Wind Cave National Park • Black Hills, SD

Nature Connection Workshops

Build real outdoor skills with experienced field instructors. Learn animal tracking, wildlife communication, and nature journaling across the prairies and pine forests of the Black Hills.

Red fox resting in snow at Wind Cave National Park, photographed by Tom Tonkin
Participants learning outdoor skills during a BHPFA nature workshop in the Black Hills
Location
Wind Cave NP
Hot Springs, SD
Duration
4 – 6 Hrs
Indoor + field
Adults
$40
Ages 18+
Children
$20
Ages 8 – 17
Family Rate
$100
2 adults + 1–2 kids

Upcoming Field Sessions

Deepen your relationship with the land through guided, expert-led workshops in Wind Cave National Park and across the Black Hills. Designed for all skill levels.

Nature journaling materials and sketches at a BHPFA workshop in Wind Cave backcountry
Coming Soon
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Sparking a Nature Journal Practice

Nature journaling uses words, sketches, and numbers to create a personal record of observations. No drawing or writing experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down and truly see.

  • Simple prompts and fun techniques to start your own practice
  • Tips and inspiration from experienced nature journalers
  • 3–5 mile hike-and-learn experience in Wind Cave backcountry
  • Time to reflect, observe, and record in the field

A practice that grows and evolves for a lifetime. Come ready to explore, wonder, and connect.

$40per adult
Get Notified

The Path to Discovery

Every workshop follows a proven three-step immersion process, blending indoor learning with hands-on field experience.

01

Build the Foundation

1–2 hours indoors at the Wind Cave Visitor Center. Learn core concepts, observation techniques, and the skills you'll practice in the field.

02

Get Into the Field

2–3 hours outdoors in the prairies and pine forests of Wind Cave National Park. Apply what you've learned with guided, hands-on exploration.

03

Take It Home

Leave with real tools, field notes, and the confidence to continue exploring on your own. Every hike becomes a learning experience.

Our instructors have years of professional outdoor experience — from corporate team facilitation to state wildlife inventories and partnerships with top outdoor organizations. They bring depth of knowledge and real-world field experience to every session.

Meet Your Instructors

Our workshops are led by certified outdoor educators with decades of combined field experience across the Black Hills and beyond.

Tom Tonkin, BHPFA Education Specialist
Tom Tonkin
Education Specialist

Tom brings over 25 years of outdoor education experience to every workshop. He grew up in the pine barrens of New Jersey, where he first fell in love with teaching and connecting people to nature. A gifted storyteller, his specialties include animal tracking and survival skills — like starting a fire without a match.

Certified: Wilderness First Aid • Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation)
"Coyotes are my favorite — they're survivors who expanded their territory while other predators were being decimated."
Andrea Fountain, BHPFA Program Manager
Andrea Fountain
Program Manager

Andrea is passionate about connecting people of all ages to the wonders of nature. Recently certified as a Nature Journal Educator with the Wild Wonder Foundation, she's currently pursuing her master's in elementary education — blending outdoor education with classroom pedagogy to create programs grounded in Next Generation Science Standards.

Certified: Wilderness First Responder • Nature Journal Educator (Wild Wonder Foundation)
"The black-capped chickadee — their winter adaptations are absolutely amazing."

Accessible Learning

Nature education should be available to everyone. Our tiered pricing supports individuals, budding naturalists, and families exploring the Black Hills together.

Adult (Ages 18+) $40
Child (Ages 8 – 17) $20
Family Rate (2 Adults + 1–2 Kids) $100
Member Perk

15% BHPFA Discount

Support the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association and save on every workshop.

Become a Member
Red fox in winter at Wind Cave National Park, photo by BHPFA Education Specialist Tom Tonkin
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"The family rate made it possible to bring both kids. They talked about tracking animals for weeks. An unforgettable day on the prairie."

— Workshop Participant

Field Prep Checklist

The Black Hills prairie is beautiful but unpredictable. Come prepared for a comfortable day outdoors at Wind Cave National Park.

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Sturdy Shoes

Closed-toe hiking boots or sturdy sneakers.

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Sun Protection

Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Prairie sun is strong.

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Layers

Breathable clothing. Black Hills mornings are cool.

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Water

At least 1–2 liters per person.

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Lunch & Snacks

Fuel for a 4–6 hour active session.

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Curiosity

Open mind and a desire to see the unseen.

Questions about accessibility or physical requirements? Contact us — we're happy to help.

Nature journaling and field supplies laid out for a BHPFA workshop

A Community of Explorers

Our workshops welcome everyone — from first-time visitors to the Black Hills to lifelong naturalists. No experience required.

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Explore More BHPFA Field School Programs

Nature Connection Workshops are part of BHPFA's broader Field School — outdoor education programs across the Black Hills, from free guided hikes to multi-day adventures.

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Homeschool Nature Adventures

Monthly hands-on programs for ages 5–12 at The Trailhouse in Custer and Circle Z Ranch. Guided hikes, storytelling, nature observation, and journaling aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Last Thursday of each month, Jan–May.

$10 per child • 9 AM – Noon volunteer_activism

Free Guided Programs

No-cost outdoor experiences including guided hikes, nature walks, and seasonal programs across Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and the Black Hills National Forest.

Free explore

SheJumps Partnerships

Women's outdoor education in partnership with SheJumps. Multi-session workshops including Map & Compass navigation at Wind Cave National Park.

$10 – $20

Book a Private Group Workshop

Our workshops build communication, collaboration, and trust. They're an excellent choice for corporate retreats, school groups, scouts, and team-building events across the Black Hills.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do workshops cost?
Adults (18+) are $40, children (ages 8–17) are $20, and the family rate (2 adults, 1–2 children) is $100. BHPFA members receive 15% off — use your member code at checkout.
Where do workshops meet in the Black Hills?
Most workshops meet at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The indoor portion takes place in the Visitor Center, then the group moves into the field. Some programs are held at The Trailhouse in Custer or in the Black Hills National Forest.
What ages can attend?
The minimum age for paid workshops is 8 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. For younger learners (ages 5–12), our Homeschool Nature Adventures run monthly at The Trailhouse in Custer — $10 per child, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
Do I need any prior outdoor experience?
No. Every workshop starts with indoor instruction that builds the foundation. Our instructors meet you where you are, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced naturalist, photographer, or hunter.
Can I book a private group or corporate workshop?
Yes. Our workshops are excellent for team-building, corporate retreats, school groups, and private events. Contact [email protected] to schedule a custom experience for your group.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
7+ days before the event: 100% refund. 3–6 days before: 50% refund. Within 48 hours: no refund (we can't fill the spot on short notice). Optional donations made during registration are non-refundable. If BHPFA must cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you receive a full refund.
What if the weather is bad?
Workshops run in most conditions — dress in layers and come prepared. If severe weather forces a cancellation, BHPFA will reschedule or offer a full refund.
Does BHPFA offer free outdoor programs too?
Yes. BHPFA runs free guided hikes and nature programs, SheJumps women's outdoor workshops, and Homeschool Nature Adventures starting at $10 per child. Visit our Field School page for the full range.
How do I get the 15% member discount?
Join BHPFA at our membership page. Your discount code works at checkout for all paid workshops and in the online park store.

Cancellation Policy

7+ Days Out
100%
Full refund
3 – 6 Days Out
50%
Partial refund
Within 48 Hrs
0%
No refund

Optional donations are non-refundable. If BHPFA must cancel, you receive a full refund.

Ready to Connect?

Join us for a day of discovery in the Black Hills. Spaces are limited to 10 participants per session to ensure a high-quality, personal experience.

Secure Your Spot

BHPFA programs follow our Code of Ethics. We acknowledge that our events take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association • 26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747 • 605-745-7020 • [email protected]