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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.

  • Underground Texas Grotto Minutes March 4, 2026 Meeting

    Location: Austin Public Library, Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, Texas 78745

    Officers in Attendance:   Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), 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 officers are working on a new supplier for UTG gear; sample t-shirts were displayed.
    • Accomplished caver and scientist Mike Walsh has passed away. Walt Olenik spoke of his memories of Mike and of Mike’s accomplishments.

    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.
    • Volunteers are needed to assist with (simple) food preparation at the Texas Speleological Association’s upcoming spring convention (April 17-19 at Cave Without a Name). Interested persons should contact Dane Smith.
    • Peter Sprouse has the new issue of the Association for Mexican Cave Studies Newsletter for sale, featuring several articles written by UTG cavers.
    • Eléonore Le Corvaisier announced that she is organizing a visit to a Hays County cave on the weekend of March 20, 2026 to train Aggie cavers; she requests assistance from experienced sketchers and riggers.

    Upcoming Trips

    • Jef Frank announced that there are open spot available for the next Whirlpool beginner trip (March 11, 2026)
    • Jim Crash Kennedy is planning a trip to northern Mexico from March 14-21, 2026. 
    • Aaron de la Garza wants to set up a Goat Cave trip for members working on their vertical skills.
    • Rich Zarria is leading a dig in Hays County on the weekend of March 20, 2026.

    New Attendees

    • Luke introduced himself. He found the Grotto after an attempted visit to Bullet Cave was thwarted by a sign warning of ticks; Luke called the number of the sign and was eventually directed to the Grotto.
    • Tanya introduced herself. She was directed to the Grotto following a wild cave tour at Longhorn Caverns.

    Recent Caving

    • Garrett Smith and Katheryn Jager described their recent 11-hour trip into Honey Creek cave with Patty Calabrese and paleontologist John Moretti.
    • Aaron de la Garza discussed his recent survey trip at Honey Creek cave.
    • Jef Frank reported on his experiences providing surface support for last weekend’s Airman’s project.
    • Peter Sprouse discussed numerous successful efforts in Menard County concerning Powell’s Cave and its potential extensions, including successful surveys in Neel’s Cave and an examination and excavation of a sinkhole north of Silver Mine Cave which may be connected to the Powell’s system.

    Formal Presentation

    Vice President London Darce and President Enzo Monfre gave a presentation entitled “What’s in Your Cave Pack,” which included a discussion of essential first aid and SPAR items and a demonstration of a Palmer furnace. Members then had an opportunity to gather supplies for their own Palmer furnace and first aid kit.

    The meeting concluded at 7:50pm.  The after-meeting social gathering was at the Lil Darlin’.  

    The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on March 18, 2026 at a location to be announced.  This is a trip report meeting, at which members are invited to present on their recent (or not so recent) caving adventures. Pictures and presentations may be sent in advance to london.darce@utgrotto.org, or brought to the meeting.

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.