National Speleological Society

10/26/2026

The NSS is seeking nominations for the 2027 Director Elections.

Please consider serving the Society by running for a seat on the Board of Governors or by nominating qualified cavers in your grottos, regions, surveys, or sections to do so.

NSS members possessing professional experience in business management, budget development and analysis, fundraising, and/or strategic planning are particularly sought.

Prospective nominees should have good interpersonal skills and experience in grotto and/or regional-level operations. Those elected should be prepared to take on greater responsibilities.

In 2027, the NSS Director Election will fill three Board seats, each for a three-year term. Those elected will take office on Monday of the 2027 NSS Convention in Del Rio, Texas.

In addition to a photograph, candidates are required to submit a platform statement as well as a professional and caving resume. Detailed requirements for these submissions will be sent at the time a candidate's interest and eligibility are verified.

Receipt deadline for candidate submissions is tentatively December 1st, 2026.

Interested? Let us know! We're happy to answer questions about the commitment and the nomination process, or connect you with current Board members to hear their experience.

Contact: [email protected]

See you underground!

10/22/2026

We're hiring an Executive Director to lead the National Speleological Society!

Know an accomplished leader in nonprofit governance, conservation, outdoor recreation, or the Earth Sciences? Please share this announcement.

Want to know more? See the job call at caves. org or reach out to [email protected]

10/21/2026

Celebrate Bat Week and help protect bats with the Bat Bundle!

The NSS Bat Bundle includes a bat bandana, luggage tag, lanyard bat koozie, sunglasses case, and bat sticker for $30.

A portion of all purchases supports the Save the Cave Fund.

Shop the bundle: https://members.caves.org/store/

10/20/2026

Explore the connection between cavers, caves, and bats 🦇

In recognition of Bat Week, the UIS Biology Commission and Bat Conservation International are hosting a webcast on October 25 to bring people together for a shared celebration and strategic dialogue that explores the intersection of caving, science, and conservation.

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026
🕒 12 p.m. EDT | 6 p.m. Central Europe | 7 p.m. Kenya

Register and tune in live here: https://www.facebook.com/share/19X4EsvMs8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/19/2026

This October, the NSS Store is offering a free bonus with two of our core training books.

For a limited time, purchase either “Caving Basics” or “Basic Vertical Techniques” and you’ll receive “Adventure of Caving” by David McClurg at no additional cost. This bonus book is a guide to exploring caves softly and safely.

To make a purchase, please head to caves. org

The offer ends October 31 or when supplies run out, whichever comes first.

10/18/2026

Bonding in Boise after a long day in the boardroom.

10/14/2026

Most North American bats eat insects, and a single bat can eat nearly its body weight in bugs in one night.

A 2011 study in Science estimated that this natural pest control is worth at least $3.7 billion a year to US agriculture (and possibly as much as $53 billion a year) by reducing crop damage and the amount of pesticide farmers need to buy.

And notably, this figure doesn’t include the role that bats play in plant and crop pollination. It also doesn’t factor in the insects eaten by bats in forest ecosystems, which benefits the lumber industry.

Unfortunately, bats face a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and disturbance of their roosts.

Bat Week runs October 24–31. It’s a great time to take action to protect them. Install a bat house, plant native vegetation, educate others about the harm caused by pesticides, or share bat facts to help others see these remarkable creatures in a new light.

Help bats get the attention they deserve. Spread the word using

10/07/2026

The search for the next Executive Director of the National Speleological Society is now open.

The best candidate may be someone in your network — so please share this announcement and the application link.

View the full posting and apply: https://morancompany.com/ed-national-speleological-society/

10/01/2026

This month, the NSS Bookstore is pairing two of our core training books with a free bonus.

Purchase Caving Basics, the NSS's comprehensive guide for beginners, or Basic Vertical Techniques, the Vertical Training Commission's Level 1 handbook, and we'll include a free copy of David McClurg's Adventure of Caving, a guide to exploring caves softly and safely.

This offer is good through October, while supplies last.

And as a reminder, every purchase made through the NSS Bookstore helps support the Society’s work to explore, study, and protect caves.

Caving Basics: https://members.caves.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=11311134

Basic Vertical Techniques: https://members.caves.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=23983479

09/30/2026

⚠️ Safety notice: OnRope1 harnesses manufactured by Elk River

OnRope1 has submitted a formal product-safety complaint to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding harnesses manufactured by Elk River Manufacturing.

Please share this information with your grotto and other cavers who may be using this equipment…

According to OnRope1, the company has repeatedly identified manufacturing and quality-control problems with some harnesses, including stitching and buckle/hardware issues. OnRope1 says it has stopped production and sale of its F-73 and F-74 harnesses manufactured by Elk River while the matter is being reviewed.

If you own an OnRope1 harness manufactured by Elk River (particularly an F-73 or F-74) check your harness carefully before using it. If you believe your harness may be unsafe, or aren’t sure how to properly verify its proper construction, do not use it until you have received guidance from an expert.

If you believe you have an affected harness, contact OnRope1 for instructions.

Learn more and find the company’s contact information here:

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