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June 3-4, 2024 | Hermosa, SD
Cheyenne River Buffalo 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.
Register Here
Photo courtesy of Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch
About the Event
The 2024 Bird Tour to be held at Cheyenne River Ranch, home of South Dakota conservationist Dan O’Brien. Dan is the celebrated author of ‘Buffalo for the Broken Heart’ and other books about life on the Northern Plains. He is also the founder of Wild Idea Buffalo Company and an advocate for ranching in concert with nature.
Join Us
June 3-4, 2024 | Hermosa, SD
Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch
Wild Idea Buffalo Co.
25152 River Road, Hermosa SD 57744
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.
Join us for the annual bird watching tour: Birds. At Home, on the Range. You will be glad you did!
- Watch, photograph and record bird species, livestock and wildlife
- Hear presentations from land owners and conservation experts
- Learn the connections between birds and livestock
- Enjoy two days on the beautiful South Dakota prairie
Click HERE for driving directions.
Bird Tour Agenda
Monday, June 3rd
3:25 – 4 pm ~ Gather at Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch
4:00 – 4:15 ~ Welcome and Introduction to the SD Grassland Coalition
4:15 – 5:00 ~ History of Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch
5:00 – 5:45 ~ Bird Identification
5:45 – 6:45 ~ Supper and Refreshments
6:45 – 7:30 ~ Rainfall Simulator
7:30 ~ Birding
Tuesday, June 4th
5:30 am ~ Gather at Cheyenne River Buffalo 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!