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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.

  • UTG Meeting Minutes — April 1, 2026

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

    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 6:45 pm.

    Official Announcements

    • Treasurer Holly Klein Perrine has timely filed UTG’s tax return.

    Unofficial Announcements

    • Oscar Berrones has Mexican bat stickers for sale.
    • Joel Haus will host a vertical training night at the Thicket of Moderate Discontent at 6:30pm on Thursday April 9, 2026
    • Registration is open for the Texas Speleological Association’s Spring Convention, to be held at Cave Without a Name (Boerne) from April 17-19, 2026. Registration Link. Eléonore Le Corvaisier gave a preview of the event.
    • The Texas Speleological Association needs a treasurer. Contact Eléonore Le Corvaisier for more information.

    Upcoming Trips

    • Ethan Perrine is leading a Tuesday Night Dig (Central Austin) on April 7, 2026 at 6:30pm.
    • A photography-oriented 0-9 Well trip is planned for April 10-12, 2026. Qualified vertical cavers who can assist with this project should contact Ethan Perrine.
    • There will be a May 9, 2026 faunal survey at Woot Cave. Contact Ethan Perrine for details.
    • Liz Frank will lead a Tuesday Night Dig at Whirlpool Cave on April 21, 2026 at 6:30pm.

    Recent Caving

    • Oscar Berrones spoke of his recent multi-week cave-diving trip into the depths of Sistema Cheve and the discovery of new passageway.
    • Eléonore Le Corvaisier spoke about the Texas Speleological Association’s recent training sessions held for the edification of members of the Aggie Speleoloical Association.
    • Enzo Monfre discussed the mishaps of a recent Tuesday Night Dig in Cedar Park resulting from his discovery of large pieces of machinery recently dumped on the preserve.
    • Aaron de la Garza discussed last weekend’s successful Texas Cave Management Association open house at Lost Oasis, organized by Patty Calabrese.

    Formal Presentation

    Kate Csillagi, Communications Director for the Save Our Springs Alliance, gave a presentation on the CTRMA’s proposed expansion of MoPac South, and the damage that this expansion would be caused to sensitive karst features and cave fauna. Kate was assisted in her presentation by Nico Hauwert.

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

    The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on April 15, 2026 at a location to be announced.  This is a trip report meeting, at which members are encouraged 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.