South Dakota Grassland Coalition

Register Here

May 30-31, 2025 | Chamberlain, SD

Totton Ranch

Birds. At Home, on the Range

Free to current SDGC members and students; $35 per person for non-members (which includes a 1 year SDGC membership). Meals are included.

About the Event

The 2025 Bird Tour is to be held at the Totton Ranch in Chamberain, SD. 

Join Us

May 30-31, 2025 | Chamberlain, SD
Totton Ranch
Chamberlain, SD

Contact: Judge, 605-280-0127
judge.jessop@sdconservation.net

*FREE to current members ($35 for non-members)

You can get a downloadable brochure by clicking HERE.

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Join us for the annual bird watching tour: Birds. At Home, on the Range. You will be glad you did!

Click HERE for driving directions.

Bird Tour Agenda

Friday, May 30

3:25 – 4 pm  ~  Gather at Totton Ranch

4:00 – 4:15  ~  Welcome and Introduction to the SD Grassland Coalition

4:15 – 5:00  ~  History of Totton Angus Ranch

5:00 – 5:45  ~  Bird Identification 

5:45 – 6:45  ~  Supper and Refreshments

6:45 – 7:30  ~ Rainfall Simulator

7:30  ~  Birding

Saturday, May 31

5:30 am  ~  Gather at Totton Ranch

5:30 – 5:55  ~  Sunrise Coffee and Rolls

6:00 – 8:35  ~  Bird Watch/Record Species

8:35 – 10:45  ~ Groups rotate to different stations: (40 minutes per station)

10:45 – 11:05  ~  Break/Discuss Group Highlights 

11:05 – 11:35  ~  Habitat Presentation: Grassland Birds

11:35 – 12:35  ~  Lunch and Slideshow

12:40 – 1:30  ~ Grass Manager’s View 

12:40 – 1:30  ~  Kids’ Activities 

2:00  ~  Closing Comments

Driving Directions

Directions From Rapid City SD – Approximately 55 minutes:

 

1)    Head east out of Rapid City, toward the airport on hwy. 44. From the airport turnoff, continue on hwy. 44 for 13 miles.  

2)    Make a right onto 160th Ave. (Country Corner Store is on the left), and continue to the end of road 9.6 miles. 

3)    Make a left at the Y (end of the road) onto Lower Spring Creek Road and continue about 6 miles until you come to River Road on the right.

4)    Make a right onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs.  You have arrived!

 

Directions From Hermosa SD – Approximately 45 minutes:

 

1)    Head east through Hermosa on Hwy 40 and continue about 8 miles.

2)    Make a left onto Lower Spring Creak Cut Off. *This turn is easy to miss, so look for an Orange Iron Works sign on the right, a bit before the turn.

3)    After about 7.4 miles make a slight right onto Spring Creek Road. Continue on Spring Creek Road for about 11 miles to River Road. *If you are questioning the turns, just always stay to the right.

4)    Make a right onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs.  You have arrived!

 

Directions from Scenic SD – Approximately 45 minutes:

 

1)    From the edge of the town Scenic, on hwy. 44, continue west on hwy. 44 for 11 miles to Creston Road. *This is also marked by a Pete Lien & Sons Quarry sign on the left.

2)    Make a left onto Creston Road, and continue about 12.5 miles to River Road. *Note: Creston Road changes to Spring Creek Road at last major curve. 

3)    Make a left onto River Road and continue about 1.5 miles. Make a left turn at the blue house marker #25152. Proceed slowly down driveway, to navigate the bumps in the road, and also to be alert of young dogs, old dogs, smart dogs, and not-so-smart dogs.  You have arrived!