Who we are and what we do
The James River Grotto (JRG) is a local chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS) . Further, the JRG is a member of the Virginia Region (VAR) of the NSS. We are a dedicated group of cavers who are committed to the principals of cave preservation and conservation, safe caving techniques, and to responsible caving practices. Our membership is comprised of people from many walks of life and from all age groups. We are from Lynchburg, Virginia and many of the surrounding communities.
The JRG is involved with the exploration, study and conservation of caves. We do go caving, and we usually have fun while we do it. We do this while having the utmost regard for safety and the conservation of the fragile underground world. We consider it an honor to be able to experience this most interesting and unique environment. We participate in a variety of cave conservation projects and take advantage of opportunities to educate the non-caving populace of the need to protect this magnificent non-renewable resource. Some of our members participate in cave surveying projects, and some are involved in cave rescue operations. We visit a variety of caves, from easy-beginner to hardcore-advanced, horizontal to vertical and all points in between! We also participate in a host of other caving related and non-caving related events from time to time.
The JRG is partnered with the University of Lynchburg Outdoor Leadership Program for facilities use, workshops/training sessions, and gear use.
The JRG is involved with the exploration, study and conservation of caves. We do go caving, and we usually have fun while we do it. We do this while having the utmost regard for safety and the conservation of the fragile underground world. We consider it an honor to be able to experience this most interesting and unique environment. We participate in a variety of cave conservation projects and take advantage of opportunities to educate the non-caving populace of the need to protect this magnificent non-renewable resource. Some of our members participate in cave surveying projects, and some are involved in cave rescue operations. We visit a variety of caves, from easy-beginner to hardcore-advanced, horizontal to vertical and all points in between! We also participate in a host of other caving related and non-caving related events from time to time.
The JRG is partnered with the University of Lynchburg Outdoor Leadership Program for facilities use, workshops/training sessions, and gear use.
The History of the James River Grotto
The James River Grotto was established alongside the James River in the lofty heights of Lynchburg‘s Central Fidelity Building eighth floor on May 25, 1989. As best as can be determined from registers unearthed in various places, there were approximately 25 initial members, led by Board members Mike Greene (Chairperson), Bob Daniel (Vice-Chairperson & Membership), Bill Foot (Treasurer), Howard Kirkland (Vertical techniques), Ted Andrus (Programs), Jenni Stewart (Secretary & Fund Raising) and Barb Mayne. It is interesting to note a couple of NSS #’s as low as 1579 (Porter Echols Jr), 6837 (Dr Lynn Ferguson) and 11937 (Bob Daniel). It should be acknowledged RASS contributed $500 to the new grotto for helmets and lights to promote membership.
One of the new Grotto’s first recorded caving trips, even though there had been lots of caving going on before, was to Clarks Cave in Bath County. Just to prove some things never change, the trip report starts with “We met at 8AM (at least those of us who didn’t lock their keys in their truck at Hardee’s).” The report ends with “It was a great ending to a great trip to great cave with great friends.”
The JRG’s first VAR was in the Fall of ’89 at Natural Bridge, VA and its first newsletter “PITS” (People InTo Caving) was published in ‘89. By June ’97, the newsletter was renamed "Tales From the Cave" and had become “in-color”, and in ’03 it was moved to the grotto’s website http://www.jamesrivergrotto.com. In May of 2007 we changed our web host to the NSS.
One of the new Grotto’s first recorded caving trips, even though there had been lots of caving going on before, was to Clarks Cave in Bath County. Just to prove some things never change, the trip report starts with “We met at 8AM (at least those of us who didn’t lock their keys in their truck at Hardee’s).” The report ends with “It was a great ending to a great trip to great cave with great friends.”
The JRG’s first VAR was in the Fall of ’89 at Natural Bridge, VA and its first newsletter “PITS” (People InTo Caving) was published in ‘89. By June ’97, the newsletter was renamed "Tales From the Cave" and had become “in-color”, and in ’03 it was moved to the grotto’s website http://www.jamesrivergrotto.com. In May of 2007 we changed our web host to the NSS.