About Dewey C. Gevik
The Wall Lake Restoration Project successfully removed 15 million cubic yards of sediment from the body of water just east of here. This area is designed to preserve the lake by providing a buffer from future siltation.
Dewey Gevik lived a life dedicated to the preservation of soil & water. His legacy continues in the dams, terraces, & countless trees that are a result of a lifelong career in conservation work. It is to Dewey's memory, the Minnehaha Conservation District dedicates the Dewey C. Gevik Outdoor Conservation Learning Area.
Profiles in
Soil Health
Video Locations
The SD Profiles In Soil Health videos were created to promote the use and adoption of soil health practices throughout the state of South Dakota. Their creation was organized by the SD Soil Health Coalition through a grant with USDA-NRCS SD and features farmers and ranchers sharing their firsthand experiences with adopting and utilizing these practices on their operations.
Videos filmed in 2017 
Videos filmed in 2018 
Videos filmed in 2019
Points of
Interest
Touch a pin to see points of interest.
FAQs about
Soil Health
The Soil Quilt
A Children's Book
Interactive Storybook
Enjoy an interactive, read-along version of The Soil Quilt. Tap the button below to open the book in a full-screen window.
SD Soil Health
Handbook
Reference Guide
This book is your guide to soil health principles, practices and options for your operation. If you want to learn more about soil and find advice on how to implement good soil health practices, the South Dakota Healthy Soils Handbook is just what you need. You can read and download the entire book here. For the best viewing experience, we recommend the following web browsers: Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. If you would like a hard copy of the book, please contact the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.
Additional
Information
Resources & Partners
SD Soil Health Coalition
Soil Health School
The Soil Health School is designed for agricultural producers as well as anyone with an interest in learning how to manage soils for resiliency and profit. The agenda features classroom style presentations by producers and technical experts from across the state and region, as well as hands-on experiences in the field. Area producers will share their challenges and successes with various methods for improving soil health, to an average class size of 30-40.
Soil Health Conference
Large scale event bringing the leading local, regional, and international soil health experts to South Dakota. The conference features several keynote speakers as well as a variety of breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Typically, 1.5-2 days in length with an average attendance between 300-400 individuals.
Board of Directors
The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is a producer led, non-profit, membership organization that was created in the spring of 2015. The Coalition is governed by a nine-member board of farmers and ranchers from across the state and includes several staff members. Staff and board members strive to carry out the Coalition’s mission to “Promote Improved Soil Health” through education and research.
Membership & Donations
Conserve • Preserve • Develop. Partnering with NRCS and SDSU Extension to distribute technical information.
Minnehaha Conservation District
About MCD: MCD has expanded services to the greater Sioux Falls area, including curating the Sioux Empire Water Festival, managing the Dewey C. Gevik Outdoor Learning Center, and more.
MCD is self-governed, with the authority to enter into working agreements with government agencies, and to address private concerns, for carrying out its purposes. MCD will consult with, and make recommendations to, all agencies or organizations helping to promote conservation activities in order to coordinate efforts into comprehensive conservation programs in Minnehaha County.
Tree Planting & Native Plants
Information on tree planting and native plants that are available from the conservation district changes annually.
Prairie Pollinator Garden Kit
A Prairie and Pollinator Garden uses native wildflowers and grasses to conserve South Dakota’s plant heritage, support pollinators, and protect water resources.
Products & Services
See other products and services available from the Minnehaha Conservation District.