Kansas City Area Grotto
COVID-19 Update
Due to the restrictions on non-essential activities in the Kansas City area, Grotto meetings will be held online using Zoom until further notice. Instructions will be sent to the mailing list.
To join the May 2020 meeting, use this link: (to be announced) .
The Kansas City Area Grotto is involved in the
exploration and survey of cave systems throughout the state of Missouri, and occasionally
beyond state borders. Our members create many new cave maps each year, giving both private
landowners and governmental agencies new insight into their subterranean resources while
permanently documenting these natural treasures.
Each year, grotto members spend weeks caving
in remote karst areas in central and southern Missouri as well as northern Arkansas. Whether
discovering new caves, managing and documenting known caves, or locating historically
known but now lost caverns, our members are no strangers to backpacking, canoeing, primitive
camping, and wilderness hiking, both on- and off-trail.
Photo by Cyle Riggs
While it can be hard work, caving is immensely rewarding. Every trip is an adventure, every experience unique. Cavers must continuously overcome challenges, learn new skills, and solve problems, all in the interest of achieving a project’s goals.
The beauty of America’s spelean wonders will never be
enjoyed by most people ... unless it is photographed. Grotto photography projects aim to bring
these stunning images to the non-caving public, while providing a permanent documentary
record of our karst resources for the generations to come. Underground photography uses
specialized equipment, employs a variety of techniques, and demands a unique kind of expertise.
Photo Credit: Rick Hines
Caves are more than dark, muddy holes. Grotto
research projects help further the science behind the strange and complex phenomena found
underground.
Photo by Rick Hines
Vandalism, littering, and even casual carelessness and
disrespect damage many wild cave environments. While these violations take only seconds
to occur, they can take years of hard work to undo, or centuries for nature to repair. Grotto
restoration projects find us working hard to restore spelean treasures to as close to their pristine
state as possible.
Wild caves provide a great laboratory for teaching the public about geology, biology, and especially conservation, being an perfect venue for cultivating a “wilderness ethic.” Each year, the Kansas City Area Grotto guides Boy Scout, school and
church groups as well as other civic organizations on underground adventures. We also present
Powerpoint lectures about a variety of cave-related topics.
Photo by Rick Hines