Date
Friday
Jun

June 6

Caves and Karst Day

Get ready to explore the hidden wonders of our world on Caves and Karst Day - a day dedicated to appreciating these natural geological formations.

Yearly Date
June 6
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of caves on Caves and Karst Day on June 6! This unique holiday celebrates the beauty and wonder of caves, which are formed through the natural process of karst – a geological process involving the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone. Caves have been used by humans for shelter, storage, and even as sacred spaces throughout history. From stunning underground formations to hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, there's no doubt that caves hold a special place in our hearts. So grab your headlamps and get ready for an adventure on this exciting day!

Caves and Karst Day Timeline

1878
Formation of National Speleological Society
The American National Speleological Society, dedicated to the exploration, conservation, and study of caves, was formed to create awareness and maintain cave ecosystems.
1880
First Caves as Tourist Destinations
Caves like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and Jenolan Caves in Australia became popular tourist destinations, known for their stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
1930
Carlsbad Caverns Receives National Park Status
Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, housing one of the world's most exceptional cave systems, was designated a U.S. National Park.
1964
World's Longest Cave System Discovered
In the United States, the Mammoth-Flint Ridge Cave System became recognized as the longest cave system in the world.
2001
Recognition of Karst Landscapes Importance
The International Year of Mountains triggers a recognition of karst landscapes' importance to biodiversity, highlighting the unique ecosystems found within caves.
2016
First Caves and Karst Day
The National Caves Association in the U.S. established the first-ever National Caves and Karst Day to promote awareness of the preservation and exploration of caves.

How to Celebrate Caves and Karst Day

1

Explore a cave

Get out and discover a nearby cave! Many caves offer guided tours or you can go on your own adventure with the proper equipment and training.

2

Attend a cave conservation event

Support the protection of caves and karst landscapes by attending a conservation event. You can learn more about these unique environments and how to preserve them for future generations.

3

Go on a cave-themed hike

Search for hiking trails that lead to caves or have cave formations along the way. This is a great way to celebrate Caves and Karst Day while also getting some exercise and enjoying nature.

4

Visit a karst museum or educational center

Expand your knowledge of caves and karst by visiting a museum or educational center dedicated to these unique geological formations. You may even get the chance to see some cool cave artifacts and fossils.

5

Take a cave photography workshop

Capture the beauty of caves with a photography workshop. You'll learn tips and techniques for taking stunning photos of these underground wonders.

Why We Love Caves and Karst Day

A

It Celebrates the Beauties of Nature

Caves and Karst Day is a celebration of one of nature's most fascinating and mysterious creations. It gives us the opportunity to appreciate the awe-inspiring formations and habitats found in caves, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.

B

It Brings People Together

By celebrating Caves and Karst Day, we also come together to learn about these unique environments and how they play an important role in our ecosystems. This creates a sense of community and appreciation for the natural world.

C

It Educates and Inspires

On Caves and Karst Day, we have the opportunity to learn more about these geological wonders through educational programs and events. This can inspire people to become more involved in conservation efforts to protect these unique sites for future generations.

Caves and Karst Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 5
Monday
2024
Jun 5
Wednesday
2025
Jun 5
Thursday
2026
Jun 5
Friday
2027
Jun 5
Saturday