CAVING -- Big Sky spelunkers are inviting the public to learn about Montana’s hidden underground environment at Cave Camp 2016 set for Friday through Sunday, Oct. 14-16, at Monarch near Great Falls.

Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto, a Montana cave advocacy group, will be the host for the region’s first caving education event. Participants will learn basic to advanced caving techniques including rappelling, rescue and cave surveying and mapping.

The U.S. Forest Service will lead a cave clean-up and restoration during the first day.

The Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto, University of Montana Cave Club and Bigfork High School Cave Club will be leading trips to about 10 local caves on Sunday.

More than 80 explorers from several states and Canada are expected to attend the event, said co-organizer Taylor Woods.

REI and Cabela’s have donated a number of items for the Cave Camp silent auction with proceeds going toward sustainability and cave exploration.  Wildwood Brewing from Stevensville and MAP Brewing from Bozeman are co-sponsors.

Info: woodsta00@gmail.com or Ian Chechet, (406) 860-7574.