Sixty acres of the new NSS Headquarters Property within the Huntsville, Alabama city limits, from just behind the HQ building to the top of Drake Mountain, have been designated as a nature preserve. Within the preserve boundaries are two caves and one short pit which can be reached via a half mile hiking trail. Blue Balloon Cave is horizontal in nature and Tree Root Cave is vertical.

An initial management has been developed by the Preserve Manager, including plans for continued exploration of the property and karst features, further biological studies, and the placing of a kiosk at the trailhead with information about the caves and caving safety.

The W.J. Stephenson Nature Preserve is open to all NSS members during NSS Office business hours (Monday through Friday, 8-5 Central Time, excluding major holidays). Please contact the Preserve Managers before going to the preserve or for additional information.

The Management Committee is co-chaired by Kevin Reeves and Bill Torode.