The National Speleological Society is made up of individual members. In many areas of the country, these members have formed local grottos or chapters. These groups sponsor trips, offer training, teach and practice cave conservation, and generally provide a framework for studying caves. Most grottos will welcome new members who are interested in caves and committed to the NSS's conservation ethic.

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Grottos near us include Sandia in Albuquerque, NM; Pajarito in Los Alamos, NM; White Sands in Alamogordo, NM; GUAD in El Paso, TX; Lubbock Area in Lubbock, TX; and Permian Basin Speleological Society in Big Spring, TX.