Bat
Cave Home Page
GENERAL
How to be a Good Guest
Where is Bat Cave?
The AREA
Area rock Layers
Topography
Geomorphology
Geological History
The Paleozoic
The Mesozoic
The Cenozoic
Water
The Hydrologic Cycle
Solution
Solution chemistry
Karst Landscapes
Erosional Features
Depositional Features
Environmental Issues
BAT CAVE
How was Bat Cave formed?
Surface Plan of the site
Map of the Cave
Life in and around Bat Cave
A Virtual Trip Through Bat Cave
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
HOW
TO BEHAVE:
We trust that you will agree that this cave represents a unique opportunity and resource in which you share, that you will treat it with the respect it deserves, and that you will follow the rules that were developed to protect you and the site.
NOTE:
Like most activities in nature, caving has its element of challenge. While the improvements the College has made are designed to minimize the risk to you, there still is an element of challenge that remains. In places, there are pits, loose rocks that can fall, low ceilings and small passages. Other places have ponds and slippery walls and floors.
Nor can we predict how you will react to an unusual and unfamiliar environment
For your and the site's protection, use common sense and follow the rules below:
Wear closed shoes or sneakers. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not allowed (much less bare feet).
At all times, wear your headgear (helmet) in the cave. Sudden contact between your unprotected head and solid rock is rarely pleasant.
NO alcohol or drugs. Do not arrive impared or become impaired by alcohol or drugs. That includes medicines that make you drowsy or impair your alertness or judgment.
Have your own light or stay with someone who has a light.
Stay with the group. Should there be any problem, communicate with your partner as well as the tour guide.
Never be alone. Never take off on your own or even with a buddy to explore other sections of the cave or attempt to return to the surface
Do not run or horse around. Ceilings are low and floors are uneven. This is a good way to trip anf fall and injure yourself or others and abrupt contact with a low ceiling may well knock you out.
Stay on the boardwalk, except in the immediate vicinity of the building.There is little natural ground cover on the cave site because of past timbering operations. We are now trying to let the native vegetation re-establish itself.
In this area, the soils are loose, sandy and easily eroded. Normally, vegetation would have established itself on the rim of these openings, thereby stabilizing the edges of the sinks and minimizing erosion. We have placed collars around the surface openings to mitigate the impacts of human activity.
When we go into the cave, there will be access to only a limited part of the cave. This again will minimize our impact, and will allow the remainder of the system to function as naturally as possible.
Do not litter or vandalize...especially not in the cave. In this geologic setting, the thin veneer of very permeable sands allows any rainwater to infiltrate directly to the aquifer without the benefit of filtering by clays. Also, caves and sinkholes act as storm sewers, mainlining water, sediments and chemicals directly to the Floridan Aquifer which is the area's main source of drinking water. This makes it extremely vulnerable to pollution. To ensure that we do not pollute, all waste from our activities and facilities are retained in a tank, and will later be carried offsite for treatment. The same is true for the solid waste generated by the site. As you enjoy the experience, be especially aware of the little things...like don't spit out your gum in the cave....
Thank You for thinking about them.