Where We Work

The PPJV covers one-third of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), including portions of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Just 20% of the grassland in the PPR is protected, which equates to only 6% of the historic extent of grassland area.
Welcome to the Duck Factory

Conservation through Partnerships
Photo: Mitch Kezar for the SD Grassland Coalition and USDA-NRCS


Grassland Bird Habitat Conservation
The PPJV hosts 45-90% of the continental breeding populations for several grassland bird species that are experiencing some of the steepest population declines. The loss of over 70 million acres of grasslands in the PPJV has made grassland birds one of the most imperiled guilds in North America.
Our Amazing Grasslands
In this episode of *Our Amazing Grasslands*, Jeff Hemenway and Jeff Zimprich share their journeys “top to bottom” through decades of conservation work and personal stewardship in South Dakota. From careers with the USDA Soil Conservation Service and NRCS to retirement projects on their own farms, the two Jeffs describe how their passion for grasslands, soil health, and wildlife continues to shape their daily lives. This video celebrates the commitment to restore, protect, and pass along South Dakota’s grasslands—top to bottom, past to future.
South Dakota
Keep In Touch
Keep up with the latest news on bird and habitat conservation efforts across the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture!
Recent News

Four Square Mile Survey
The Four-Square Mile Breeding Waterfowl Survey (FSMS) is a targeted, long-term monitoring initiative established by scientists from the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center to

Restoring Minnesota’s Wetlands
Minnesota’s wetland restoration efforts are working to address the loss of critical habitat across the Prairie Pothole Region, with key projects at Butler Lake, Moore

2024 Montana Ducks Unlimited Landowner of the Year: Brian and April Fox
Brian and April Fox of Turner, MT were recently honored as the 2024 MT Ducks Unlimited (DU) Landowner of the Year. DU Biologist Adam McDaniel