Welcome
The Ol' Nursery
Located south of Oakes, ND, The Ol' Nursery is a place close to home where you can reconnect with nature and learn about our amazing natural resources! There is a little something for everyone in this hidden gem, located in southeast North Dakota. The James River Soil Conservation District purchased the retired 180-acre tree nursery to assist in promoting their vision of working together to protect and regenerate the natural resources of Dickey County by demonstrating, educating, and leading communities and land owners.
About
The Ol' Nursery (former Oakes portion of Lincoln-Oakes Nursery) was purchased by the James River Soil Conservation District in the Fall of 2022. Since then, we have been busy transforming this acreage into a dynamic and fluid education farm for people of all ages. Many in the surrounding areas have connections to this property - whether working there themselves in the past or having a family member who did. We invite you to explore the grounds and see the changes we have made!
Patch of Prairie (POP) Trail
This trail was established through a grant from the Natural Resources Trust. Fourteen acres were seeded to native prairie. Follow and scan the QR codes around the trail to learn more about the benefits of a prairie ecosystem.
Seed a Legacy
Through the Bee and Butterfly Fund's Seed a Legacy program, 25 acres were seeded with heavily flowering forbs specifically for bee and butterfly habitat.
DU/JRSCD Prairie Restoration & Livestock Demo
Ducks Unlimited received a small grant through the ND Natural Resources Trust. This area will provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience about regenerative agriculture and producers will learn firsthand how these practices could affect and be implemented in their own operation.
Located just to the northwest of the start of the POP trail, these monoculture grass plots highlight varieties of grass species specifically developed to best address natural resource concerns in North Dakota. These plots were established with assistance from the NRCS Plant Materials Center in Bismarck and the ND Natural Resources Trust.
The Monarch Cafe
This project was installed through assistance from the ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts' small grant program. The fenced area contains nearly 200 plants that are either host plants for monarch caterpillars or highly valued for their nectar by the adult butterflies. There is also signage explaining the migration and life cycle of this amazing butterfly! It is located to the north of the main parking area on the east side and can be seen from the highway.
We have a variety of trails that are regularly maintained throughout the property. These are open for walking, horseback riding, and non-motorized vehicles.
Butterfly Murals
Coming Soon!