Directions to Blioux River Ranch from Kones Korner, Castlewood SD: At the intersection of US HWY 81 and SD HWY 22 East, go two miles East on HWY 22. Blioux River Ranch is on the North side of the road at 457th Avenue.
The 2024 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Tour, scheduled for August 8, 2024, at the Blioux River Ranch in Castlewood, South Dakota, offers a unique opportunity for non-operator landowners to witness the benefits of effective land stewardship. This event celebrates Barry and Eli Little and their family’s exceptional conservation efforts, which have earned them the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award.
Running from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the tour will showcase the innovative conservation practices at Blioux River Ranch, including sustainable grazing, soil health improvement, and wildlife habitat enhancement. These practices not only enhance the ecological health of the land but also increase its value and resilience.
Non-operator landowners will gain valuable insights into how these conservation strategies can be applied to their own properties, even if they are not directly involved in day-to-day farming operations. The Littles’ journey highlights the importance of voluntary conservation efforts and the significant role that landowners play in preserving natural resources.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or by calling/texting 605.280.0127 to ensure an accurate meal count.
For more details about the Littles' conservation journey, visit their story at https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award-program/blioux-river-ranch.
