There is a graffiti cleanup (and maybe other things) happening at Low Moor Cave on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. It’s sponsored by VAR, and the main announcement and link to sign up are on caves.org. TriTrogs are going, and there will be food. Don’t forget to sign up!

https://var.caves.org/index.php?view=article&id=44:var-lowmoor-cleanup&catid=2:uncategorised

Grotto elections were held at the February general meeting of the Triangle Troglodytes, after being postponed in the January meeting, which was held online-only due to winter weather. This term will last until the conclusion of the January 2027 general meeting.

• Taylor Tibbs was re-elected Chair of the grotto by unanimous consent.
• Matthew Brown was elected to the office of Vice Chair by unanimous consent.
• Zeke Van Fossen was elected Secretary by unanimous consent.
• Stephan Francke was re-elected as Treasurer by unanimous consent.
• Jacob Gonzalez & Matthew Weiss were jointly elected to the Webmaster position by a unanimous vote of the membership in attendance, against one or the other holding the office solely.

Thank you to the TriTrogs who served as officers for 2025.

This summer, the National Speleological Society will host our second virtual convention over the society’s YouTube channel. All cavers from around the world are welcome to join us! Final schedules are being arranged now and we be posting a final schedule within a couple weeks. – 2021 NSS Convention Committee

Bats play an important part in our ecosystems and our daily lives. This time of year is a great time to spot them swooping around hunting bugs in the late evening. Bats help control insect populations, especially mosquitoes. Some bats may eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in just one hour. Come to the Big Bat Night virtual program to learn more about our flying mammal friends.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks/Activity_Search/5025?fbclid=IwAR1uMWpQKY_ASCsbER_ddj_xvsGbK_hPE0pvOH5B5Bc7I1TRIK6a1e9UD9k

Grotto elections are held yearly at our January grotto meeting, and there are some changes! We all know our officers, some are retuning and some are new officers this year! A HUGE thank you for everyone stepping up during COVID, and figuring out how to keep our grotto active and alive!

This information can be originally found in the January meeting minutes, but we wanted to give recognition to the new leadership!

2021 Officer Elections

Each office had exactly one nominee, so we voted to accept the slate as a whole. Our 2021 officers are:

Download and view the press release here if there are any problems viewing the embedded pdf.

Geary Schindel
President – National Speleological Society

Folks,

As the coronavirus spreads through our communities, it is very important that we follow social distancing guidelines. As much as we may want to go caving or attend a grotto meeting, practicing self-restraint is important to minimize the spread of the virus. Remember that most caves have limited airflow and create close quarters. Cavers may be at heightened risk because of limited exchange of air and close contact with other cavers. Just riding together in a car for a few hours to your closest caving area creates a risk. However, ridge walking with house mates may be an acceptable undertaking. Getting out and getting fresh air and sunshine, where allowed, can be good for your health and your soul.

Be vigilant and careful. In the event of an accident (car or cave), response times and personnel may be very limited. Doctors and hospitals are being inundated with Covid-19 cases in many areas and may not be able to quickly or effectively treat you.

So, here are some recommendations:

• I’m encouraging our NSS members to stand down from caving for a few months as we get control of this pandemic and can get back to a new normal quicker.
• After your basic needs are met, use this time to draw your cave maps, write a grotto or NSS News article, work on your vertical gear, clean and organize your equipment (or house), watch many of the excellent webinars on the NSS website, prepare a talk on your favorite area or project, or write a paper. Remember that many of Isaac Newton’s greatest contributions to science were formulate while he was escaping the plague.
• Sort your photographs, scan your slides, write a friend, reestablish old friendships, give blood, check on your fellow grotto members, recycle or re-purpose some of your old camping and caving equipment, practice your presentation skills.
• Attend an online grotto meeting – offer to make a presentation. Just because we are social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t reach out and socialize.
• Fact check everything you see on the news and on the internet – especially social media and try and maintain a good attitude and sense of humor.

Don’t forget the NSS. The society can use your help in many areas. Volunteer, renew your membership, and donate.

I promise to give you all a hug when this is over.

Geary Schindel
President
National Speleological Society

The National Speleological Society 
6001 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville, AL 35810