Near Keystone in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
| | Mount Rushmore National Memorial | |
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 30, 2025
1. Traditional Ecological Knowledge Marker
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to insights and land management practices developed over generations in relation to one's surrounding environment.
These practices help to guide natural processes in a way that creates desirable conditions, such as maintaining habitats or creating new spaces for people, plants, and animals to thrive. TEK supports decision-making for food security, health and safety, education, and general well-being.
Embracing TEK in the Black Hills will ensure the long-term health of the forest through a balanced relationship between people and their environment.
The Black Hills are home to a diverse range of habitats supporting an array of flora and fauna. The area has been a significant cultural and spiritual location for many Native American Tribes since time immemorial.
Tek in Action
Bison and ungulate hoof shear to promote healthy soils
Ethnobotany: strategic seed spreading, harvesting and use of native plants
Prescribed Fire
Hunting to maintain sustainable populations
Fisheries and stream management
(Captions)
Habitat Maintenance
Prescribed Fire
Wildlife Management
Erected by National
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 43° 52.546′ N, 103° 27.223′ W. Marker is near Keystone, South Dakota, in Pennington County. It can be reached from South Dakota Route 244 west of U.S. 16A. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13000 SD 244, Keystone SD 57751, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Dakota’s West River, in the Badlands, and in Greater Rapid City. It is also in the American Black Hills, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "We Are Still Here" (here, next to this marker); Celestial and Earthly Locations (here, next to this marker);
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 30, 2025
2. Traditional Ecological Knowledge Marker in other markers near the entrance to Mount Rushmore Park
More about this marker. The marker is at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. It is located between the parking decks and the entrance to the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
