Links to Caving Resources
The following links are intended to familiarize website visitors with a variety of caving organizations, caving news, blogs and cave conservation organizations.
Glossary of Karst and Cave Terms
Speleogenesis Glossary includes 2699 cave & karst terms.
Caving Organizations
National Speleological Society – a not for profit organization formed in 1941 to advance the exploration, conservation, study and understanding of caves in the United States.
Missouri Speleological Survey – was established in 1956. MSS members are dedicated to discovering, mapping, photographing, studying and conserving Missouri’s 6700 caves.
Caving News & Blogs
Caving News – a daily publication with news about caves, cave rescue operations, speleology, karst and other information for cavers.
WNS Decon FWS – The latest national WNS decontamination protocol.
White Nose Syndrome – A Coordinated Response – a national plan that addresses the devastating disease killing bats in the U.S.
Karst Worlds – A great blog, includes technical articles, news and trip reports covering climbing, caving, mountaineering and hiking.
Cave Conservation Organizations
Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy – a land trust formed in 1992, MCKC is dedicated to conservation of caves and karst areas in Missouri.
American Cave Conservation Association – is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the conservation of caves and related resources across the nation and around the world.
Bat Conservation International -founded in 1982 by prominent bat biologist Dr. Merlin Tuttle, this private organization focuses on the conservation, education and research of the world’s bats and their habitats.
Ozark Regional Land Trust (ORLT) – a conservation land trust that operates throughout the Ozark region, which includes portions of Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Cave Research & Archeology
Cave Research Investigation Research Network (CAIRN) – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify, document and protect archaeological sites within caves.
Georgian Underwater Reconnaissance Expedition Two new potential cave systems were found and partially explored. View two videos of the exploration that took place in the fall of 2013.
Rising Star Cave Discovery of more than 1000 humanoid fossils. National Geographic followed the three-week expedition. See National Geographic blog and videos as events unfolded in 2013.
Caves and Karst Publications
A Guide to Responsible Caving published by the NSS made possible by a donation from Inner Mountain Outfitters.
Cave Safety & Techniques an NSS publication.
Youth Group Caving Useful information and how-to guide for youth group leaders and parents.
A Cave Owners Survival Guide Tips from Tim Kilby, owner of New River Cave in Giles County, Virginia
Living with Sinkholes Only in recent times has mankind become aware of the environmental sensitivity of karstlands. Sinkholes, in particular, pose several problems that ultimately affect groundwater in karst terrains and delicate cave ecosystems.
Beneath the Forest, Vol. 6 Issue 2 Fall 2013, a publication of the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Read about the Sandy Glacier Cave Project: Mt. Hood, Oregon and more.
Outdoor Gear & Clothing
Ozark Adventures – serving Springfield and the greater Ozarks area since 1979. Find the clothing and gear you need for hiking, backpacking, paddling, rock climbing, caving, camping and other outdoor activities.