The quarterly CRF Newsletter documents current activities in all operations area. It is distributed, either in print or electronically, to over 700 CRF members, government agencies, and other interested parties. PDF versions of the current CRF Newsletter can be downloaded: high resolution or low resolution.
The Foundation's Annual Report provides an overview of the Foundation's activities and features articles resulting from research done by some of the recipients of CRF's Graduate Research Grant Program. All are welcome to download PDF versions of the report.
2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2018-2019 | Older (starting in 1966)
The 2022 Annual Report is still in progress and will be posted as soon as it is approved (as of 2025).
CRF accepts proposals for graduate student research in cave and karst studies leading to either a master's or doctoral degree. Proposals may be in any field of the earth, natural, or social sciences as long as the research addresses topics related to caves or karst.
Learn more about the CRF's Graduate Research Grant Program.
The Cave Research Foundation has been a supporter of the need for and implementation of efforts by federal, state, and local agencies to slow the spread of White Nose Syndrome (WNS), the fungus that is killing many hibernating bats. CRF will continue to work with said agencies to accomplish that end until the spread reaches its natural conclusion. More information about WNS information can be found via the National Speleological Society.
CRF remains committed to supporting the agencies as they endeavor to protect species survivors to ensure a species is not lost forever. The Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, has produced a 20-minute video documenting the approved procedure for decontaminating clothing and gear used in caves in WNS-positive area. The video can be viewed on Youtube.
CRF's Hamilton Valley Field Station, located just outside of Mammoth Cave National Park in south central Kentucky, is now open for CRF use and for those individuals/organizations involved in relevant karst or cave research, conservation and education. More information on availability and use of Hamilton Valley.
The main Hamilton Valley building has a fully equipped kitchen, including cooking equipment and tableware. The great hall is quite large. There are also two restrooms, each with two showers. There are two bunk houses next to the main building, each with five rooms, four bunks each. Total sleeping capacity is 40. All the buildings are heated and air-conditioned.
The Foundation has a program to provide educational outreach to encourage awareness of cave science, conservation, and caving safety to school-age children. The primary vehicle for implementing these goals is through the CaveSim Project, which uses an amazingly realistic simulated cave constructed in a trailer to allow kids to learn about caves by having a immersive experience rather than just a classroom lecture.
The CaveSim trailers travel to schools and other events throughout the country. More information about CaveSim is available at Cavesim.com.
Much of CRF's work involves surveying caves and producing accurate cave maps. These maps, along with inventory information gathered during the mapping process, allow cave owners and managers to know the nature and extent of their caves and what geological, biological, and historical resources they contain. This information is crucial to managing and protecting the fragile underground world.
Donations to support the Foundation's activities are welcome. CRF is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Kentucky. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations can be made by check, credit card, or from a PayPal account.
Donate NowPage last updated January 2026
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