Regular cave cleaning is an important part of cave conservation

WHITEHALL – Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are seeking volunteers to help with a post-season cleaning of the caverns.

The event will be Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Upper Visitor Center for a brief orientation before the work begins.

Volunteers in this event will get the chance to see the park up close as they work to reduce some of the impacts from visitors in the cave and on outdoor trails. This includes removing lint and dust from the cave formations, steps and pathways, along with cleaning naturally growing algae. Trail work will involve pulling noxious weeds and repairing rutted trails.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to RSVP by sending an email to Lewis&ClarkCavernsStatePark@mt.gov by Friday, Oct. 2.

Volunteers should bring a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, water, sunscreen, gardening gloves and a closed-toed shoes with good traction. Park staff will provide additional materials, as well as snacks and water. If you plan to work in the cave, please use clothing and equipment that has not been worn in another cave or mine to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 8 miles southeast of Cardwell along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, click here or call 406-287-3541.