By Amy Schoenenberger
The Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA) has had an enormous impact on the state’s subterranean resources and the caving community. Without TCMA’s management, conservation efforts, and support for new clubs, the ability to cave would be completely different – especially for a new organization like the Roadrunner Grotto or Roadrunner Speleological Society at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
TCMA is the reason students can be introduced to caving and more young people can
be inspired to get involved.
Most of the Roadrunner Grotto’s trips are to TCMA preserves, where new cavers are shown the incredible beauty of Texas caves and are taught how to cave safely. RSS members
help prepare Robber Baron Cave for its reopening, and the grotto plans to run beginner trips
there for new members wanting to learn about caving.
RSS is also getting involved in future TCMA projects such as graffiti cleaning at Wurzbach Bat Cave. These volunteer efforts help members learn firsthand what it takes to protect and preserve caves.
The Deep and Punkin Cave Preserve has also become one of the main trip destinations, offering members the opportunity to explore two amazing caves in one preserve. Since RSS is still a new club at UTSA, the grotto has only been to Deep and Punkin a few times so far, but the intention is for this to become a regular annual trip as the organization continues to grow and develop.
The Roadrunner Grotto is extremely grateful to TCMA for everything they do to keep Texas caves protected and well cared for. The grotto aims to continue that mission by helping where possible at every preserve, supporting conservation, and ensuring that all trips promote safe and responsible caving. The goal is to enjoy caving while making sure the caves and the surrounding environments stay preserved for years to come.