Learn to read animal tracks, notice wildlife behavior, and look more closely at the Black Hills. BHPFA nature programs range from illustrated talks in Custer to hands-on time outdoors at Wind Cave National Park.
Some programs are free; others have a fee. Each listing gives the date, meeting place, price, and participation details.
An introduction to nature observation with Education Specialist Tom Tonkin. Photos, video, and stories open a discussion about local plants and wildlife, animal tracks, and the calls and signs you might notice outside.
November 6, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Mountain Time.
BHPFA Nature Shop, 833 Mt Rushmore Road, Custer.
$10 per person. $30 for a family or group of up to four.
Members receive 15% off with their code at checkout.
View Field Notes detailsSpend time reading tracks, scat, rubs, and other wildlife signs at Wind Cave National Park. Tom Tonkin leads this hands-on look at what animals leave behind and what those signs can tell us.
November 14, 2026, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Mountain Time.
Meet at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 U.S. Highway 385.
For adults and children ages 8 and up.
$25 per person. $65 for up to four.
Members receive 15% off with their code at checkout.
Wear walking shoes and bring clothing layers for changing fall weather.
View Nature's Clues detailsTake a closer look at mammal behavior and communication through slides and video. The program explores animals of the Black Hills and other parts of North America, including what their calls and behavior can tell us.
December 5, 2026, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm Mountain Time.
BHPFA Nature Shop, 833 Mt Rushmore Road, Custer.
$15 per person. $40 for up to four.
Members receive 15% off with their code at checkout.
View The Secret Life of Mammals detailsBHPFA also supports free learning opportunities with our public-land and community partners. Check the current listing before making plans; seasonal program descriptions do not confirm a scheduled outing.
Watch The Invisible Mammal, a documentary following women scientists who study and protect bats. Matthews Opera House, Black Hills National Forest, and BHPFA are presenting the screening together.
October 26, 2026, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Mountain Time.
Matthews Opera House Theatre, 614 Main Street, Spearfish. Free.
View the film screening detailsCheck the events calendar for current programs and fees. Forest exploration programs are seasonal, so check for a scheduled date before visiting.
Find current night-sky programs, including paid outings, or plan an independent evening at Wind Cave. Surface hours and visitor center hours differ at Wind Cave; check current park access and conditions before leaving.
Prices vary by event. The current program listing gives the individual price and any group option. A free event is labeled free.
Check the age guidance for the program you want. Nature's Clues on November 14 welcomes adults and children ages 8 and up. Other programs have their own participation details.
Use the meeting place on your event listing. Programs meet at the BHPFA Nature Shop in Custer, at Wind Cave National Park, and at other partner locations.
Follow the instructions in your event listing. For Nature's Clues on November 14, wear walking shoes and bring clothing layers for changing fall weather. Contact BHPFA if you have an access or preparation question.
Open the program details for the current ticket link or attendance instructions. Check that listing for walk-in availability and any cancellation terms before buying. Contact BHPFA if a ticket link is not listed.
Check your chosen listing for its current member terms. If a discount is offered, enter your member code at checkout.
Contact [email protected] or call 605-745-7020. For a separate school-year program, visit Homeschool Nature Adventures.
