http://nss2013.caves.org/
Cavers from Pennsylvania and surrounding states--and even some not-so-near states--have worked diligently to bring the Annual NSS Convention back to Pennsylvania, something many cavers from the Keystone State are too young to remember, especially so for cavers born after our nation's Bicentennial.
The forthcoming convention includes an anniversary celebration of the Mid-Appalachian Region, a Howdy Party, campground party, banquet, and more. It should be a not-to-miss event this summer1
And of course, get a Convention Guidebook:
"Pennsylvania Caves: A Guide to the Caves of the Shippensburg Area," edited by Kim & Tom Metzgar, Walt Hamm, and Kerry Speelman, contains more than 300 pages of maps, descriptions, history, and information about caving in the Shippensburg area, as well as an overview/history of caving in the state. There are more than 80 pages of maps, descriptions and photos of caves just in the Shippensburg area, alone. Contributing photographers include Alan Horn and Gordon Ley, whose work was featured in last year's Convention Guidebook. Pennsylvania has many cavers who have been deeply involved with the NSS over the years. The Convention Guidebook offers a brief summary of their efforts.Have you seen a bunch of maps in places like "The NSS News" by someone named Bernie Smeltzer? Read about Bernie and see many examples of his work in caves that you will be visiting.
Want to know something about a Pennsylvania grotto? Each grotto in the state was asked to contribute a history. This section also includes a history of former grottos.
Did you know Pennsylvania has a cave protection law? The work of York Grotto, and of NSS member Judi Stack (among others) was crucial in getting this law passed. There is a history of the Pennsylvania cave law in the guidebook.
Ever heard of Hosterman's Pit and wonder why you can't go there? A chapter on the history of cave conservation will tell you why.
Want to know what the 25 longest and deepest caves are in the state? You know where to look...
Want to know what the most cave-rich counties in Pennsylvania are? All this information is included. (*note* the guidebook chart on cave-rich counties dispels the myth that all of the caves are a long way from Convention.)
Want to do a 400-plus foot deep cave in a county close to the Convention Site? Big Ridge Cave.
Yes... We DO have vertical caves here!
Are show caves, or former show caves, your thing? The guidebook has you covered... And so does the Cave Booth volunteer crew. There will be led trips to one of the most spectacular caves in the state, Alexander Caverns, a former show cave. Another former show cave, Baker Caverns (entrance in the basement of a house), will be open one day only during Convention for special led trips.
The Pennsylvania show cave owners have banded together, not just to support the Convention with ads in the program books, but to show their support to NSS members by offering discounts to cavers presenting their NSS card or their convention registration ID, at the time of Convention only.
Are you a geology fan? Will & Bette White have completed an excellent chapter for the Convention Guidebook covering the geology of the Shippensburg area. In addition, Katie Schmid of the Loyalhanna Grotto and Thomas Feeney, a professor at Shippensburg University who is currently studying Cleversburg Sink, have planned a great geology field trip with a well-timed stop at Cleversburg.Jim Hart and Charlie Eichelberger have the Biology Section covered. Come find out about the latest cutting-edge research on the biology of caves and karst.
History buffs might also find interesting a never-before-published documentary of Pennsylvania's link to not one, not two, but FIVE Mammoth Cave guidebook authors who have ties to the state.
Pre-register so you can be sure to get a Convention Guidebook. There will be PLENTY to see and do in Pennsylvania this summer.
WELCOME!
http://nss2013.caves.org/
http://www.caves.org/info/events.shtml
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