This year, several Marshall County 4-H members joined a statewide effort to improve South Dakota’s natural landscape through the 4-H Prairie Roots community service project. The annual project, selected by State 4-H Ambassadors during the SkillsX by 4-H event, focuses on replacing invasive grasses with native plants to support ecological diversity.
In Marshall County, 4-H participants—Luzetta Moeckly, Emily Effling, Oliver Moeckly, Kaylee Carlson, Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Riley Van Lith, Rhyker Bender, Sophie Patterson, Aleece Patterson, and Eliana Satterlee—planted 200 square feet of native grasses, flowers, and other plants at Fort Sisseton State Park. The planting is located along the mowed walking trails on the northwest side of the park, past the cemetery.
Oliver Moeckly represented Marshall County as a State 4-H Ambassador and helped coordinate the project statewide.
The Prairie Roots initiative aims to enhance habitat for local plant and animal life across South Dakota, making a lasting impact on the state’s environment.
