Our Affiliate Organizations
National Speleological Society (NSS)
Our parent organization. Contains links to grottos in your area, information on all things about caves and caving, and volunteer opportunities with the NSS.
Western Region
An association of NSS grottos in California, Nevada, and Southern Oregon which promotes cave conservation, the scientific study of caves, exploration, and speleoeducation. SFBC is part of the Western Region and by joining SFBC you automatically get Western Region membership as well.
Cave Rescue Organizations
National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC)
What do you do if you get injured or lost in a cave? Who do you call if you can’t get yourself out? Well, noone because you’re stuck in a cave. But your friends and family should have access to this information in case of an emergency. Every member of your group should also know who to contact if the unthinkable happens. The NCRC contains information critical for all cavers to know.
San Bernardino County Cave Rescue Team
Cave Conservation Organizations
Bat Conservational International
SFBC is a supporting member of Bat Conservation International dedicated to “promote more effective protection of bats and their habitats through collaboration of bat researchers, private organizations and foundations, corporations, and government agencies in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.” While there, be sure to visit their closed cave list and the archives of their newsletter, BATS Magazine, and check out the guide on how to build a bat house.
Central Coast Bat Survey
The Central Coast Bat Survey is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of bats. Their philosophy is one of education, rehabilitation of injured and orphaned bats, and cooperation with other conservation efforts.
Northern California Bats
NorCalBats is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats throughout Northern California.
Other Karst-Related Organizations
California and Federal Caving Laws, Plus Laws in Other States
If you’re a California caver, you must read this information! We also provide links to other sites on the Web where you can find legal information in your state.
National Cave and Karst Research Institute
The National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) is a non-profit government-supported institute headquartered in the City of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Its goals are to conduct, support, facilitate, and promote programs in cave and karst research, education, environmental management, and data acquisition and sharing.
Karst Informational Portal
The Karst Information Portal is an open-access digital library linking scientists, managers, and explorers to quality information resources in order to inform research, to enhance collaboration, and to address policy decisions concerning karst environments. It is provided by NCKRI and University of South Florida.
Karst Field Studies at Western Kentucky University
Run by a group of twenty professors, specializing in all topics cave related, this organization studies karst related issues, particularly involving caves. If your interested in the scientific side of caving, they also offer classes.
California State Parks Service
The home page for the California State Parks Service. Get the inside track on our state parks!
Federal Agencies