Prairie Day Celebrates North Dakota’s Native Grasslands

Governor Armstrong has officially proclaimed the first Saturday in June as North Dakota Prairie Day. To celebrate the occasion, 17 partner organizations are teaming up to host a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, June 6, from 9am – 2pm at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. This event will highlight the importance of North Dakota’s native prairie habitat, while showcasing the vital stewardship of the ranchers who keep them thriving.

With the theme “Timeless Prairies, Thriving Ranches,” Prairie Day will feature hands-on activities and educational opportunities for all ages, including:

• Bird walks, nature walks, and wildlife and ecology talks
• Kids’ activities such as Outdoor Bingo, Bird Olympics and a Prairie Passport
• Free Park admission and a “Prairie to Plate” grassfed burger lunch with registration: www.ndglc.com/events
• A rainfall simulation demonstration
• Pollinator education stations and a grouse-viewing blind
• Hands-on displays of prairie-friendly ranching technology
• Prizes and free gift bags with seed packets, stickers, educational posters and more

The event schedule includes:

6-8:30 a.m. — “Early Bird” prairie walk (location to be announced and emailed to registrants – requires registration)

9 a.m. — Booths open

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Welcome from Park staff and prairie walks every half hour

12 p.m. — “Prairie to Plate” lunch with speakers discussing birds, wildlife, and how ranching stewardship supports essential prairie habitat.

Prairie Day brings together families, community members, outdoor enthusiasts, landowners and partner groups to celebrate North Dakota’s prairie heritage. Participants will learn how native grasslands support wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health, sustainable ranching, regenerative agriculture and thriving communities.