Identifying and Mapping
Dakota Skipper Habitat in North Dakota
Description:
This session provides an introduction to the biology and habitat needs of the Dakota skipper, a federally listed threatened butterfly species endemic to this region that requires high quality native prairie. The session will include identification of common plants required by the species and techniques for identifying and mapping habitat on the landscape. Training will be hands-on, field learning with time for questions.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will receive an introduction to the biology and life cycle of the Dakota skipper.
Participants will learn to identify the plant species required by the Dakota skipper to complete its life cycle.
Participants will learn how to visualize the typical assemblage of these plant species together and where to look for this habitat on North Dakota landscapes.
Participants will learn common features that distinguish “suitable” from “unsuitable” habitat and will look at scenarios where the distinction is ambiguous.
Target Audience:
Anyone that is curious about or frustrated by the Dakota skipper! Ranchers and private landowners. The general public. Consultants and field biologists. Industry operators, inspectors, construction foremen, and landmen. Those who want an opportunity for hands-on learning about the species and field application.
Registration and Costs:
FREE and Open to the Public
Please register for planning purposes.
If you have a question about registration, contact Sara (sarasimmers@meadowlarkenv.com).
Dates & Locations:
June 2, 2026: McKenzie County (Venue: Little Missouri National Grasslands, 11 miles south of Watford City)
June 3, 2026: Dunn County (Venue: North Dakota State Trust Lands, 13 miles north of Killdeer)
June 4, 2026: Oliver County (TNC Cross Ranch)
Additional locations are being considered and will be added for later dates this season, including one hosted by the Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold and one in McHenry County.
Locations are being finalized. The website will be updated and registrants will be notified.
Notes: Sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. and end by noon. Bring a sack lunch and stay longer if you would like! The instructor will be available until 2:00 p.m. for additional questions, discussion, and field time
Session Instructor:
Sara is a field biologist and has worked as a consultant for most of her career. She was introduced to the Dakota skipper when it was federally listed, when completing projects in its habitat became a regulatory procedure. Sara has assisted in surveys for the species since 2017, and has been permitted to lead surveys since 2023. She currently co-owns a small business, Meadowlark Environmental, with a small, close-knit group of staff, working primarily in North Dakota and surrounding states. Sara grew up on a small family farm and ranch in the southwest part of the state.
Description:
This session provides an overview of North Dakota’s grassland plants along with practical tips and techniques for identifying key species and commonly encountered plants. The training includes hands‑on, field‑based learning in small groups to help participants build confidence and skill in plant identification.
Plant Identification 101
Learning Objectives:
Participants will receive an overall introduction to grasslands of North Dakota.
Participants will learn to identify the most common non-native grasses and forbs.
Participants will be introduced to more than 10 native grasses and several native wildflowers.
Participants will build confidence in applying plant identification skills in the field.
Target Audience:
Anyone new to prairie plant identification or those who need a refresher who want a hands-on, 1 ½ day basics course in identifying grasses and wildflowers.
Registration and Costs:
Early Bird Registration - $325.00
Register by June 1, 2026
Regular Registration - $350.00
Register by June 15, 2026
All registrations are final; no refunds will be issued unless the class is cancelled.
If you have missed the registration deadline, contact Cami (camidixon@meadowlarkenv.com) to see whether space is available for your session of interest.
Dates & Locations:
June 24-25, 2026: Dickinson (Exact Location TBD)
June 30 - July 1, 2026: Denhoff (Ducks Unlimited - Coteau Ranch)
July 8-9, 2026: Spiritwood (Audubon Great Plains - Brigham Sanctuary)
July 21-22, 2026: Center (Cross Ranch State Park & TNC Preserve)
Note: Sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. on the first day and end at 4:30 p.m. Sessions will start at 8:00 a.m. on the second day and end at 12:00 p.m.
Session Instructor:
Cami Dixon recently retired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after 27 years of federal service, most of it with the National Wildlife Refuge System. She has worked in grassland ecology since 1997 and is widely recognized across North Dakota for her knowledge of prairie conservation and plant communities. Over the course of her career, she has been part of more than 20 peer‑reviewed publications focused on grasslands and wetlands.
For other training needs (e.g., plant monitoring methods)or questions, contact camidixon@meadowlarkenv.com.