Missouri Caves & Conservation
Did you know that the state of Missouri is home to over 7,600 caves? Called “The Cave State”, Missouri is a treasure trove of underground exploration.
The fascination with caves covers a spectrum of human interest. Some enjoy the occasional cave tour while others spend all of their free time researching and planning muddy crawls through undiscovered spaces. Whatever your fascination, Missouri has plenty of opportunities for you to learn more about caves and caving.
Created by time, pressure and water, each cave is unique. Some are small, offering nothing more than a crawl space under the surface; while others are spacious labyrinths that go on for miles. Beautiful formations are made from minerals like dolomite, onyx, calcite, and chert. These delicate creations can stand the test of time or be destroyed by compounds as simple as the oil in your fingertips.
That is why conservation is such a big part of the caving discussion in Missouri. Education is necessary to preserve the natural treasure of caves. Show caves like Smallin Civil War Cave, Talking Rocks, and Stark Caverns work with organizations like the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy to protect and preserve these natural resources.
Cave tours help to educate guests about formation protection, wildlife preservation and the balance of cave ecosystems. In addition, show caves can spark a passion in young explorers to pursue further education in history, geology, and conservation. Show caves often offer on-site classes and organized field trips that focus on education.
To learn more about caves, visit any of the resources listed below. To experience a cave, be sure to book your tickets online at www.StarkCaverns.com/tickets today.
Cave Education Resources:
http://www.mospeleo.org/
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