What is the BCCS?
The Butler Cave Conservation Society was formed in 1968 and incorporated in 1970 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Business correspondence can be addressed to the BCCS at 4025 Mt. Zion Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
The BCCS is designated as a Conservancy of the National Speleological Society.
Butler Cave was discovered in 1958 when a small crack under a ledge of limestone was dug open. Spectacular discoveries followed as miles of natural underground tunnels and chambers were found. In 1968, ten years after the discovery of the cave, the Butler Cave Conservation Society, Inc. was formed. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation, conservation and study of caves.
Soon after its inception, the BCCS purchased a 65 acre tract of land that included the entrance to Butler Cave. In 1989 another 84 acre tract of land was purchased surrounding the entrance of nearby Bobcat Cave, now part of the Chestnut Ridge Cave System. Nestled in a remote section of Virginia's highlands, these spectacular caves are permanently conserved for scientific, educational, and recreational uses.
Butler Cave had been designated by the National Park Service as a National Natural Landmark.
To ensure the continued pristine nature of these caves, the entrances were gated and management plans were put into effect. Each year hundreds of hours are spent underground by volunteers who study, survey, and explore these underground laboratories.
Activities
The members and friends of the BCCS are active in cave exploration and scientific study of the karst environment.
These efforts have been rewarded. Cave surveyors have mapped more than 16 miles of passages in the Butler Cave-Sinking Creek System, making it the forth longest cave in Virginia. The Chestnut Ridge System, currently 20.4 miles long, is Virginia's third longest cave and at -800 feet, the state's second deepest. A number of scientific papers based on research in the Burnsville Cove have been published, including dedicated journal issues and a book.
Some of our accomplishments and ongoing projects include
- The meteorology of Butler Cave is being studied and interim findings have been published.
- The mineralogy of both Butler and Bobcat is unusual and is subject to on-going study.
- Geologists are studying the caves to determine their origin, historical development, and relationship to present day hydrology.
- Microbiologists have discovered iron fixing bacteria which may explain the coloring of some of the formations.
- Hydrogeologists have traced numerous underground streams which funnel water from the surface. These streams travel many miles underground and reappear on the surface as springs. In addition, they have studied the chemistry of the streams and their role in transmission of bacteria.
- Paleontologists are examining skeletal remains and animal tracks to identify and explain why and when animals used the caves.
- Cartographers are using the latest techniques (and inventing new ones) to create maps of the caves.
- Photographers are recording the sights on film and video to maintain a visual record.
- Explorers are pushing the extent of the caves by digging into clogged passageways, by diving water filled passages, and by scaling high walls underground.
How Can You Help?
As a volunteer organization, the BCCS is dependent upon the time, dedication, and labor of our members, friends, and volunteers to achieve our exploration and research goals. If you are interested, we always welcome experienced, dedicated cavers willing to assist with our ongoing projects—and hopefully develop and lead projects of their own. Join us for an upcoming expedition and come enjoy the beauty and mysteries of the Burnsville area.
In addition to projects for volunteers, the BCCS offers a limited number of orientation trips into Butler Cave. Visitors incur no obligation, but it is hoped that they will volunteer for additional project-oriented trips.
Financially, we are dependent on dues from members—and contributions from you—to continue the conservation and preservation of these caves. The unique character of the work of the BCCS, as well as the mystery and beauty of Virginia's underground treasures will be enriched by your generosity.