What to Know:
From the forest floor up, plants keep the Black Hills alive. This program looks at how plants make their own food through photosynthesis and cellular respiration, why they matter to human survival and the local economy, and how they form the foundation of the whole ecosystem.
Stop by during either session, from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 4 p.m. Plant a seedling in an egg carton, learn how to care for it, and take it home with you.
Getting there: the Pactola Visitor Center sits above Pactola Reservoir on US Highway 385, about 15 miles west of Rapid City.
About the Pactola Visitor Center summer programs: The Black Hills National Forest hosts free, family-friendly programs at the Pactola Visitor Center through the summer and early fall. Each session pairs a short hands-on activity with a Forest Service presenter, and all ages are welcome. No registration is required. The visitor center sits above Pactola Reservoir on US Highway 385, about 15 miles west of Rapid City. Programs are free, and schedules can shift with weather, so check ahead before you drive out. The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association is glad to help share these Forest Service programs.
