The Buffalo Gap National Grassland (BGNG), administered by the USDA, Forest Service, encompasses nearly 600,000 acres located in scattered tracts within southwestern South Dakota. The National Grassland contains a surprising diversity of plants and animals. But, the predominant vegetative group is, of course, grasses.

An enthusiastic ground swell of interest in the grasslands exists today. Traditionally, nature lovers and outdoorspeople have turned to the mountains and the seashores for relaxation and enjoyment. Until recently, like our ancestors on the Oregon trail, most of us have hurried to get across the grasslands as quickly as possible.

The BGNG contains a deceptively large variety of plants. In spite of the overwhelming dominance of grasses, it is the wildflowers that catch the eye. A conservative estimate, the nearly 600,000 acres of the BGNG provide plenty of opportunity to view prairie wildflowers in their native setting. Late spring and late summer produce the most showy displays of wildflowers, but any time is a good time to visit.

Finding wildflowers is as easy as walking along a road or an abandoned railway. To experience a large expanse of native prairie, venture farther off the road and walk among the grasses. Wildflowers are intermingled with the grasses and rarely occur in solid stands. Their often-brilliant colors add woners to the prairie landscape. Wildflowers are fascinating for visitors to the BGNG. Learning to identify the plants is often as rewarding as experiencing their beauty and delicate nature. Photography is a wonderful tool for recording your adventure, as well as very helpful should you later want to identify the wildflowers you encountered. It is also a good way to take a piece of the prairie home. Native plantings have become popular in residential landscaping. Many nurseries and seed companies offer mixes as well as individual seed packets for particular plants. Seed collection on the BGNG is allowed for personal use, and the resulting plants can be a lasting reminder of your trip; a sort of living souvenir.

Entire plants can be collected for personal use. However, such collection is discouraged. Seeds are available for many of the most common plants,and are usually more successful than transplantings. Use caution when collecting plants and avoid those that are poisonous.