Virginia Region of the NSS
The Virginia Region of the National Speleological Society consists of 40+ local caving groups in and around Virginia and surrounding states. We promote the study and science of speleology, explore and maps caves, protect and conserve caves, manage limited access caves, and generally promote safe caving throughout the region, and promote fellowship and cooperation among all Regional cavers and organizations.
March 2023 - Web Site Update - Please Pardon Our Dust!
Our server software was nearing end of life and had to be upgraded. The look may be different for a while until everything is adjusted, but almost everything should still work. The forms are not yet implemented. Please bear with us. The whole site should be functional soon. If your grotto's website URL has changed because of the NSS server move, please contact the webmaster (mcjames_verizon_net) so we can update your listing.
Earth Day Restoration, April 22, Hot Springs, VA
Thanks to all who came out and helped!
Spring VAR, May 19-21, Thorn Springs Campground, Franklin, WV
The Spring 2023 VAR will be hosted by the Battlefield Area Troglodyte Society (BATS). Pre-registration is now closed. Register on-site.
We could really use some volunteers to leaded guided cave trips during VAR. If you are familiar with any local cave and are willing, please contact Meredith Hall Weberg.
WVACS Pre-Convention Field Camp June 19-23
The West Virginia Association for Cave Studies (WVACS) will be hosting a pre-camp from June 19th-23rd, the week before the NSS Convention in Elkins, WV, at our field station just north of Lewisburg, WV (about 2 1/2 hours south of Elkins on 219). There will be many cave trips for people of all experience levels throughout the week. Several meals are planned. Plentiful camping with flush toilets, showers, rappel tower, fire pits, 2 kitches, limited bunk space.
Cave Biology Workshop June 23-25
The Karst Waters Institute and the Natural Heritage Karst Program of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will be hosting a pre-convention cave biology workshop June 23-25 in Front Royal, VA.
2020/2023 NSS Convention
The 2020 NSS Convention in Elkins, WV had to be changed to all-virtual only because of COVID (recorded presentations are all still available on the NSS web site in case you missed it), but the the convention will return in-person this year to Elkins, WV June 26-30.
Need a Program for your Grotto's Virtual Meeting?
Since most grottoes are still having virtual meetings, video programs can be a challenge due to bandwidth limitations. Several VAR members have been active converting the old NSS slide shows to PowerPoint and PDF format. Twenty-nine programs have already been converted, with more on the way. Feel free to download and use for your grotto's meeting! There is no rental charge, as there was with the physical slides.
Photo Banner Credits
A huge Thank You to Nikki Fox for kindly providing the VAR caving images used in our rotating header!!!
