South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Allison Dollen as a new Native Plant Field Specialist.
In her role, Dollen will work with producers and the public to extend the Native Plant Initiative and provide education on native plants that thrive in South Dakota and the benefits they provide. She is based on the SDSU campus in Brookings.
Dollen said she is excited to help South Dakotans reach their native plant and restoration goals, and to work with others who are championing the area.
“I hope to establish myself as a resource on everything pertaining to native plants for the people of South Dakota,” she said. “I want to connect them with the wonderful organizations across the state already working to get more native plants on the landscape.”
A native of northeastern Iowa, Dollen grew up on a family farm with a mind for native plant restoration. She graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s in environmental science and a minor in animal ecology, and from SDSU with a master’s in biological sciences with a specialization in natural resource management.
“I grew up helping with restoration projects on the farm and am so grateful I get to make a career out of doing the same for other landowners,” she said.
Her prior work experiences include the Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks! Programs through Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a soil and water conservation district for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and at the SDSU Natural Resource Management Department.
Sandy Smart, professor and SDSU Extension Interim Director, said Dollen’s range of experience with native plants from both her personal and professional life make her well-suited to the role.
“Allison is very familiar with growing native plants (grasses and forbs) for habitat and seed production,” Smart said. “She will help growers and industry professionals with the goal of increasing the seed supply and demand for native plant uses in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains region.”
For more information, contact Allison Dollen, SDSU Extension Native Plant Field Specialist, at 605-688-6707 or Allison.Dollen@sdstate.edu.
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