Near Normal Grotto

A chapter of the

The Near Normal Grotto is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, exploration and conservation of caves and cave life. Our members come from all walks of life – landscapers, camp counselors, carpenters, geologists, mechanics, teachers, and students, to name a few. In other words, people like you. Our interests may vary from exploration to conservation to photography, but we all share a passion for caving. If this interests you and you would like to know more, feel free to attend one of our monthly meetings!

Where: Community Room (Basement) of the National City Bank, 211 E. Jefferson, in the heart of Bloomington, IL

When: Normally, the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m. If you are not a member of the grotto, please email to confirm date and time.

$$: Heads UP! Dues are now $15 for the 2008 year.

Some past on-line newsletters July 2007 January, 2007

Vertical Practice Day! ~~Tentative~~ Definite date is June 22 (Sunday) at the Illinois State University ROTC Rappelling Tower. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills or be introduced to what vertical caving is about. Keep tuned to the Yahoo News Group and this web site for confirmation.

Pictures of the session!

Upcoming Events: Grotto Clean Up Trip to Buckners. Good Caving Karma. Next scheduled Blenz Conservancy dates are June 7, July 19, and August 22 weekends, but if enough grotto members go, possible alternate dates may be arranged. Contact CleanUp Information for more details.

Orientation to Cave Rescue: 2-day training in Mount Vernon, Kentucky at Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve. Update – 4 NNG members attended and 2 NNG members helped instruct. Highly recommended!

Are you a grotto member and want to be informed on coming events, but not on the Yahoo NNG group list? Then contact NNG group list to be added.

Past Events:

Sullivan Cave trips – February 2008 -- wet, but a rewarding trip nonetheless

December 14 – Christmas Party! Bring a gift/white elephant/dish to pass!

Pictures Here!

September 16^th – Annual Grotto Picnic at Clark Falls Farm

Pictures are up! Check them out!

Recently, the Karst Conservancy of Illinois has been surveying Pautler Cave. For a hint of what Pautler looks like,

Check out the Pautler Photos

Check out the Karst Conservancy of Illinois web site, and consider joining.

Want to see what Vertical Work can look like? Grotto member Nathaniel Bluedorn has created a video

on You Tube of the 2005 Picnic. Check it out at Near Normal Grotto 2005 Picnic