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Welcome to the Grotto

The Underground Texas Grotto (UTG) is an Austin-based non-profit that explores caves in Central Texas and beyond, keeping alive traditions from 1951. We are the oldest caving organization in Texas and have served as the nexus for cave exploration all over Texas and Mexico for more than fifty years. Members range from total beginners to international expedition cavers. Any central Texan interested in caves is welcome. Learn about our meetings below.

  • Minutes of the Meeting of the Underground Texas Grotto

    Wednesday February 4, 2026

    Location: Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78745

    Officers in Attendance:   Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), Holly Klein Perrine (Treasurer), Aaron de la Garza (Secretary), Joel Haus (Webmaster).

    Presiding officer Enzo Monfre called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 pm.

    Official Announcements

    • UTG membership dues ($10 for existing members, $2 for new members) are due.  Dues may be paid online via a link at the UTG Website, www.utgrotto.org or by contacting UTG treasurer Holly Klein Perrine.
    • UTG Officer elections will be held during the February 18, 2026 UTG meeting. Interested members should contact one of the current officers.
    • Elections for the open UTG director position will also be held during the February 18, 2026 UTG meeting.  This position is held by Jef Frank, who is standing for re-election. Interested members should contact one of the current officers.

    Unofficial Announcements

    • A celebration of the life of Gill Ediger will take place on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Texas Speleological Center, 14045 N Green Hills Loop, Austin, TX 78737.
    • Vertical training will be held on Thursday February 12, 2026 at 6:30pm at the Thicket of Moderate Discontent.  Contact Joel Haus or Eléonore Le Corvaisier for location.
    • Walt Olenik noted that the upcoming meeting of the Vulcanospeleology Group will take place in the Canary Islands in November 2026. 
    • Eléonore Le Corvaisier is organizing gate construction and other activities at Godwin Ranch.  2 or 3 people are needed between 10:00-11:00am on Friday February 6, 2026 to help unload steel for the gating.   A workday will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 to install the gates and work on other projects on the preserve.  Contact Eléonore for details or to join.
    • The Texas Speleological Association needs a treasurer.  Qualified persons should contact Eléonore Le Corvaisier.

    Upcoming Trips

    • There are additional spots available for the upcoming dig on a ranch near Kyle, Texas, which will offer opportunities for surface digs, underground digs, and vertical work and which runs from February 7-8, 2026.  Camping is available. Some prior dig experience is required. Contact dig leader Drew Thompson for details.
    • Joel Haus is planning a weekend trip to O-9 Well in May 2026, which will require vertical skills and a wetsuit.  Joel would like qualified members who haven’t previously been to O-9 to attend, along with a couple of cavers experienced with 0-9.
    • Joel Haus offered to mentor members on setting up/leading trips, including to Deep/Punkin.
    • Ron Rutherford is considering setting up a trip to Muzquiz, Mexico in April or May 2026.  Contact him if interested.
    • Patty Calabrese is looking for volunteers from 11:00 am-3:00pm on March 28, 2026 to help guide visitors during the Lost Oasis Cave open house, which will be held in conjunction with the Bailey Middle School Butterfly Festival.
    • The February 17, 2026 Tuesday Night Dig will be at Lost Oasis Cave, starting at 6:30pm.  No prior experience is required.  Contact dig lead Drew Thompson for details or to join.
    • Patty Calabrese is willing to set up a trip to Grassy Cove Cave if there is interest.  This is a good beginner cave.

    Trip Reports

    • Patty Calabrese told of her recent survey trip to Honey Creek Cave.

    New Attendees

    • There were introductions by three new attendees.

    Presentation

    Eric Jorgenson and Anastasiya Razumovska presented on project caving in the Marble Mountains of Northern California.

    The meeting concluded at 7:40pm.  The after-meeting social gathering was at The Little Darlin. 

    Next Meeting: The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on February 18, 2026 at a location to be announced.  This will be a trip report meeting, and members are encouraged to send their photos/presentations to vicepresident@utgrotto.org.  Officer elections will occur at the start of this meeting, as will an election for the open director position.

Calendar

Meetings

Photo of a UTG Meeting

We meet twice monthly on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The first meeting of the month is a formal meeting. Details are available on our email list, calendar, and Facebook page. Formal meetings feature presentations by guest speakers, trip reports of recent caving, announcements about upcoming trips and practices, and a chance to mingle afterward. Third-Wednesday meetings are more informal and include a series of short presentations on recent caving trips. Both meetings are held in-person at a rotation of venues.