What is the Mississippi Valley--Ozark Region of the National Speleological Society?

The National Speleological Society (NSS) has been divided into regions in order to further facilitate regional caving interests among members of the Society. The MVOR geographically roughly consists of Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, eastern Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, and western Kentucky and Tennessee--at least the great majority of cavers who show up for the semi-annual regional conventions are from these states, although others are not necessarily excluded. The conventions (called MVOR's) have been held for nearly 50 years (48 years as of Fall, 2005) and are an opportunity for fellowship and caving among affiliated and non- grotto-affiliated NSS members. The MVOR is run by an elected board of officers, who hold meetings at the MVOR, with attending members as the quorum. In addition to the regional meeting, the MVOR is often a source of funds for worthy cave conservation projects, such as gates, and is the sponsoring organization for the Lester B. Dill Award, which is given to a member of the region "For Significant Contributions To Speleology." More details can be had from the MVOR Executive Board.

More information about the MVOR can be had by contacting a regional NSS grotto, most of which are also MSS affiliates, or go to the MVOR web site www.mvor.org.

This page last updated: July 7, 2005