Brent McGregor (right) and Eddy Cartaya (middle), expedition leaders and the driving force behind Glacier Cave Explorers;
View Eddy's TED Talk for Youth
Glacier Cave Explorers is part of the Oregon High Desert Grotto (OHDG), a non-profit chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS). The NSS is an organization dedicated to advancing the study, conservation, exploration, and knowledge of caves.
Glacier Cave Explorers was started by Eddy Cartaya and Brent McGregor, experienced cavers and mountaineers who share a passion for exploration and discovery.
In 2011, they surveyed and explored their first true glacier cave system and quickly discovered how these caves influence the life-cycle of glaciers. Since then, they have recruited a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of experts and expanded their glacier cave projects.
This is a personal passion for these skilled volunteers and our core Glacier Cave Explorers team. We are very grateful for our community of participants.
One of the porter teams at Ingraham Flats on Mt Rainier expedition
We also receive critical support from:
- MRA-certified mountain rescue teams, caving and cave rescue organizations, International Mountain Guides, and climbing clubs, in the form of porters, expedition personnel, and more.
- Scientists and students from colleges and universities who volunteer their time and expertise by stepping in as principle and co-investigators to guide these studies.
Two of the hardest working guys on the mountain... Gunnar Johnson (left) of Portland State University, and Jared Smith (right) of Volcano Rescue Team
Special thanks to:
- Dr. Penny Boston, New Mexico Tech. NM; Dr. Andreas Pflitsch, Ruhr University, Germany; Dr. Roberto Anitori, Clark College, WA; Dr. Lee Florea, Ball State University, IN; Dr. Andrew Fountain, Portland State University, OR
- High-caliber photographers with experience shooting in low-light, wet and cold conditions - an environment that tends to ruin their very expensive equipment.
- We've received essential cooperation from the Forest Service and National Park Service. They read our study proposals and approve the permits necessary to do this work in public land under their jurisdiction. We honor their trust and work hard to manage and minimize our human impact in these fragile, protected places.