Karst Field Studies Course Announcement Summer 2014

The Department of Geography and Geology at Western Kentucky University and its partners encourage you to participate in the summer 2014 Karst Field Studies Program at and near Mammoth Cave National Park . Tentative courses this summer will include:

- Karst Geology, June 1-7, Dr. Art Palmer
- Exploration of the Mammoth Cave Area, June 8-14, Dr. Stanley Sides
- Cave Survey and Cartography, June 15-21, Dr. Pat Kambesis, with assistance from Mr. Howard Kalnitz

Take a class for fun as non-credit workshops OR courses may also be taken for graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credit.

For more information about the program, courses, how to register, and instructors, please visit karstfieldstudies.com. But hurry, the deadline to reserve you spot is approaching fast…Friday, May 9. Space is limited.

If you have any questions please contact the Karst Field Studies Director, Dr. Leslie North, at [email protected].

"Like" us on Facebook at Karst Field Studies (WKU/Mammoth Cave).

Hope to see you this summer!

International Cave-Survey Camp Topo Sorbas 2012

Dear caving friends,

The Euro Forum Speleo "Marbella 2011", organized by our federation, was very theoretical and very "sporting".

Now we want to invite you to participate in a speleological exploration and surveying camp in the province of Almeria: "International Cave-Survey Camp Topo Sorbas 2012"

This is one of the most singular places of Andalusia with a unique caves and one of the world famous gypsum karst by its singularity.

We want that everything works out the best and it is why we ask you to confirm us your intention to participate and, if possible, the number of people interested. At the moment is just an approximation to know what resources we have to mobilize. I remind you that this is an exploration and topography camp in gypsum caves.

Best regards
José A. Berrocal Pérez, Federación Andaluza de Espeleología

Registration Deadline 5/7 for Karst Field Studies Courses

The registration deadline for the Karst Field Courses is rapidly approaching (5/7/12)!

The Hoffman Environmental Research Institute at WKU, is pleased to offer the Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program. Courses this summer will include:

- Exploration of Mammoth Cave, June 4-10
- Techniques in Karst Groundwater Investigations, June 6-8
- Karst Hydrogeology of the Ozarks, June 10-16
- Cave Archaeology, June 11-16
- Cave Survey and Cartography, June 17-23
- Application of Geophysical Methods to Karst Terrains, June 16-22

Courses may be taken for graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credit. Courses may also be taken as non-credit workshops.

For more information about the program, courses, how to register, and instructors, please visit karstfieldstudies.com.

If you have any questions please contact the 2012 Karst Field Studies Director, Dr. Leslie North, at [email protected].

Bat Workshops in 2012

This year, BCI will offer several training opportunities in Arizona (May), California (July), and Pennsylvania (August). Courses are conducted at premiere field locations where students can expect to encounter up to 100 bats per night. Students will learn hands-on techniques for the study of bats while participating in on-going bat conservation and management initiatives. In addition, the most current White-nose Syndrome updates will be presented at all classes, including hands-on training in accepted field-decontamination and disinfection protocols.

We are offering two different week-long classes at our flagship Arizona and Pennsylvania venues: (1) a “general” course which has a heavy emphasis on bat identification and study techniques, and (2) an "advanced capture" course that will combine mist-netting and harp-trapping with acoustics, bat detector use, signal analysis and video monitoring. Both courses provide ample opportunity for participants to learn and practice netting, trapping, handling, identification, and acoustic monitoring skills using a variety of capture techniques, bat detectors, and signal analysis protocols.

Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program

The Hoffman Environmental Research Institute through its Center for Cave and Karst Studies and in cooperation with the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning and Western Kentucky University, are pleased to announce the launch of the Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program. Courses this summer will include:

• Exploration of Mammoth Cave, June 4-10 
• Techniques in Karst Groundwater Investigations, June 6-8 
• Karst Hydrogeology of the Ozarks, June 10-16 
• Cave Archaeology, June 11-16 
• Cave Survey and Cartography, June 17-23 
• Application of Geophysical Methods to Karst Terrains, June 16-22 

Courses may be taken for graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credit. Courses may also be taken as non-credit workshops.

For more information about the program, courses, how to register, and instructors, please visit www.karstfieldstudies.com. While visiting the website be sure to also check out the "Scholarships" tab for information about Nick Crawford Karst Education Scholarship, a competitive award designed to offer financial assistance for attending a course.

If you have any questions please contact the 2012 Karst Field Studies Director, Dr. Leslie North, at [email protected].

2012 Cave Rescue Operations and Management Seminar

Camp Skyline, 

Mentone, Alabama 

May 19-26, 2012

Download Seminar Brochure & Registration Form

More information and online registration can be found on the dedicated NSS page

European Youth Camp - Juhöfola 2012

The European Speleological Youth Camp, Juhöföla 2012, will take place in the Schwabian Alps during summer 2012, in co-organisation with the FSE.

It is open to all European cavers under 25 years old, with a tolerance up to 29 years old, and it's a very great experience for all the young cavers who had the chance to live the previous editions.

If you are interested, you can send back as soon as possible the filled forto [email protected]

If you have questions about the camp, Petra will be happy to answer you at this same address.

All information can be found in this pdf or on the Juhöföla website.

Huge free caving and cave science repository

Paolo Forti and the Italian Institute of Speleology, supported by the European Speleological  Federation,  developed presentations covering almost all topics of caving and cave science in order to educate people. (see below for the list)

These presentations range in difficulty from beginner to more advanced level and are free for use (licensed under a Creative Commens license). They are available in following languages: French, Italian, English, Spanish.

They were distributed at the International Congress of Speleology in Kerrville (2009), but are now available for everyone through the SSI Documents website. Just click on your desired language above to create a log-in and subscribe to the desired course.

Underwater photography: Workshop for cave divers in France

The famous French caves Ressel and Landenouse will provide a demanding stage for two underwater photography-workshops.

J.-P. Bresser, a Dutch photographer and cave diver, invites fellow divers to join him from September 26 to 29, and from October 5 to 8, 2009 in the French Department Lot. The four-day workshop will be held in English and German. Topics covered will include dive planning, communication, and digital finishes on computers using Adobe Photoshop and other software.

Divers interested to participate need a full cave certification from an international recognized agency (such as NACD, NSS-CDS, GUE and IANTD) and proof of a valid dive accident insurance. The costs for the workshop is Euro 550 (approximately $793), plus flight, accommodation, and gases.

More info is available at [email protected]