File:2015 Bird Tour by the SD Grassland Coalition (17289303992).jpg

South Dakota Grassland Coalition’s 9th Annual Birds. At Home, on the Range. Bird Watching Tour Abbey Grasslands of the Prairie Coteau Marvin, SD 2015 Host: Tracy Rosenberg, Abbey Grasslands

AGENDA (Central Daylight Time) Friday, June 5: 3:25 – 4:00 pm Gather at Abbey of the Hills (see driving directions) 4:00 – 4:15 Welcome and Introductions to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition 4:15 – 5:00 Abbey Grasslands of the Prairie Coteau - Tracy Rosenberg, owner 5:00 – 5:45 Bird Identification - KC Jensen, SDSU Assoc. Professor, Ecology and Mgmt. of Birds 5:45 – 6:45 Supper and Refreshments at Abbey of the Hills Guest Dining Room and Monk’s Dining Room 6:45 – 7:30 Habitat Presentation: Grassland Birds - Kristel Bakker, Dakota State University 6:45 – 7:30 Kids’ Activities - catch and release fishing or swimming 7:30 Free Time Optional activities: 7:30 Abbey of the Hills Presentation - Paul Treinen, Abbey of the Hills 7:30 Social and Bonfire 9:00 – 10:00 Owl and Bat Walk 10:30 – 11:30 Telescope Star Gazing - Wade Kaiser, Abbey of the Hills Saturday, June 6: 5:30 am Gather at Abbey of the Hills 5:30 – 6:00 Sunrise Coffee and Rolls - lunch room 6:05 – 10:15 Bird Watch/Record Species with Group Groups rotate to different stations: 45 minutes per station 1. Creek/Stream Ecology 2. Nest Dragging - Kristel Bakker, Dakota State University 3. Plant Identification - Alexander "Sandy" Smart, SDSU Range Professor Stan Boltz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist 4. The How & Why of Bird Banding - KC Jensen, SDSU Laura Hubers, US FWS Waubay Refuge (2 stations) 10:15 – 10:45 Break/Discuss Group Highlights - Share memory cards/photos with Wade Kaiser for slideshow 10:45 – 11:30 Rainfall Simulator - Stan Boltz, State NRCS Range Specialist 10:45 - 11:30 Kids’ Activities - bird house assembly (take home) 11:30 - 12:30 Lunch - served by Coteau Hills Cattlemen’s Assoc., and Bird Tour Slideshow 12:30 – 1:15 Grass Manager’s View - Tracy Rosenberg, Abbey Grasslands 1:15 – 1:55 Fire Presentation and Walk - Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Tracy Rosenberg, Abbey Grasslands 2:00 Closing Comments

Driving Directions From Marvin, SD - travel southeast of town on Hwy 6 approximately 1 mile. Enter Abbey grounds at main sign.

Cost: $20 per person; students are free. Meals are included in the registration fee. Lodging is on your own. What to Bring Bring your digital camera, binoculars, along with clothing and footwear for all weather conditions.

Accommodations Abbey of the Hills. 605-398-9200 or Milbank Super 8 605-432-9288 *Mention "Bird Tour" for a special rate. Visit MilbankSD.com for more lodging options. Additional family recreation Swimming – adult/parental supervision required. Fishing - catch and release only. Bring your own equipment. Inquire at registration.

2015 REGISTRATION June 5 - 6, 2015

Mail your registration fee to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition by Saturday, May 30, 2015.For more information, contact Judge Jessop: 605-280-0127 judge.jessop@sdconservation.net