Protecting caves and other natural areas in the Black Hills
Exciting News!
In Spring 2025, the Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy acquired additional lands to further its mission! After months of planning and negotiation we are happy to announce that we have added 20 acres adjacent to the Dahm Springs Preserve in Pennington County, SD (see adjacent map). This land includes at least two additional small caves. In the same week, we also purchased Gem Cave! This Custer County, SD cave has strong barometric airflow, is surrounded by 2 acres of prairie land, and includes a bunkhouse to be used for exploration and research.
The Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy (BHCNC) is a 501 (c)(3) organized under the South Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Act. We advance the protection, study, and enjoyment of caves and other natural resources.
Buy a Cave Today!
Buy a Cave Today!
The Buy-a-Cave Fundraiser allows you to “purchase” a piece of the Dahm Springs Preserve or other properties managed by the BHCNC!
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT!!
ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 15 TO ARRIVE BY CHRISTMAS.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND MAKE YOUR PURCHASE TODAY!
*Ownership is honorary only. No real property will be conveyed.
Conservation and Education
Our goal is to protect caves in the Black Hills region. We focus on land ownership and public education to reach this goal.
The Science
We believe the management of these environments and their specialized ecosystems must include scientific study. This work will increase our understanding of the natural processes at work in our caves now and in the past.
Preserves and Projects
The Black Hills Cave and Nature Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and study of caves. To carry out our mission, we’ve acquired properties in the Black Hills. We now own and manage more than 10 caves!
“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
— Theodore Roosevelt