Classen 7-7a Cave, Bexar County, Texas

July 2023

Gate Types: FLAT and BASIC

This cave was originally two karst features discovered during a survey for a new city park. Due to concerns about endangered species habitat, the features needed to be excavated to see if they led to cave passage. They did, and connected the two features via the newly discovered cave. They also found the federally listed cave beetle Rhadine exilis. The new cave habitat now had to be protected, since it was near various attractions in the park, so we built two awesome gates. All photos © Jim Kennedy.

Our work area. Somewhat shady, but still 100°F.
I didn’t get photos of the work in progress on this gate, but here’s the finished product.
We first had to move some rubble in the second entrance.
Lydia takes a much-needed rest break while Angie drills a hole for an anchor pin.
The bars go up and the gate nears completion.
Our hard-working Aggie volunteers were always cheerful despite the stifling conditions and constant labors.
The final gate includes a removable bar, of course.