Organizers Planning Cobleskill Welcome for Cavers

COBLESKILL - Local organizers are planning the logistics and activities to welcome cavers from around the country to Cobleskill, June 23-27, for the 82nd annual convention of the National Speleological Society.

The NSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the scientific study and protection of caves, education and promoting responsible cave exploration. The society has about 8,000 members nationwide.

Convention Co-chair Mike Warner of Schoharie said between 800 and 1,000 cavers are expected to attend.

“Schoharie County has always been a mecca for cavers,” said Warner. “We know they’ll receive a warm local welcome, just as they did in 1991.” That year, the society held its prestigious 50th annual convention, also in Cobleskill.

Many of those attending will camp at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. Others will find lodging at Cobleskill-area accommodations. They’ll dine at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

Schoharie County, with an estimated 150 caves, is central to the northeast’s “Cave Country.” It’s also home to the region’s longest cave, currently about seven miles in length beneath the Town of Carlisle.