An official non-profit partner of the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service

How we support our partners

The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational and interpretive missions of public lands in the Black Hills region. Through partnerships with agencies like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, BHPFA provides vital funding and resources to enhance visitor experiences and promote conservation.

Aid Funding

Student Conservation Interns at all public land partners
Honorariums for speakers including Lakota cultural program speakers at Wind Cave National Park
Tribal consultation fees for exhibits at Wind Cave National Park
Supplies for Wind Cave National Park’s Adventure in Nature homeschool program
White Nose Syndrome bulletins at Jewel Cave National Monument to educate public about the effects of the disease on local bat populations
Black Hills National Forest Moonwalk program
Wildflower seeds for replanting on the Ft. Pierre National Grassland
Annual birthday celebration at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Printing of Junior Ranger books at Scotts Bluff National Monument

Donation & Adoption Programs

Adopt-A-Bison Program

Proceeds from this program directly support Wind Cave National Park’s bison herd. The park has used funds from this program to purchase tracking collars to monitor the herds movement within the park. In-depth analysis helps park researchers make better decisions regarding herd managment.

Total collected by the end of fiscal year 2021- $66,000

Adopt-A-Bat Program

This program supports research and of on the largest bat hibernaculums in the country at Jewel Cave National Monument.

Total collected since the end of fiscal year 2021- $17,000

Explorer’s Fund

By purchasing a copy of The Jewel Cave Adventure, signed by author Jan Conn, $5 is collected to fund equipment purchases for continued cave exploration.

Total collected since the end of fiscal year 2021-$400

Outreach and Events

Wind Cave National Park Bluebird Box workshops
Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting
Local author Day with Connie McKinney & Marcus Heerdt
Baxter Saves The Day story trail at Jewel Cave National Monument
Black Hills National Forest Moonwalks
Pactola Picnic Day with the Leave No Trace Traveling Team
BHPFA Annual Youth Art Contest
Leave No Trace workshop at Wind Cave National Park
Black Hills Sheroes Program at Pactola Visitor Center, Black Hills National Forest

Volunteers

South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program

BHPFA serves on the executive committee for this program. The program “empowers well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the well being of the natural world and to foster people’s connection with nature, the environment, and natural areas within our local communities and the state of South Dakota.”

The Parks and Forests Ambassador Program

Provide educational and visitor services at at select partner locations.