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.
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 - updated March 31, 2008: The Northeastern Cave Conservancy and the National Speleological Society have closed its northeastern cave preserves to visitation in order to help protect thousands of hibernating bats that are threatened by a mysterious illness known as White Nose Syndrome. State agencies in Connecticut and surrounding states have issued advisories about possible cross-contamination of caves by cavers. The health of the bat population is the primary concern of these organizations. Obviously, recreational caving trips to northeastern caves has stopped. More info at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html and http://www.caves.org/grotto/dcg/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.
Summer 2008 Karst Field Studies Program A series of week-long field classes focusing on cave and karst science, and caving. http://caveandkarst.wku.edu/
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. 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 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 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.
Past CCG activities are at: Past Activities