The Springfield Plateau Grotto of the NSS (SPG) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up of southwest Missourians who share a common interest in the conservation, survey and management of caves. SPG is a member grotto of the National Speleological Society (NSS), grotto number 000455.
Ours is a project-oriented grotto that works in tandem with public agencies and private landowners to promote a better understanding of caves and foster awareness of the importance of conserving the cave environment. SPG works in cooperation with the Missouri Speleological Survey to document, map and study caves.
SPG members help conserve caves by educating landowners and the general public about cave resources, the importance of karst resources to the quality of life for people and ecosystems, and how those resources should be conserved and protected for future generations. Our members' cave conservation efforts extend to performing restoration work on vandalized caves and teaching members of the caving community how to restore damaged caves.
Members of SPG are involved in the mapping of caves, which enables us to better understand the caves, how they relate to the landscape and provides a framework for those who study the cave biology, hydrology and geology.
Because cave features are protected from the harsh natural environment outside the caves, features can provide “windows to the past,” shedding light on climatic and environmental conditions.
Members of SPG also assist landowners in managing their caves and advising them on the proper care of caves. Cave gates are sometimes used to assist landowners in barring trespassers and vandals.
Photos on this page by Bob Harvey, Diane Kelsay and Charity Hertzler. The use or reproduction of any photos or website content without written permission is prohibited.
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