Current GAG
Projects
Biological Survey in Selected Caves
Lehigh County Cave Survey
Lost River Caverns Cleanup
Onyx & Frazer Cave Digs
Undisclosed Cave Dig
| Biological Survey in Selected Caves |
| Project Leader:
Mike Spencer Current Status: On-Going Volunteers are needed to assist in documenting cave biology in selected caves in Upper Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh and Berks Counties. Biology in the caves in these counties has generally been poorly documented. The purpose of the surveys is to attempt to provide a comprehensive biological inventory for each cave selected. This is your chance to come and learn more about the critters we share our favorite spaces with. Contact Mike Spencer for details.
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| Lehigh County Cave Survey |
| Project Leader:
Dean Snyder Current Status: On-Going Volunteers are needed to assist with updating maps, historical research, digging and ridge walking in Lehigh County. Contact Dean Snyder or Mike Spencer for details.
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| Lost River Caverns Cleanup |
Project Leader: Dean Snyder
Current Status: On-Going
Date & Time: Contact Dean SnyderLost River Caverns in Hellertown, PA, is the Lehigh Valley's only commercial cave. It is also south eastern PA's largest cave, measuring at almost 2000 feet. It has been operated as a commercial cave since 1930.
Unfortunately 71 years of commercial operation has left its mark on the cave. The heat and light from the lighting system has given rise to ugly, unsightly, and most importantly unnatural mold and fungus which now covers most of the caves surfaces. Thousands of visitors have also left their mark in the form of collections of lint on delicate formations.
On December 15, 2001, members of the Greater Allentown Grotto chapter of the National Speleological Society made the first of what will be many trips into the cave to clean it.
TECHNIQUES
First the area to be cleaned is sprayed lightly with seltzer water (a mild carbonic acid), then scrubbed with a soft nylon brush. Nooks and crannies are scrubbed with a toothbrush. The area is then sprayed for a second time with a mixture of 10% Clorox to 90% water to kill remaining growth and retard further growth. Finally, the area is sprayed with pure water to further dilute the chemicals used and lessen the impact on the natural environment.
| Onyx & Frazer Cave Digs |
Project Leader: Ed Kehs
Current Status: On-GoingEd Kehs has invited grotto members to come and join him on some on-going digs in both Onyx and Frazer Caves at his Berks County property. Both caves have recently yielded new passage. Contact Ed Kehs to schedule a time to join him on a dig.
| Undisclosed Cave Dig |
Project Leader: Mike Spencer
Current Status: On-GoingA local landowner has given us permission to start digging in their cave. Potential dig is located right at the entrance inside the cave. Contact Mike Spencer for details & scheduling if interested.