Shelta Cave Nature Preserve

Shelta Cave is located directly beneath the old NSS national headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. It was the second NSS-owned preserve, purchased in 1967. Approximately 2500 feet long, the cave has one of the most outstanding underground ecosystems in North America. It is the type locality for several species of cave life -- three beetles, two crayfish, a shrimp, and three other arthropods. Many other species are found in the cave. Shelta Cave continues to serve as the NSS' laboratory for cave biology.

Shelta Cave was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1971. The following arrticle appeared in the 2012 National Natural Landmarks Program Biennial Report 2011-2012:

"Student's Work Will Benefit Alabama NNL A project was initiated in 2012 at Shelta Cave NNL to conduct an intensive biotic inventory, something which had never been done in this cave, despite its status as a 'laboratory cave'. The survey is being conducted by a graduate student from the University of Alabama to determine whether cave ecosystems are recovering after four decades of the cave having been gated. This gate excluded bats from the cave, which are a major source of energy input into the ecosystem. The study of this unique cave will allow for multi-organization cooperation including The National Speleological Society, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Natural Landmarks Program."

A bat-friendly fence has been installed and completely encircles the two entrances to Shelta Cave. This fence replaced the old hard gates.

Although the entrance to Shelta Cave is fenced, access is open to NSS members. If you are interested in visiting the cave, please contact one of the Preserve Managers, Bill Torode or Kevin Reeves.