The Blue Ridge Grotto is a chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS), and has been in existence since 1969. The purpose of the grotto is “to encourage and promote the study and science of speleology; to promote the preservation, conservation and exploration of caves; to coordinate the efforts of the members; to facilitate the communication of speleological information; to encourage fellowship among those interested in spelunking (caving); and to promote safety.”

Blue Ridge Grotto members promote cave conservation and cave safety and foster and maintain good landowner relations by always asking permission before going caving, and by honoring all cave closures. Members are involved in exploration, survey, vertical caving, cave cleanups and other cave conservation work, cave photography, outreaches to scout troops, science classes, and civic groups. Several BRG members are also trained in NCRC techniques and are on 24-hour call for cave rescues.

The group has resumed in-person meetings on the third Friday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Jersey Lily’s on 1650 Braeburn Dr, Salem, VA 24153. You can order and eat dinner at 6p and the meeting starts at 7p. (No meeting in September 2021, and the December 2021 will be at a BRG member’s house.) Announcements and links are sent via email.

• 540-989-7693
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Venture Out provides fun, safe, and educational outdoor services to Virginia Tech students, faculty, staff, and the community of Blacksburg.

The organization specializes in exciting outdoor adventures, quality rental gear at unbeatable rates, and valuable resources to help you plan the perfect adventure. Venture Out offers extensive outdoor resources on local, regional, and national recreation opportunities. We have a variety of brochures and books on hiking, backpacking, and camping in the New River Valley including information on all of the Virginia State Parks and National Forest.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m.

• 540-231-4982
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VPI Cave Club is the official student grotto (club) of the National Speleological Society. The club is designed to promote interest in and to advance the science of speleology, to promote conservation of caves and safety in their exploration, and to encourage fellowship among Virginia Tech students and alumni interested in caving. The VPI Cave Club has been around for more than 65 years.

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