What Is the Indiana Karst Conservancy and Why Is it Important?

October 5, 2022

In this post, Matt Selig, Bar Keepers Friend’s CFO, talks about his volunteer role as President of the Indiana Karst Conservancy. Matt is passionate about IKC, and Bar Keepers Friend is proud to support the efforts of the IKC to conserve Indiana’s caves. 

I remember when I first visited Lowry Cave in Jennings County with a group of IKC Board members to investigate whether we thought this property would be a good acquisition for the IKC. Before the trip, I wasn’t sure if I should bring my cave gear, and I didn’t know if anyone would even want to go into the cave.

The other Board members in the car laughed and were like, “Oh yeah, we’re going in the cave, for sure.” And I smiled and thought, “This is what I love about the IKC!!” We did some great caving on that trip and were excited when we saw the great karst conservation opportunity the Lowry Cave property presented. Which points me back to one of my guiding principles while we’re thinking about Indiana caves as things we are attached to and admire – find something you love and work hard for it.

So, What is Karst?

“Karst is a term for regions characterized by the presence of limestone or other soluble rocks, where drainage has been largely diverted into subsurface routes. The topography of such areas is dominated by sinkholes, sinking streams, large springs, and caves.” — What is Karst?

What Is Indiana Karst Conservancy? 

“The IKC is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and preserving caves and karst features in Indiana and other areas of the world. The Conservancy encourages research and promotes education related to karst and its proper, environmentally compatible use.” — Indiana Karst Conservancy Home 

Why the Indiana Karst Conservancy?

“Simply because Indiana’s unique karst features are in danger. Indiscriminate use of sinkholes and pits to dump trash and toxic materials pollutes the groundwater. Some of Indiana’s most beautiful caves suffer from the vandalism and littering of thoughtless visitors. Critical habitat for endangered animal species such as the Indiana Bat often have little or no protection.” — Why the IKC?

As stated above, the IKC seeks to conserve and preserve caves and karst landscapes, primarily in the State of Indiana, advocating for the benefit of caves and karst of the world in general. While the IKC is not a “caving club,” I know the IKC’s membership consists of avid cavers, and I believe we can work cooperatively with other organizations whose primary focus is recreational caving as we focus our efforts to conserve and preserve.

Secondly, the IKC encourages scientific research related to Indiana’s caves. We know so little about caves. I believe we have hundreds, if not thousands, of undiscovered caves yet to find in Indiana. The IKC also possesses wonderful karst assets to use (responsibly) in support of this research.

Learning Something New

Every time I go caving, I learn something new or see something I’ve never seen before, and I believe there remains more to learn about Indiana’s caves than we currently know about them. Conservation of this great body of knowledge waiting to be unearthed should be somebody’s mission. By great forethought, the IKC has placed itself at the center of this effort as partners with others who share our interests and passion for caves. I believe the solid foundation the Indiana Karst Conservancy is built upon gives us a great opportunity to grow and become better at accomplishing our mission.

I’ll end my rambling with an invitation to all of you to join me in support of Indiana Karst Conservancy. It’s only $15 a year to join! Join IKC. as we roll up our collective sleeves and work hard to preserve and protect our incredible Indiana cave and karst resources. You can also follow us on IKC Facebook. 

About the Author 

Matt Selig, CFO of Bar Keepers Friend and President of the Indiana Karst Conservancy. Fascinated by cave sciences AND accounting!