Indiana Karst Conservancy Welcomes Heidelberg Materials Global Sustainability Leaders to Learn About Hamer Cave

We had the pleasure of welcoming Heidelberg Materials’ global sustainability leadership team and members of the team from Heidelberg Materials North America to Hamer Cave in Mitchell, Indiana — a site that holds both ecological importance and a special place in our conservation efforts.

The visit included Dr. Katharina Beumelburg, Board Member and Chief Sustainability Officer; Christian Knell, Global Vice President of Decarbonization; and Amelie Heimann-Pohl, Group CSO Management Associate, along with North American colleagues who help drive sustainability initiatives across the region. Their interest in learning about this unique cave system firsthand shows just how much Heidelberg Materials values biodiversity and local partnerships.

Hamer Cave is home to a Quarry Life Award project, part of Heidelberg Materials’ global competition that encourages research and education to enhance biodiversity in and around quarry sites. For us at the Indiana Karst Conservancy, being a part of this initiative is an incredible opportunity to share the story of Indiana’s karst landscapes and the fauna that depend on them, and in particular at Hamer Cave, the state-endangered Hoosier cavefish.

The highlight of the day was walking through the pioneer village in Spring Mill State Park and up to the entrance to Hamer Cave, discussing the history of the village and the cave, and the challenges and opportunities of protecting fragile cave ecosystems. It was a chance to show how local conservation work connects to global sustainability goals.

“The IKC being a part of the Quarry Life Award means our research effort at Hamer Cave is recognized on an international stage,” said Tom Sollman, Principal Researcher on the project. “It’s exciting to know that what we’re doing here in Indiana contributes to a global conversation about biodiversity and sustainability. This partnership shows how industry and conservation can work together to make a real difference.”

We’re proud to collaborate with Heidelberg Materials on this research and look forward to continuing our shared mission of protecting Indiana’s unique karst environments for generations to come.

Photo below: Wendy Krause, David Perkins, and Dr. Khatarina Beumelburg at the entrance to Hamer Cave.