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The Cleveland Grotto

29242 Detroit Rd

THE CLEVELAND GROTTO
Local caving clubs affiliated with the National Speleological Society are called Grottos. Established in 1944 and chartered in 1945, The Cleveland Grotto is the oldest continuously active Grotto in the country. The Cleveland Grotto meets monthly and keeps in touch with its members, in addition to a number of organized activities. These activities include cave conservation efforts, in addition to many educational and recreational pursuits.

CAVE CONSERVATION
The Cleveland Grotto is known (and has won national awards) for its efforts in cave conservation. The Cleveland Grotto is actively involved in on-going cave clean-up and conservation projects in West Virginia and in Kentucky.

Cave formations are delicate and easily destroyed. This is why cavers are so concerned about the welfare of caves and often secretive about their locations. Not only are the formations beautiful and delicate, but the cave life -- bats, fish, salamanders -- also live a fragile existence. Cavers respect the formations and the animals in caves.

EDUCATION
Education is an important cornerstone of The Cleveland Grotto's activities. In addition to our library of cave-related materials; our newsletters, meetings, and outings are an important way for us to share information on caving, cave safety, and other relevant topics. A contingent of Grotto members also focuses on the world of vertical caving using ropes and harnesses.

Grotto members are also active in the community with educational programs on the principles of caving, cave conservation, and cave safety, with such organizations as the Natural History Museum, The Great Lakes Science Center, and youth groups.

RECREATION
The Cleveland Grotto's members are active cavers, and regularly take trips -- both with club members and with other grottos -- to explore caves in the region. While Ohio has relatively few caves, the surrounding states of Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia make up one of the most highly concentrated regions of caves in the world.