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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.

  • Meeting Minutes: February 18, 2026

    Trip Reports/Officer and Director Elections

    Location: Austin Public Library, Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr., Austin, TX 78723

    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.

    Elections

    • Officers.  All current officers ran unopposed and were re-elected by the acclamation of the members in attendance; Joel Haus’s continuing service as Webmaster was approved by the members. 
    • Director.  Jef Frank ran unopposed for the open director position, and was re-elected by acclamation of the members in attendance. 

    Official Announcements

    • Treasurer Holly Klein Perrine presented the annual UTG treasurer’s report.  
    • Holly reminded attendees that 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 treasurer Holly Klein.
    • The UTG is planning its 75th birthday celebration; Holly seeks volunteers to assist in planning, cleanup, and other related tasks.
    • Vice President London Darce requested member assistance in setting up speakers for UTG meetings.
    • Secretary Aaron de la Garza requested member assistance in locating a more permanent location for UTG meetings.

    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.
    • Eléonore Le Corvaisier announced that the Texas Speleological Association’s spring meeting will take place on March 7 at the Texas Speleological Center, ancillary to the celebration of Gill Ediger.
    • The Texas Speleological Association needs a treasurer.  Interested persons should contact Eléonore Le Corvaisier.
    • Vertical training will be held on Thursday February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm at the Thicket of Moderate Discontent.  Contact Joel Haus or Eléonore Le Corvaisier for location.
    • Terry Raines described the efforts to oppose a data center being proposed for San Marcos, which would negatively impact water usage and further harm springs, including Jacob’s well.  Terry requested member support of these efforts. 
    • Jim Crash Kennedy encouraged TCMA members to vote in the ongoing Texas Cave Management Association elections.
    • There are still open volunteer positions for the 2027 NSS convention, which will be held in Del Rio, Texas.  Contact Jim Crash Kennedy or Patty Calabrese to volunteer or for questions.  
    • Crash has bat stickers and magnets for sale.
    • Peter Sprouse has the new issue of the Association for Mexican Cave Studies Newsletter for sale, featuring several articles written by UTG cavers.

    Upcoming Trips

    • London Darce is planning a Kyle-area dig trip for either February 28 or 29, 2026. 
    • Joel Haus is leading a trip to O-9 Well on the weekend of May 2, 2026.  Joel would like qualified members who haven’t previously been to O-9 to attend. While the trip is presently full, interested persons can join the wait list. Attendees will need to be TCMA members.
    • Jim Crash Kennedy is planning a trip to northern Mexico from March 14-21, 2026. 

    New Attendees

    • Introductions were given by Molly, who has attended a Whirlpool trip and the recent Kyle-area dig, and Carol, who was directed to the UTG by a Natural Bridge Caverns guide, and who is attending the next Whirlpool trip.

    Trip Report Presentations

    • Aaron de la Garza gave a presentation concerning the large Kyle-area ranch dig organized by Drew Thompson over the weekend of February 14, 2026.
    • Jim Crash Kennedy presented on a cave gating project on the TCMA’s Godwin Ranch property.
    • London Darce presented on a recent dig trip to a ranch property near Hondo, Teas.
    • Eléonore Le Corvaisier presented on a Save Our Springs-associated nature walk led by herself and Dane Smit  to a Barton Creek greenbelt cave.
    • Liam Bryan presented on his recent Menard-area cave dig with Ethan Perrine. 

    The meeting concluded at 7:45pm.  The after-meeting social gathering was at Torchy’s Tacos at Mueller.   

    The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on March 4, 2026 at a location to be announced. 

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.