Exploring Biodiversity Beneath the Mitchell Plain: A Journey into Hamer Cave

The Indiana Karst Conservancy (IKC) believes exploring caves can provide some of the most enriching and educational experiences. This belief was reaffirmed during a recent September expedition into Hamer Cave, located in Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana, where we had the pleasure of hosting a team of six from Heidelberg Materials as part of our Quarry Life Award initiative.

The group, including Shane Sparg (PhD), David Perkins, Tracy Crowther, Wendy Krause, Samantha Smith, and Derek Smith, joined us for a three-hour cave adventure that combined physical challenge, scientific discovery, and historical reflection.

A Mission to Study the Hoosier Cavefish

The primary focus of this adventure was to support our ongoing research project: a population census of Amblyopsis hoosieri, commonly known as the Hoosier Cavefish. This rare, cave-adapted species is found only in a small region of southern Indiana and serves as a powerful symbol of local biodiversity. Through our collaboration with Heidelberg Materials, this research contributes to the broader goals of the 6th edition Quarry Life Award, which emphasizes ecological conservation and scientific engagement.

An Immersive Underground Experience

The cave presented a variety of challenges and wonders. With water temperatures around 56°F, the participants waded and swam through subterranean passages, encountering a rich array of cave life. From bright orange with black spotted salamanders and pickeral frogs, to white (de-pigmented) crayfish and bats, the biodiversity within Hamer Cave was on full display. Unique geological formations such as stalactites and soda straws added to the awe-inspiring environment.

Most excitingly, the team successfully observed and counted numerous Hoosier Cavefish, gaining close-up views of this elusive species and contributing valuable data to our research.

Connecting with History

Beyond the biological and geological discoveries, the cave trip offered a profound connection to the past. Hamer Cave has been explored since the early 1800s, and remnants of early visitors — such as an “H” (speculated to be for Hugh Hamer) marked on a muddy wall with “1850”— serve as enduring reminders of the cave’s long-standing significance. This historical thread continues into the 20th century, when Lehigh Cement, a predecessor of Heidelberg Materials, donated the cave and 258 acres of surrounding land in 1928, laying the foundation for what is now Spring Mill State Park.

Photos courtesy of Keith Dunlap, Dave Everton, and Chris Schotter