South Dakota’s grasslands face a growing threat from the “Green Glacier” — the rapid spread of eastern redcedar trees.
Dirac Twidwell, professor of agronomy and horticulture, was interviewed for a Sept. 17 Greater Dakota News Service story on eastern redcedar trees taking over grasslands in the central United States. Twidwell said the trees’ seeds can find their way across vast stretches, overwhelming the landscape as they grow.
He says the invasion is like deforestation in reverse — trees displacing our grasslands. He stresses that prevention, not just chasing the spread, is key, with tools like prescribed fire.
These trees reduce wildlife habitat, hurt the cattle industry, and increase wildfire risks. Landowners and researchers are working together to protect prairies before it’s too late.
