Oregon Caves Needs Lint Pickers

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News Release Date: September 17, 2008

In conjunction with the 2008 Public Lands Day, Oregon Caves National Monument is hosting a day of cave restoration. We are looking for volunteers to join us on Saturday, September 27 to pick lint along the tour route of Oregon Caves. Participants will be provided with camping, lunch, an off-trail caving trip, and a pass good for one day of free admission to any fee site on public lands.

Oregon Caves receives approximately 50,000 visitors on an annual basis. Each person who enters the cave leaves behind a tiny bit of lint. Over time, lint accumulates. Lint is composed of fibers, hair, skin cells, and other foreign debris. The presence of lint in a cave system creates potential problems that can include deterioration of cave formations and ecosystem disturbance. Developed caves benefit from the efforts of lint pickers, who use brushes, tweezers, and other tools to remove lint from cave surfaces.

This Public Lands Day event at Oregon Caves will be a great way to meet others and participate in a rewarding experience that provides a real service for the cave. To register, or for more information, contact Shawn Thomas by email ([e-mail]) or phone [phone] ext. 254.

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