Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

Sign-ups will officially open on June 28th at 9 PDT/ 11 CDT/ 12 EDT. Activities without signup limits are available now. Need help? The Summit Handbook and our pick a hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation.

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8:15am MDT

Architects of the Grassland: Explore the Prairie with American Prairie Naturalists

Limited spots

Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Step off the beaten path and into the complex, interconnected world of the American prairie. While the grasslands may look like an open expanse at first glance, they are actually a bustling, intricately woven ecosystem shaped by remarkable inhabitants. Join naturalists from American Prairie for an immersive walk in the prairie. On this casual walk, we will journey near a thriving prairie dog town and explore how three keystone species—bison, beavers, and prairie dogs—act as nature’s ultimate architects. You will discuss phenology and other seasonal observations, and the important role of disturbance ecology in shaping the plains. The walk will also discuss historic species loss on the plains, as well as and the work and research underway to help recover the populations and restore ecological processes of the prairie.
American Prairie is a nonprofit with a mission is to create one of the largest nature reserves in the United States, a refuge for people and wildlife preserved forever as part of America’s heritage. They work with organizations such as the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Geographic.

Faculty

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT

Ramble

8:30am MDT

History of Custer State Park

Limited spots

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Join Custer State Park naturalist Aaron Douglass for an interpretive walk across the historic grounds of the State Lodge. Aaron will explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), presidential visitors and other notable guests who have passed through the Lodge, and the broader development of Custer State Park itself. Expect a mix of historical context, interpretive anecdotes, and opportunities to ask questions.

Faculty

Custer State Park Naturalist

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Heddy Draw Ramble

Limited spots

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Heddy Draw is a 15-minute drive from the State Game Lodge. The trail begins with a flat paved section that borders a section of the 2017 Legion Lake Fire, third-largest fire in South Dakota history. This trail is still heavily wooded and provides an opportunity to talk about fire ecology. A beautiful wooden shelter & platform give us a chance to take in the incredible view. We’ll continue on the level gravel path on this ridge, before turning around to complete the ramble. Total distance is approximately three quarters of a mile.

Faculty

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty

Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

8:15am MDT

American Prairie

8:30am MDT

Custer State Park Naturalist

1:00pm MDT

Betty Trummel

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