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Places We Protect

Makoce Washte

South Dakota

Pasque flowers at Makoce Washte Prairie, South Dakota.
Pasque flowers Pasque flowers at Makoce Washte Prairie, South Dakota. © Bob Bork

With a rich diversity of plant life, the Makoce Washte prairie is always in bloom.

Viewing

Overview

Description

It’s easy to understand why this prairie was named Makoce Washte, which means “beautiful earth.” From the violet blues of the pasque flower in April to the purple mid-summer tint of the leadplant to the petals of the tall white aster in October, it is always in bloom.

This small preserve stands in stark contrast to the farmland surrounding it. Its rich diversity of plant life is a genetic storehouse.

Why TNC Selected This Site

Makoce Washte provided an opportunity for TNC to preserve and protect a land that sustained many rare species, such as the regal fritillary and Ottoe skipper butterflies.

What TNC Has Done/Is Doing

For more than 20 years, TNC has encouraged a variety of research at this site, ranging from the feeding habits of small mammals to the life cycles of flowering plants. This work has furthered our understanding of many of the plants and animals that make up a prairie community.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Size

40 acres

Explore our work in South Dakota

Plants

The many blooms of the wildflowers found here span from white to pale blue to bright flaming red. In June, for example, there are about 30 plants in bloom. This profusion of color would include the delicate pink petals of the wild rose, the bluish pale spike lobelia and the vibrant purple of blazing star.

Animals

The preserve is home to bobolinks, meadowlarks and other common grassland nesting species. Its small size however limits its ability to provide the necessary habitat components most grassland bird species need to survive. Butterflies and small mammals are common, and the occasional badger still frequents the preserve.

Plan Your Visit

For more information on visiting this and other South Dakota preserves, check out our Preserve Visitation Guidelines.