Grotta Monello - Educational Nature Event (SR)

February 25, 2022
The Grotta Monello Integral Nature Reserve is a protected area established in 1998 by the Department of Territory and Environment of the Regione Siciliana and entrusted to the management of CUTGANA (Inter-faculty Center of the University of Catania). The reserve was created to protect the exceptional development of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the rich cave fauna, which includes significant endemic troglobitic species of Isopods and Diplopods identified within Grotta Monello.
On this occasion, we are offering an exclusive and fascinating visit to observe one of the hidden gems of the Sicilian landscape: “Voluntary participation in scientific research activities. Assessment of the carrying capacity of Grotta Monello,” conducted by CUTGANA. As part of this research, participants are invited to sign a release form and provide anonymous data such as age, weight, and gender, which will be uploaded to a dedicated database.
We would like to thank the Director of CUTGANA, Salvatore Costanzo, for his availability.
We look forward to your registration and remind you to read the information carefully.
Exceptionally, this activity will take place on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 09:30 to 12:00. The maximum number of participants is 24, and children under 9 years of age are not permitted to enter the cave. After visiting Grotta Monello, we will go on a hike of approximately 3 hours along the Torrente Moscasanti, which falls within the Reserve.

Fee: € 15.00 - Includes guide service, organization, and accident insurance. For insurance purposes, please send your full name and tax code (codice fiscale).
The fee does not include: packed lunch and travel/fuel expenses.
Meeting point: Friday at 09:15 at Contrada Perciata, at the parking lot between the entrance to Grotta Monello and the Agriturismo La Perciata.
Here is the link for directions to the meeting point.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RnHDSA29N5kWJ22e7
End of excursion: 17:00 at the same location.
Travel: own car.
Route: approximately 2 hours of walking between the briefing and the cave, and 3 hours at the Torrente Moscasanti – both on and off-trail.
Difficulty: easy.
Lunch: packed.
Equipment: required: trekking clothing, small backpack, rain jacket (k-way), hiking boots, sweater, waterproof jacket, flashlight, hat, 1.5 liters of water.
Notes: the excursion will be conducted in compliance with current Covid-19 regulations. A few days before the excursion, we will send you an email with the latest information.
The excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events, in which case the guide will make the final decision.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946 - Email: [email protected]
www.ciaotrekking.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Access to Grotta Monello, for the “Voluntary participation in scientific research activities. Assessment of the carrying capacity of Grotta Monello,” lasts approximately 45 minutes. The path inside the cave is easy but still requires the use of non-slip shoes or hiking boots. Participants with inappropriate clothing will not be allowed to enter the cave. The chambers and passages along the entire speleological route are accessible; however, some sections are uneven. Furthermore, in some points, it is necessary to stoop slightly, and there are irregular staircases with a significant slope throughout the route. Given the above, participants must be in good physical and mental health for the type of excursion requested and declare that they are not aware of any current conditions of any nature that would contraindicate their participation. The research activity is open to adults and participants at least 9 years old, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Cutgana will provide a speleological helmet with an LED lamp and a disposable cap for hygienic reasons.
Cave entries for scientific research are accompanied by a geologist who will explain the geological and speleological characteristics of the Nature Reserve.
For large groups, which will in any case be fewer than 24 participants, we will split into two subgroups. This will involve waiting times depending on the total number of visitors.
During the research activity, participants will be invited to provide some personal data (age, gender, weight), which will be collected and stored anonymously.
Pursuant to the regulations of Zone A of the Integral Nature Reserve, the use of cameras, video cameras, or smartphones for taking photographs or filming is not permitted inside the cave.
The activity may be interrupted or canceled for reasons of force majeure (e.g., adverse weather conditions) or at the discretion of the Managing Body.