2024 Cave Trips
2024 Cave Trips
Cave Trips
Held Daily
Cave trips will be held throughout the week and posted here as they are announced. There will be guided cave trips and self-led cave trips. Trip leaders are encouraged to use the Caver Alert Information Sheet (CAIS) for every trip. The CAIS can be found in various locations at the campground, where most trips will leave from, and at Registration. (Did you notice the CAIS in your convention bag?)
All open caves will be listed in the guidebook. You’ll probably want to order one because it will be chock full of great information on the caves and many maps. If a cave is not listed in the guidebook, consider it closed for convention. Even if you “go to this cave all the time or at OTR,” if it’s not on the list of open caves, it’s closed. Don’t piss off the landowner by going anyhow.
WVACS Pre-convention Field Camp
June 19-23, 2023 | WVACS Field Station, Renick, WV
Join the West Virginia Association for Cave Studies(WVACS) before convention for a week of caving in Greenbrier County, WV. The WVACS field station is just north of Lewisburg, WV, on Route 219(Map). All levels of experience are welcome, with plenty of cave trips offered, including project trips. A cave suit is recommended for the muddy and wet Greenbrier caves.
The cost is $15 per night, which covers several meals, including a big group dinner on June 23rd. For more information, contact Jessica Reep(540-429-5861, j.reep@aol.com) or Mitch Berger(mitchb@mit.edu). To reserve your spot, send a check specifying the number of nights you will be staying:
WVACS Treasurer
c/o Mitchell Berger
13C Newbern Avenue
Medford, MA 02155-6409
Biology Pre-convention Workshop
June 22-25, 2023 | Front Royal, VA
The Karst Waters Institute and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Natural Heritage Karst Program are hosting a cave biology workshop in Front Royal, VA. Participants will learn about cave fauna, ecology, collection methods, legal issues, preservation, and molecular techniques through classroom instruction and field exercises in local caves and karst sites (e.g., springs, sinkholes). Under the guidance of the instructors, participants will sort and label specimens collected during field exercises for distribution to taxonomists. Students will be co-listed as collectors for specimens they collect.
Lodging at a state park cabin is included in the $200 registration fee and will be available starting Thursday night. Scholarships are available. Workshop leaders include Wil Orndorff, Dr. Julian and Salisa Lewis, and Dr. Zenah Orndorff.
Email Wil.Orndorff@dcr.virginia.gov for more information or to register.
Geology at Friars Hole: Pre- and Post-convention
Session 1: June 23-24; Session 2: July 1-2
Friars Hole Cave Preserve
Roy Jameson will lead a geoglogy trip to explore Snedegar Cave's geological, lithological, and hydrological features, including thrust faults, slickensides, quartz crystals, gypsum crystals, condensation corrosion, and cultural artifacts like saltpetre deposits.
Participation is limited to 10/sessions. Facilities include grassy tent camping, outhouse, and spring water. Electricity and Cabin space may be available. The character of the cave is horizontal and mostly walking, with some crawling and climbing. A donation to Friars Hole Cave Preserve is requested.
Email Roy at rjcb19@comcast.net with questions or to register.
BCCS Post-convention Field Camp
June 30-July 4, 2023 | BCCS Cave Preserve, Burnsville, VA
The Butler Cave Conservation Society (BCCS) is hosting a post-convention cave camp at their Bath County, Virginia facilities from July 1-4, 2023. The event offers daily cave trips for all skill levels, project trips, digging opportunities, and local attractions. Entrances to the 18-mile Butler Cave-Sinking Creek System are on the property, with many other caves within driving distance! Caves are muddy and wet, so a cave suit is recommended, although some beginner trips can be made without one,
This is a casual, no-frills event at The Butler Homestead. No fee is required, but attendees must bring food and camping supplies. The rustic Butler Homestead provides basic kitchen facilities. Space for larger campers can be arranged.
For more information, contact Paul Winter at president@butlercave.org.
Be Safe!
Always tell someone where you are going...
You should always tell someone where you are going when you go underground. Convention is no exception.
All trip leaders are encouraged to download, fill out, and use the Caver Alert Information Sheet (CAIS) on all trips. Forms will also be printed out and available at Convention - check for one in your convention bag!
