Central Connecticut Grotto
What is the Central Connecticut Grotto of the National Speleological Society?
The Central Connecticut Grotto (CCG) is a local chapter of The National Speleological Society ( NSS). The CCG shares the goals of other NSS Grottos, which are to organize trips, offer training, practice cave conservation, and generally provide a framework for enjoying and studying caves. The Central Connecticut Grotto welcomes new members who are interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. Join us - membership info is on our "Membership" page.
Our Monthly Meetings
Meetings are open to anyone interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. At each meeting we discuss Grotto business, trip reports and plan future trips. Many meetings also have a presentation; either a talk, demonstration, slides, or video. It is not necessary to attend meetings to be a Grotto member, though we would like you to attend.
Location, Date, and Time of meetings can change. Non-members should confirm by calling a meeting contact number or emailing info@ctcavers.org, with "CCG Meeting" in the subject line.
Officers and Committees (2023)
Contact officers at info@ctcavers.org
Chair - Veronica Sassu Laviero
Vice Chair - Steve Millett
Treasurer - Alisa Werst
Secretary - Jeff Laviero
Webmaster - Norm Berg / Steve Millett
Membership - Diane Lucas
Safety - Doug Truitt
Conservation - Mike Sandone
Vertical - Felicia Millett
Equipment - Steve Millett
Newsletter - Danny Brass
Member at Large - Blase LaSala
Upcoming Meetings and Activities
CCG Monthly Meeting - Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
We will have an online meeting beginning at 7 pm EST. CCG members will get an email before the meeting. For more info please call/text Veronica at 860-620-7521, or email info@ctcavers.org with “CCG Meeting” in the subject line. Non-members who are interested in caving are very welcome to join. Special Presentation: Exploring Torpor in Neotropical Bats by undergraduate researcher Katelyn Miller.
CCG Monthly Meeting - Tuesday March 21, 2023
We will have an online meeting beginning at 7 pm EST. CCG members will get an email before the meeting. For more info please call/text Veronica at 860-620-7521, or email info@ctcavers.org with “CCG Meeting” in the subject line. Non-members who are interested in caving are very welcome to join.
Overnight Vertical Practice - Saturday March 25, 2023
CCG's annual overnight vertical practice returns to Prime Climb Gym in Wallingford CT beginning at 8 pm. Vertical ropes, a rappel wall, rebelays, rope traverses and other fun obstacles will be set up for CCG members to refresh their skills before caving season begins. There will be a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced ropes set up. Space is limited and RSVP is required. For more info email info@ctcavers.org with “Vertical Practice” in the subject line.
Northeastern Caves Opening Day - Mon, May 1, 2023
May 1, is "opening" day for many of the caves in the northeast owned by the Northeastern Cave Conservancy. https://www.necaveconservancy.org/preserves/ and the National Speleological Society https://caves.org/preserves/ . Plan your trips now!
Spring MAR [Pennsylvania] - Fri-Sun, May 5-7, 2023
The Mid-Appalachian Regional Organization of the NSS will be holding its Spring 2023 gathering scheduled for May 5-7 in Shade Gap, PA. The weekend of caving & camping will be hosted by the Franklin County Grotto. Details to follow.
Louisville Grotto Speleofest - Memorial Day (May 26-29), 2023
Speleofest 2023 takes place on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26 – 29) at the Lone Star Preserve in Bonnieville Kentucky. Guests can pre-register for early arrivals on Wednesday and Thursday. The theme for this year’s festivities is Lone Star Luau, where the preserve will be converted into an island paradise. The itinerary includes a customary howdy party, banquet, door prizes, wine and cheese social, and the after-party extraordinaire on Sunday night. Cavers can expect a wide array of caving opportunities on and off-site. Pre-registration is TBA; check for updates on our Speleofest Facebook page and at speleofest.com.
This is an event that some of our members regularly attend, for more info please info@ctcavers.org with “Kentucky Speleofest” in the subject line.
Spring NRO - Fri-Sun, June 9-11, 2023 [TENTATIVE]
The Northeastern Regional Organization of the NSS will be holding its Spring 2023 gathering tentatively scheduled for June 9- 11. The weekend of caving & camping will be potentially hosted by the Northern New Jersey Grotto at the Indian Lookout Campground in Cobleskill, NY.
NSS Annual Convention - June 26-30, 2023
The 2023 NSS Annual Convention returns to Elkins, WV. This is the largest gathering of cavers in the United States and is great opportunity to see friends, go caving and learn about cave science and exploration. For more can be found at the convention home page: https://caves.org/convention/2023-nss-convention/
This is an event that some of our members regularly attend, for more info please info@ctcavers.org with “NSS Convention 2023” in the subject line.