Minnesota - North Dakota - South Dakota

Science Drives Our Work

Working to identify and solve conservation challenges.

Science plays a leading role in The Nature Conservancy’s work. It helps inform effective strategies and measures our success. All of our scientific research helps guide us so that we can better protect our lands and waters.

In Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, the Conservancy’s science team is working to protect our grasslands, forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams for nature and people.

Our researchers are looking at everything from the effects of grazing and fire on prairies to how climate change will transform our northern forests. We’re also studying how conservation can help mitigate flooding and improve water quality.
 

GerlaAldousPigeonPointTNC Hydrologists Phil Gerla and Allison Aldous discuss rare spring features at Pigeon Point in the Sheyenne Delta. © Meredith Cornett/TNC
Securing Groundwater for People and Nature

Find out how The Nature Conservancy is using a new approach, "Environmental Flows and Levels," to ensure groundwater is clean and reliable for both people and nature.

Balsam Fir-Red OakA red oak tops a young balsam fir seedling in a northern Minnesota Forest © Meredith Cornett
Adaptation Forestry in Minnesota's Northwoods

Learn how our scientists are helping northern forests transition to an uncertain future.

Bison Ordway Prairie SDBison at Ordway Prairie in South Dakota © Mary Miller
GLOBE interns sweep the Dakotas

Learn why they surveyed nearly 3,000 acres of native prairie.

Grassland BirdsDickcissel © Chris Helzer
Grazing and Grassland Birds

How does grazing regime affect grassland bird populations in Sheyenne Grasslands of North Dakota?

Deer Exclosure Cropped 1Deer exclosure in northern Minnesota © Mark White
Oh Deer

Deer are having an impact on Minnesota's forests. Read about long-term impacts.

Science page - Jaunary 2012\Science team photos\z_TeamAugust2010 215x143.jpgThe Conservancy’s science team for Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota © TNC
Science Team

Science guides our work in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Meet our science team.

radiotelemetry 215x143P1040447.jpgResearch studying prairie chickens on Conservancy land in northwest Minnesota © Chris Anderson/TNC
Research Opportunities

Our preserves serve as outdoor laboratories. Get more information and apply for a permit.

Diverse mixture of native prairie seedDiverse mixture of native prairie seed © Justin Meissen
Science Update: Sustainable Harvest

It takes a lot of prairie seed to recreate a prairie. Scientists are studying how native prairies can help. Learn more in our latest Science Update.

Staff profiles

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Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

Close Encounters with Nature

Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories

Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos