What is the Central Connecticut Grotto of the National Speleological Society?
The Central Connecticut Grotto (CCG) is a local chapter of The National Speleological Society (NSS). The CCG shares the goals of other NSS Grottos, which are to organize trips, offer training, practice cave conservation, and generally provide a framework for enjoying and studying caves. The Central Connecticut Grotto welcomes new members who are interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. Join us - print the membership form: Central Connecticut Grotto Membership Form
Our Regular Meetings
Meetings are open to anyone interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. Meetings are usually held the third Tuesday of each month. At each meeting we discuss Grotto business, trip reports and plan future trips. Most meetings also have a presentation; either a talk, demonstration, slides, or video. It is not necessary to be able to attend meetings to be a Grotto member.
July 15, 2008 Tuesday 7pm:
Monthly Grotto Meeting
Meeting location TBA.
June 17, 2008 Tuesday 7pm:
Monthly Grotto Meeting
This meeting is at the summer location in Southington. Meeting opens
at 6 pm, with the formal meeting at 8 pm. Members will be sent directions
and other details, and non-members may call Norm Berg 860-621-2080 for
information. Vertical practice area (bring climbing gear), also grill
setup (bring your own food/drink).
May 20, 2008 Tuesday 7pm:
Monthly Grotto Meeting
This meeting is at the summer location in Southington. Meeting opens
at 6 pm, with the formal meeting at 8 pm.
April 15, 2008 Tuesday 7pm:
Monthly Grotto Meeting with program on deep
pit caving in Mexico
At HRP Associates, 197 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032. For a
view of HRP from Google Earth see
HRP. For
direction related info call 860-674-9570 (days) and ask for Bob Simmons.
Connecticut Caves and Other Wonders
For info on Connecticut caves, nearby commercial caves, scout group caving, guided trips, classes, certifications, and local caving guidebooks please see our FAQ page. Frequently Asked Questions
Officers and Committees
Contact officers at info@ctcavers.org.
More contact info is at About the CCG .
Chair - Norm Berg
Vice Chair - Alisa Werst
Treasurer - Lee DelValle
Secretary - Bob Simmons
Webmaster - Norm Berg
Membership - Emily Ray
Safety - Doug Truitt
Conservation - Garth Varian
Vertical - Steve Millett
Equipment - Diane Lucas
Newsletter (the Underground Movement) - Bob Simmons
Member at Large - Jansen Cardy
Steve in Roxbury Mine
Gage Cave - the wet side
CCG and other Activities and Events
Special notice about caving restrictions due to bat illness - updated June 6, 2008: Caves that had closed due to this illness have reopened and normal conditions and restrictions apply. While some of these caves are typically closed during the winter bat hibernation season, this past winter all caves were closed to visitation in order to help protect thousands of hibernating bats that are threatened by an illness known as White Nose Syndrome. More info is at http://caves.org/committee/conservation/WNS/WNS%20Info.htm and http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html. If you have a specific question about Connecticut caving please contact the CCG.
Not all CCG activities are listed on this website. Become a CCG member and receive emailed announcements of all CCG activities.
All 2008 CCG Meetings: Jan 15, Feb 19, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16. Meeting details are in left column.
Summer 2008 Karst Field Studies Program A series of week-long field classes during June, focusing on cave and karst science, and caving. http://caveandkarst.wku.edu/
July (date not set), 2008 Surprise (Mystery) Cave Mystery Cave, near Westbrookville, NY, is one of the largest and most interesting caves in the Northeast. Lots of mazy passages, nice formations, large (and small) passages, streams, waterfalls, and more. This will be an intermediate level trip - some experience is highly recommended. The trip will involve some climbing, chimneying, vertical work (personal vertical gear is not required), and sqeezing thru tight areas. Contact: (check back) info@ctcavers.org
July 26-27, 2008 MET Grotto caving weekend Met Grotto (of NYC) has the Schoharie Cabin for the weekend, so come one, come all. Enjoy all kinds of caves, from beginner to hard core. Exact trips still to be determined. Clarksville for certain. Other ideas and leaders welcome. BBQ likely. Contact: Ayzha Wolf, chair@metgrotto.com.
Sunday June 22 between 3pm and 6pm:
Tory's Cave
This is a beginner level trip to Connecticut's only cave open to the
public. It's in New Milford, CT and about a 2 minute walk from the parking
area. Basic caving gear is required, and most spend about an hour exploring
the cave. There are some tight areas and some ledges that you will need
to climb down and up. The cave is damp and sometimes wet from dripping
water. Arrive between 3 pm and 5 pm, go to the cave entrance (but not
in), and I or a co-leader will assist as needed. The CCG trip is over
at 6 pm. First time cavers are encouraged to come. The CCG has some
sets of loaner helmets and lights that I will bring. If you want to
use these, please bring 4 new AA batteries, alkaline type preferred.
For directions, ride-sharing, and answers to other questions, call Norm
Berg 860-621-2080 or email info@ctcavers.org
and put Tory's Cave in the subject line.
May 16-18, 2008 Spring meeting of the NRO (Northeastern Regional Organization) hosted by the NNJG in Rosendale NY.
May 3-10, 2008 Cave Rescue Operations and Management Seminar at Mentone, Alabama. Presented by the NCRC of the NSS. This seminar consists of extensive classroom instruction and fieldwork in all phases of cave rescue including underground environment, vertical rescue, hauling systems, extrication techniques, medical management, communication systems, and the organization and management of cave rescue operations. Basic and advanced course material is presented for students who typically include cavers, emergency services personnel, and emergency managers. http://www.caves.org/io/ncrc/2008Seminar/seminar2008.htm
April 26, 27, 2008 McFail's Preserve Cleanup (2nd day if needed) with a rain date of 5/3 & 5/4, (2nd day if needed). Clear trails and sinks of any debris; remove any garbage from parking area, sinks, trails; repost/sign sinkholes as necessary; repair Hall's Hole entrance as required; cleanout catchment basin; replace kiosk with an informational kiosk like at Clarksville; remove old wire fencing. Please bring wire cutters, vice grips, fencing tools!! Please contact Tom Rider at 280-1135 or email at tcrider@nycap.rr.com if you can help out.
April 20 2008 Sunday:
Vertical Practice
A vertical practice this Sunday at 10 AM at a popular climbing spot
by in Central Conn. If you don't have your own gear, that's no problem
it can be provided to you. If it turns out to be cold and rainy, then
the practice will be canceled. Contact Alisa at info@ctcavers.org
Past CCG activities are at: Past Activities