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Why be an NSS Member?

NSS Member Benefits

If you're interested in caves, you belong in the National Speleological Society (NSS). Founded in 1941, we're a nationwide organization with a membership of more than 12,000 men and women from all walks of life and age groups. Our members are bound together by our love of caves and desire to protect the underground wilderness for future generations. We're people like you who have joined the NSS to:

We know that the future for caves and karst depends on the strength that comes from many individuals working together, and we want to be a part of it.

National Clout:
Through its members, the NSS has a broad range of expertise that we can focus to address cave conservation problems. Working together we can bring political pressure on legislators to enact cave conservation laws and ensure that the caves we use are protected for future generations. The NSS is recognized and respected by government agencies and landowners, and with your membership, you share in the clout and esteem that the Society has built up over the decades.

Local Grottos:
Around the country, NSS members have formed over 200 local chapters, called grottos, as well as a dozen regional organizations. These groups organize caving trips, offer training, arrange cave conservation and restoration projects, offer comraderie, and generally provide a framework for enjoying and studying caves. Grottos welcome new members who are interested in caves and committed to cave conservation.

Discounts:
NSS Members can get significant Pro Deal discounts on outdoor gear and equipment through an affiliation between the NSS and ExpertVoice.

Other member discounts here: https://members.caves.org/page/member_benefits

Sections:
In addition to grottos, the Society has many specific interest groups, called sections, covering such topics as photography, conservation, vertical caving, geology, cave diving, and cartography. Several of these sections publish periodic newsletters and sponsor sessions at the Society's annual convention.

NSS Bookstore:
NSS members receive a discount at our bookstore on books published by the NSS. Additionally, only NSS members may purchase the NSS Convention guidebooks with information about the caves and geology of an area.

Libraries:
The NSS houses the nation's largest speleological library and audio-visual library, which are available for members' use. The library is completely supported bymembership dues and donations.

Additional Benefits:
Your NSS membership also supports cave conservation and safety education; education programs for schools and youth groups; development of safe caving techniques; grants for research, exploration, and study of caves; caving-related art, including photography, videography, music, and fine arts; and the nation's largest and most active caving forum, CaveChat. And now you can camp for free at the new HSS Headquarters in Huntsville, AL, in the heart of TAG cave country.

Click here for information about joining the NSS and a membership application.

Click here for an NSS Informational Brochure.

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Membership Information

Conservation Membership