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, we are happy to announce that we have added 20 acres adjacent to the Dahm Springs Preserve in Pennington County, SD. This land includes at least two additional small caves! In the same week, we also purchased Gem Cave! This cave in Custer County, SD has strong barometric airflow 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
Through the Buy-a-Cave Fundraiser you can “purchase” a piece of the Dahm Springs Preserve or other properties managed by the BHCNC!
*Ownership is honorary only. No real property will be conveyed.
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 14 caves!
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 management of these environments must include scientific study. This research will increase our understanding of the natural processes at work in our caves now and in the past.
“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