CARLSBAD, N.M. (KRQE) – Volunteers helped repair a stalagmite at Carlsbad Caverns that had fallen. The stalagmite in Slaughter Canyon Cave was broken into three pieces. Earlier attempts to repair it failed.

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This time, they used a clamp specifically designed to minimize damage to the stalagmite’s surface while they drilled the holes for new pins which were longer and threaded for additional support. A cave-friendly epoxy was used to cement everything in place. Scientists say depending on the environment stalagmites can continue to grow after being damaged.