Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Members Meeting - Campout @ Billygoat Point GA

  • Start
    November 07, 2025
  •  
    5:00 AM
  • End
    November 09, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Billygoat Point: 1325 Sunset Dr. Rising Fawn, GA 30738 (Read the description)
  • Registered
    49 registrants

  Register

  Join us for our November campout meeting of 2025! 

  Friday and Saturday camping will be available, and the grotto meeting is Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. EST. 

  Saturday Night Presentation

  Anna Pearce will be presenting on finding and discovering new caves in TAG!

  About Billygoat Point

  Billygoat Point is a privately owned campsite with a fantastic 270 degree view of the Lookout Valley and Johnson's Crook that easily rivals nearby Cloudland Canyon. We are camping here by special arrangement, because the DCG has been respectful users of the area for many years. While we visit, please follow these rules (which should apply ANYWHERE you camp!) 

  *Please go well away from camp or water sources to do personal business. ALWAYS bury your business, or better yet, put it in a bag and take it with you. 

  *Please only burn a fire in the central fire-ring. 

  *Please take ALL garbage with you. 

  *This is primitive camping. There is no water or electricity. 

  *Please be space-efficient - there will be around 45 of us, so if you're tent camping, please park back along the road and walk a short distance in to set up. 

  *Please leave room for those who are camping in their vehicles if you are not. (Insider tip: there are some nice sleeping opportunities for those with hammocks)

  Things to do: 

  Right on site, you can spend hours gazing at the views. You can also top rope rock-climb and rappel the surrounding cliffs, which vary between 30' to 85' feet. If caving is what you are after, we are very close to Johnson's Crook, so there is easy access to those caves and pits. It is also very close to the SCCi's Fox Mountain, H. Waterfall, and Stwd. Springs preserves. Be aware that you will need a permit for any of those, so you should go ahead and get one now. Also, Pigeon Mountain is neaby, which includes Andersn Spg. and EXCELLENT hiking to Rocktown and The Pocket. More hiking nearby: Cloudland Canyon, Sitton's Gulch, and the Zahnd Natural area (another Rocktown bouldering type area), and Lula Lake Land Trust (which requires a permit and is only available for visiting on weekends). All of these have great hikes to nice views including waterfalls and overlooks. 

  Show details
• Beginner/Intermediate Horizontal Trip to Ulla Cave

  • When
    November 08, 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Billygoat point
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Meet location: Billygoat Point 

  Time: 9:30 AM Eastern 

  The cave starts as a tight and crawly cave. There is a short belly crawl in water. Then the cave opens up to very large rooms. There is breakdown climbing and crossing. Three points of contact with your arms and legs is recommended at all times to be sturdy. Please be prepared with extra warm layers, food, water, three sources of light and follow all safety guidelines.

  A fishing license is required with the Georgia DNR to be on the property. Please purchase one online before the trip.

  https://license.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx
  

  Reach out to Alex Lambie for any questions:
  470-244-4732

  Show details
• Horizontal trip - Howards Waterfall Cave

  • When
    November 08, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Dade County, GA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  This is a beginner trip to Howards Waterfall Cave lead by Jackson Fuller.

      Meeting time: 10:00am EST 

      Meeting location: Food Outlet 4645 GA-136, Trenton, GA 30752

  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

  When you sign up for this trip, fill out the SCCI permit that is linked near the bottom of the confirmation email ASAP to guarantee your spot.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________________

  What to wear & bring:

  -At a quick look

         -Standard dry horizontal caving gear.

        -Extra layers in case you get chilly

        -Good knee pads, there is a fair amount of crawling in this cave.

  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

  -In depth

          To wear:

        - Fast drying clothes. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon work best.
  

          Bear in mind that caves frequently destroy the clothing you take into them.

        - Long pants, think light and durable.

        - Shirt - long or short sleeve depending on how hot or cold you normally run.

        - Warm packable layers.

        - Good sturdy boots or shoes.

        - Knee pads necessary, elbow pads optional

        - Gloves! Rubber garden gloves work well. Gloves don't only protect you from the                                      cave but more importantly protect the cave from YOU!

        - A helmet with a mounted headlamp and fresh batteries.

        - If you need to rent a helmet & light combo ($5), contact Alex Lambie ASAP.                                                You will also need to bring 6 brand new AA batteries.

  
  

        To bring:    

       - A cave pack or small durable day bag.

       - At least two light sources per person in addition to the one on your helmet.

       - Extra batteries for each light source protected by a water-resistant container

       - Snacks. Protein bars, dried fruit, nuts and jerky pack well. Put snacks in ziploc bags                                 to protect from getting wet. Be prepared to carry your trash.

       - Water in a lightweight reusable bottle, 24 -32oz recommended.

       - A large plastic bag to put your dirty wet clothes and boots in.

       - A towel and clean clothes and shoes for the ride home.

  _________________________________________________________________________________________________

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Cave Surveying 101

  • When
    November 09, 2025
  • Spaces left
    0
  • Registered
    12 registrants

  Join waitlist

  Azimuth is Not a Bad Word: Surveying 101 Trip to Howard’s Waterfall Cave

  Mike Rogers will lead a group on a beginner’s “Surveying 101” trip into Howard’s Waterfall Cave on Sunday, November 9. Many of you will remember Mike’s presentation at the August DCG virtual meeting, where he shared the story of the remarkable survey of Lost Creek Cave in Tennessee. Dan Werner will be the Deputy Leader. Mike will lead the instruction, and Dan (himself an eager-to-learn relative surveying novice) will handle logistics.

  Howard’s Waterfall Cave is a horizontal cave suitable for beginners. It is on a Southeast Cave Conservancy Preserve. Registered participants will need to complete the SCCi release, which will be accessible from a link at the bottom of the confirmation email.

  The trip will be limited to 10 participants (plus Mike and Dan). 

  Billygoat Point campers will leave the camping area 9:30 a.m. ET. Non-campers should meet at the Food City parking lot in Trenton at 10:00 a.m. ET.

  Mike’s description of the training:

  During this survey course, I will teach cave survey principals from a beginner surveyor’s perspective, so no prior survey experience or survey equipment is needed. We will record the data and sketch using paper and pencil, so please understand that digital cave survey using a tablet or phone will not be covered. Participants will learn how to use Disto X2 survey instruments (which can record all three critical measurements of distance, compass bearing, and inclination/slope), along with the older-style Suunto sighted instruments and a fiberglass tape. I will also teach the principals of sketching, including how to sketch to scale. Depending on how many students we have, we may not have time for everyone to give this a try, but it is well worth seeing how it’s done in “the field.”  

  I’ll explain the three primary roles in cave survey: 1) setting points, 2) running instruments, and 3) recording data & sketching. I’ll also cover the standard “flow” of cave survey and have everyone practice this in a 3-person survey team doing several stations in a row. Participants may have the opportunity to try all three roles if time permits. I’ll have some tips and tricks for placing and lighting the survey stations, along with correctly reading the instruments. And I’ll spend a good portion of time explaining how I personally keep track of the data during the survey as well as my style for sketching. I’ll also explain the importance of the book/sketch role and discuss how this person serves as the survey leader, and can dictate where shots are taken along with set the pace for the survey.

  A final note: learning cave survey requires some patience and a good bit of instruction, so expect some “standing around” time during this course. It might be wise to bring a few extra warm clothes just in case the cave is cold that day.

  Looking forward to working with you!

  What To Wear & Bring

  • Clothes: Try to wear fast drying clothes. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon work best. Avoid cotton. Bear in mind that caves frequently destroy the clothing you take into them. 

  • Long pants

  • Shirt - long or short sleeve

  • An extra layer or two for standing around time

  • Coveralls are optional

  • Gear

  • Good sturdy boots or shoes.

  • A helmet with mounted light and new/fresh batteries.

  • Two additional reliable sources of electric light.

  • Extra batteries for each light source protected by a water-resistant container

  • Knee pads

  • Elbow pads are optional.

  • Gloves - they don't just protect you from the cave, they protect the cave from YOU.

  • If you wear glasses, anti-fogging wipes are helpful (used wipes and wrappers must leave the cave with you).

  • Cave Pack

  • Snacks-- protein bars pack well. Put snacks in Ziploc bags to protect from getting wet.

  • Water: 32oz recommended. There is no safe water source in the cave.    

  • For when you’re done  

  • A large plastic bag to stash your muddy clothes.

  • Clean Clothes for the ride home

  • • Hand/face wipes (optional, but nice to have)
      

  If you have questions, email Dan at dan@danwernerlaw.com and wernerdad@gmail.com. You also can reach him via WhatsApp: +1-334-324-7410. 

  Show details
• Beginner/Intermediate Vertical Trip to Lost Canyon

  • When
    November 09, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Billygoat point
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Meet location: Billygoat Point 

  Time: 10:00 AM Eastern 

  Lost Canyon is a vertical cave on the Charles B Henson - Johnsons Crook Preserve with two significant drops and multiple rebelays to bottom the cave.  The cave is relatively short but contains some of the most impressive "cave popcorn" formations in TAG.  Most of the time expended will be in rigging and negotiating the two drops and admiring the cool formations.

  Participants must be competent with changeovers and rebelays!  Please make sure you have tested, sized and adjusted your equipment prior to the trip. 

  The trip is limited to the first seven registrants plus the trip leader (eight total).  The SCCI permit must be signed by all participants and is located at the link below: 

  https://permits.scci.org/release-form.html?wic_release___permit_id=44721

  Reach out to Joel Rowe for any questions: 678-983-9516  Gonna be fun, sign up fast!

  Show details
• November NSS HQ Work Day

  • Start
    November 15, 2025
  • End
    November 16, 2025
  • Location
    NSS HQ, 6001 Pulaski Pike NW, Huntsville, AL 35810

  Come help turn the NSS HQ property into a world class outdoor education facility! Indoor/Outdoor camping available for NSS members- contact the NSS Office for details. 

  "We've got lots going on this coming year! We have new engraved bricks for the celebration patio to place, we are painting the outside of the building, we have some interior demolition to complete, we are building a Fine Arts Salon showcase, we have some old trees to remove and lots of invasive plants to attack, just to mention a few tasks on the agenda. If your grotto would like to schedule a work weekend at a time not on the schedule, get in touch with me and we will schedule something. If each SERA grotto came for just one day a year, we can get so much done! We have installed new gutters and started painting the outside of the building this past year. There is always lots to do down here! " - Maureen Handler, NSS Facilities Division Chief.

  Local caving options are available! The William J Stephenson Preserve, Shelta Cave Preserve, multiple LTNA properties, and private and public land caves. Please obtain permission before entering any cave. 

  Show details
• Cave-In Advisory (CAB) Meeting

  • When
    November 17, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM

  Register

  The Cave-In Advisory Board shall conduct the business of hosting the annual TAG Fall Cave-In.

  This meeting is open to all members in good standing.

  If you wish to have a business item to the meeting agenda, please reach out to the CAB Chair in advance.

  Please RSVP to receive the zoom link.

  Show details
• Members Meeting - Virtual

  • When
    December 01, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    zoom

  Register

  Join us for our December regular meeting of 2025, held virtually via Zoom.
  
  A presenter is TBD.

  You don't want to miss this presentation.
  Be sure to register to receive the zoom information!
  

  Show details
• December NSS HQ Work Day

  • Start
    December 06, 2025
  • End
    December 07, 2025
  • Location
    NSS HQ, 6001 Pulaski Pike NW, Huntsville, AL 35810

  Come help turn the NSS HQ property into a world class outdoor education facility! Indoor/Outdoor camping available for NSS members- contact the NSS Office for details. 

  "We've got lots going on this coming year! We have new engraved bricks for the celebration patio to place, we are painting the outside of the building, we have some interior demolition to complete, we are building a Fine Arts Salon showcase, we have some old trees to remove and lots of invasive plants to attack, just to mention a few tasks on the agenda. If your grotto would like to schedule a work weekend at a time not on the schedule, get in touch with me and we will schedule something. If each SERA grotto came for just one day a year, we can get so much done! We have installed new gutters and started painting the outside of the building this past year. There is always lots to do down here! " - Maureen Handler, NSS Facilities Division Chief.

  Local caving options are available! The William J Stephenson Preserve, Shelta Cave Preserve, multiple LTNA properties, and private and public land caves. Please obtain permission before entering any cave. 

  Show details
• Cave-In Advisory (CAB) Meeting

  • When
    December 15, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM

  Register

  The Cave-In Advisory Board shall conduct the business of hosting the annual TAG Fall Cave-In.

  This meeting is open to all members in good standing.

  If you wish to have a business item to the meeting agenda, please reach out to the CAB Chair in advance.

  Please RSVP to receive the zoom link.

  Show details
• Regular Meeting - Elections

  • When
    January 06, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Zoom

  Registration is closed

  It is once again time for grotto officer elections. With this being an official business meeting with voting taking place it is very important that at least 20 Full Members be present. The majority of this meeting will be the nomination and voting process which is all being done digitally this year. We need three Inspectors of elections. Let us know if you can help out. It would be appreciated.

  If you are a full member of the Grotto, please have access to your email throughout the meeting for voting and reach out with any questions ahead of time. Make sure that your Dogwood City Grotto account says Full member and not Associate or any other before the meeting.

  Members and guests are all welcome to attend this meeting! Please reach out to a member of the Board of Directors with any questions you may have.

  Show details
• NSS HQ Work Weekend, Camping, and Caving Weekend

  • Start
    January 09, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    January 11, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    6001 Pulaski Pike NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  Join us for a weekend of  volunteer work, caving, camping at the National Speleological Society Headquarters in Huntsville Alabama.
  
  Camping is free for NSS members, and we will be able to camp indoors and out of the cold. Inside camping is just a large room so bring a cot or sleeping pad and your sleeping things (And maybe ear plugs!)
  
  Camping will be available Friday and Saturday night. We will be doing work on the Headquarters on Saturday. The type of work depends on the weather and needs of the NSS. After work, there are caves on site and many amazing caves within 30 mins of the HQ. Caving typically occurs Saturday evening and Sunday.
  
  Currently, the plan is to paint the auditorium. If you have drop cloths, paint brushes, rollers, etc. feel free to bring them. This will be a joint work weekend with Sewanee Mountain Grotto.

  If you have any questions, please email ec@dogwoodcitygrotto.org
  
  Thanks!

  Show details