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Based on The University of Alabama's slogan, Where Legends Are Made, cavers in the UA Geology department created the Cave Appreciation Club (CAC) for students. Started in 2024, the student-led organization is dedicated to educating its community on the appreciation, conservation, and responsible exploration of underground environments.
To create a club that would outlast its founding members, the club drew inspiration from other successful student-led grottos. Tiers of membership include general members, full members, and trip leaders. To develop the skills and judgement needed to participate in, lead, or organize caving trips, all students start as general members. Necessary gear can be borrowed for a small fee that supports additional equipment purchases. To become a full member, cavers must participate in at least two caving trips and attend one guest lecture. Full members gain access to advanced trips, ropes practice, survey trips and are eligible to be trip leaders.
In 2025, 273 students went caving with CAC. The club currently has 449 members, including 35 full members, and 9 trip leaders. Eager cavers continue to expand their skills through SPAR training, vertical trips, and surveying. CAC also maintains an ongoing survey project at Rickwood Caverns, AL, where members learn to sketch and survey. Next year, the club plans to expand the trip leader cohort and increase outreach events in coordination with other clubs and grottos.
Jacqueline F. Heggen*, J. Max Koether, and Anna Drabik,
University of Alabama