The Middle Mississippi Valley Grotto (MMV) is a chapter of the National Speleological Society, dedicated to the exploration, study and conservation of caves. MMV has been a fixture in St. Louis since 1958, with over 500 monthly meetings to its credit.

MMV cavers have a special interest in the caves and karst of Perry County, the most cave rich county in the state, and of the Meramec Valley, where they have had a long and cooperative relationship with both private and public land owners and managers. Our emphasis is on productive caving--discovery, research and survey with fellowship along the way. Many grotto members have over 20 years experience in active caving. We are locally affiliated with the Missouri Speleological Survey, Inc., and are an active participant in cartography and speleological research.

Some Examples of MMV Activities. (Photos by Pam Saberton)

MMV Meetings are generally held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m to 9 p.m. at the Powder Valley Nature Center, 11715 Craigwold Road, Kirkwood, Missouri. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings customarily are followed by a "meeting after the meeting"--details available upon attendance.

MMV 2008 OFFICERS

President: Denise Hill
Vice-President and Membership Contact: Bryan McAllister
Secretary: Alex Rudolph
Treasurer: Jim Donley
MSS Representative: Jo Schaper

Articles for the MMV Underground may be emailed to: MMV Editorial Staff.

Grotto Caving Equipment List (wet/temperate region caves) Gear List.

"We invite you to come cave with us. Because we value good landowner relations, we will not furnish cave lists or specific locations via email to people we don't know. Come get to know us!

Information on Grotto monthly activities are coordinated by Denise Hill. She will post upcoming events to the Member's Only calendar, or she may be reached at Grotto Activities Coordinator.

If you are a cave researcher, a cave landowner, an out-of-area youth group leader, a fellow NSS member coming to the St. Louis area, or someone with an interest in a specific cave, tell us who you are. We will help if we can, but as a small, all-volunteer organization, our time is very limited, and often all we can provide is a recommendation of other resources. AS A GROTTO, WE NO LONGER LEAD YOUTH GROUP TRIPS due to landowner wishes, though some members individually work with such groups. For more info, come to a grotto meeting!"

Want a good read?
Try The Last Illusion, by long-time grotto member Don Dunham.
$14 plus shipping.
Click on book to order!

Need Some Cave Related Information?

Webster's Home Cave

MMV Members Only Link

Questions about this Webpage should be directed to: joschaper@socket.net