ROBBER BARON PRESERVE

Robber Baron Events Calendar

November 8 - Saturday, 9:00 am
Robber Baron Open House and Dedication

The Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA) is pleased to announce an open house at Robber Baron Cave Preserve in San Antonio.  Since 2004, TCMA has undertaken a major project to restore and improve the property around the cave entrance.  To mark the conclusion of this project, a formal dedication and open house will be held at the cave on Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

During the Open House you will be invited to take an underground tour through the cave, learn more about TCMA and Robber Baron, and have a chance to meet the people who explore and maintain it.  People in the neighborhood and volunteers are especially invited to attend.  Caving gear will be provided.

The Robber Baron restoration project involved many components: removal of trash and debris from the sinkhole, constructing a new, more ecologically friendly entrance, improving the surface by replacing exotic plants with native plants, and physical improvements including fencing, trails, and an informational kiosk.  The project has involved over 3000 hours of work from more than 100 volunteers, especially from the local Bexar Grotto caving group.  Work was completed at a cost of more than $33,000, much of it in the form of individual donations and grants from organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Magnolia Charitable Trust, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  These contributors have helped make Robber Baron a centerpiece for TCMA due to its unique geological, biological, and historical assets.

Founded in 1986, the Texas Cave Management Association is a nonprofit organization that works with members and partners to acquire and manage caves and karst.  Through diversified funding, we actively work to conserve caves, promote research and education, and provide responsible recreational access to our caves.  More information about TCMA can be found at www.tcmacaves.org.  The Bexar Grotto is the San Antonio area chapter of the National Speleological Society. More can be found at www.caves.org/grotto/bexargrotto/

More information about Robber Baron or the open house can be found at www.tcmacaves.org/robberbaron/ or by contacting Joe Mitchell at joe.mitchell@tcmacaves.org or (210)679-8408.

For more information please e-mail joe.mitchell@tcmacaves.org or linda@tcmacaves.org