Ah, the magical powers of NCKMS swag!
When you casually flaunt these high-end accessories to your fellow resource managers, it's like bedizening your wardrobe (or cave suit) in the exclusive couture of the speleo-elite.
You practically become a walking poster session for karst perfection - with each item screaming, "I have impeccable skills and probably drink my campfire coffee with a pinky up!"
It's not just about wearing clothes; it's about ascending to a higher plane of existence where even your muddy cave gloves have a thread count worthy of envy.
Sure, we'll design some t-shirts. But the rest of the swag list is headed off the rails.
As you might imagine, these items and artwork are all subject to change over the next several months. We might even crowd-source some designs, so be sure to sign up for our mailing list to be notified of any contests.
Finally, now that you've read this far down the page, we forgive you for having to take a break to look up the word "bedizening". It's ok - we did that too.
We're not entirely sure what these will look like yet, but we couldn't think of hosting NCKMS in Nevada without offering some themed-out playing cards. There's a good chance the card backs will feature a cave critter of some kind, but we still have some time to figure it out.
$12.50
It's a double-wall, stainless steel, 17 oz capacity thermos from h2go®. This thing is more rugged than your cave pack! We've been trying to beat up the manufacturer's sample they sent, but it keeps winning. Hot things stayed hot, cold things stayed cold.
And ours will have the cool NCKMS logo printed on it.
$26.50
Stay up all night with our personalized ceramic coffee mug.
This 13oz mug is perfect for school, campfire socials, marathon thesis proofreading, and all-night grant-writing sessions.
$9.50
Of course we'll have t-shirts! What would a caver event be without them?
It might look like this thing that an AI system suggested, but we're having real humans dress it up a bit. Might look completely different by the time our humans are done with it.
Our theme at NCKMS this year is "Hidden Waters - Hidden Life". So, we have a concept at least!
$16.75
Wearing a ball cap? Oh, that's a whole vibe. It's like saying, "I'm strong, but I'm not here for your speleo-approval." It's the kind of quiet power that doesn't scream for attention, but when it walks into the room, everyone knows it's the real deal. No need to flaunt or flex when you've got that kind of effortless strength, right?
Yet, while being grounded and focused on what truly matters, you can still shine at your next grotto meeting by declaring your subtle support of the Western Cave Conservancy!
$12.75
The official event schedule for the 2025 NCKMS has now been updated. Please check our schedule page or download a PDF to your mobile device.
The Karst Waters Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution whose mission is to improve the fundamental understanding of karst water systems for professionals and the public.
The institute works to engage professionals in small conferences and workshops to advance karst science; increase recognition and publication of karst science; foster development of karst professionals; and to communicate and disseminate information to the public.
There are 48 miles of perennial streams, and over 400 springs in the South Snake Range, home to Great Basin National Park. Over 75% of wildlife species are dependent upon these riparian areas for food, water, and cover at some stage of their life cycles.
