Student Organizations
- Community Service / Volunteering, Wellness, SGA Funded FY26, SGA Funded FY25
Mission
Mission
🌱 About the Coyote Sprout Society
The Coyote Sprout Society (C.S.S.) is a student-led organization at the University of South Dakota built around a shared love of plants, sustainability, and creativity. We’re a vibrant and welcoming community that brings together students of all skill levels, majors, and backgrounds to learn, grow, and connect — both with nature and with each other.
Whether you’ve never kept a plant alive or have a whole indoor jungle, you’ll find a home here. Our members range from complete beginners to seasoned hobbyists, united by curiosity and care. We believe that tending to plants and the environment teaches us patience, mindfulness, and community — qualities that help us grow as students and as people.
C.S.S. offers a space for students to unwind from busy academic life while participating in fun, hands-on, and meaningful activities throughout the year, such as:
🌿 Terrarium and fairy garden workshops that let creativity and sustainability flourish.
🎨 Pot painting, origami, and botanical art projects that mix artistry and relaxation.
🌱 Plant and cutting exchanges, where members share their collections and new plant parents can start their first.
💐 Campus beautification projects, including restoring and maintaining green spaces.
🧤 Volunteer and community service opportunities, such as gardening, restoration, and educational outreach.
🌾 Nature hikes and outdoor activities, exploring local ecosystems and native plants.
This year, C.S.S. is partnering with Amy Fill, Gallery Coordinator of the Fine Arts Building, to help breathe new life into the USD Sculpture Garden, transforming it into a living space that blends art, ecology, and education. We also collaborate with the USD Environmental Club and County Commissioner Geoffrey Gray-Lobe, who works with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie. Together, we participate in local prairie restoration projects, guided hikes, and environmental education initiatives.
We proudly describe ourselves as a low-commitment but high-participation club. We understand that students are busy and that academic success always comes first — so our meetings are designed to be flexible, relaxing, and fun. Despite the flexible structure, our members consistently show up to meetings, events, and volunteer opportunities because they care deeply about what we do and what we’re growing together.
Our club thrives on the dedication of our student leaders and members, who not only volunteer their time but also donate supplies, propagate plants, and share knowledge with others. We are currently working toward creating “living heirlooms” — long-term plant and garden projects that will be cared for and passed down to future generations of Coyotes, serving as symbols of growth, sustainability, and community.
Ultimately, the Coyote Sprout Society is about growth — of plants, of people, and of friendships. We want every member to leave our meetings feeling lighter, more inspired, and more connected. Whether you’re looking to learn about plant care, give back to the environment, or just meet other students who share your curiosity and love of life, C.S.S. is the perfect place to put down roots. 🌿
For the Fall 2025 semester, we typically meet at 5:00 p.m. on Mondays in Delzell 112, though meeting locations may vary depending on the event. Always be sure to check our event listings and updates on USD Involved for the most accurate meeting details.
Join us to grow, create, and make USD a little greener — one sprout at a time!
💚 Support & Donations
The Coyote Sprout Society is entirely student-run and operates on a very limited budget. We rely on the generosity of our community to continue offering creative workshops, campus gardening projects, and volunteer opportunities.
If you’d like to support our mission, we gratefully accept both monetary and material donations.
We are always in need of:
Soil, compost, and fertilizers
Pots, planters, and garden tools
Seeds, plant cuttings, and native plants
Gardening gloves, hoses, and small equipment
Grow lights, propagation trays, and other indoor growing supplies
Monetary donations help us cover supply costs, host educational events, and maintain the USD Sculpture Garden project, you can donate at our Go Fund Me, Coyote Sprout Society Fundraising Campaign or reach out to Ava Tegels our Treasurer, to arrange for cash donations or donations through venmo. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who support us in our mission.
If you’d like to donate or partner with us, please reach out through our USD Involved page or contact one of our club officers directly. Every contribution — big or small — helps us keep USD growing greener, one sprout at a time. 🌱
Membership Benefits