Formal Meeting (Presentation by Bill Stone)
Location: UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory
Officers in Attendance: Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), Holly Klein Perrine (Treasurer), Aaron de la Garza (Secretary)
Presiding officer Enzo Monfre called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm
Official Announcements
President Enzo Monfe announced that the Grotto would match up to $1000.00 in contributions to CaveSim, and described CaveSim’s mission and its need for donations. Donations were solicited from the members in attendance; the total collected and the Grotto’s match will be announced on the UTG Facebook page. Donations may also be made online at Support – CaveSim.
Unofficial Announcements
Terry Raines shared photos and memories of Logan McNatt and the discovery of Golondrinas. A reminder was provided about Celebration of Life for Logan McNatt at noon on August 8, 2026. See UTG Facebook posting for details.
Jim Crash Kennedy addressed the upcoming 2027 NSS Convention in Del Rio, Texas, June 14-18, 2027, spoke about planned trips and events, and of the need for volunteers both in planning and staffing the convention. Registration is now open: Link.
The NCRC’s Orientation to Cave Rescue will take place from September 18-20, 2026 at the TCMA’s Deep/Punkin preserve. Registration will open around August 10, 2026. Keep an eye on the UTG Facebook page for details.
Upcoming Trips
Secretary Aaron de la Garza announced an August 15, 2026 Goat Cave trip and a corresponding August 13, 2026 training at the Thicket; he noted that there is space on the list and that more experienced cavers were welcome to join. Aaron also noted the upcoming November 3, 2026 Midnight Cave trip and mentioned efforts to add additional trips to the calendar in the near term, including Deep/Punkin, Robber Baron, and others.
Recent Caving
Michael Schwartz discussed his very successful caving trip to Mexico with Peter Sprouse and others.
Andy Edwards discussed his recent caving in Kentucky’s Vinegar Ridge and Fisher Ridge systems, and the seemingly imminent connection of the two systems.
Alex Dorgan described his cave diving in cenotes near Mérida in Mexico.
Patty Calebrese spoke about her post-NSS convention travels with Drew Thompson, and their discovery of a cave in Missouri.
President Enzo Monfre told members about his recent and initial trip to Lechuguilla.
New Attendees
Jacob introduced himself – he is a senior at UT and became interested in caves after seeing the entrance to Airman’s Cave.
Dani introduced herself. She just graduated from Texas State and used to work at West Cave Preserve.
Angelica introduced herself; she just moved to Austin from Corpus Christi.
Britian introduced himself – he moved to Austin from California a year ago, and works as Inner Space Caverns.
Formal Presentation
Bill Stone gave a very well-received and well-attended presentation about the 2026 Cheve expedition, responding to numerous member questions thereafter.
The meeting concluded at approximately 8:50 pm. Members met up afterwards at the Posse East.
The UTG’s next meeting is a trip report meeting. It will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday August 19, 2026 in room 104 of the UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Members are encouraged to send photos or presentations to London Darce at vicepresident@utgrotto.org or to bring a USB drive or laptop with their photos or presentation to the meeting.
