Top Of The Hills

The Black Hills is (are?) such a special place. I’ve been here several times and I keep learning more about plants and animals and the local environment. We attended a ranger program that was about the role of destructive forces (like fire and pine beetles) and how important those things are for the health of the ecosystem. For example, without regular fires the ponderosa pine trees would swallow up the prairie. Because of that mix you have a balance between the two.

There are extensive cave systems underground here- Wind Cave and Jewel Cave. I’ve heard about them but haven’t seen them (yet). Perhaps on another trip.