The small, yellow Dakota Skipper butterfly lives in tall-grass prairie, and is found mostly in Illinois, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and southern Canada. The species is currently considered “threatened,” as its natural habitat continues to change. Ben South, supervisor at the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, is studying how the Grasslands can be returned to a state that allows these butterflies to thrive.
Listen to Ben describe his work with the Dakota Skippers in this bonus segment from The Great American Folk Show.
Hear more about the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in Episode 17 of The Great American Folk Show, airing Sunday, July 18, at 5pm. Find the episode online to listen anytime after the broadcast.