18th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts will be in Albany, New York, October 5-9, 2026

Please join us for this interdisciplinary meeting on the practical application of karst science. Through field trips, workshops, and lectures, interact with

a diverse group of experts who study or manage karst and work to apply this knowledge to mitigate impacts to society's infrastructure while protecting our natural environment. The National Cave and Karst Research Institute offers this exceptional 2026 meeting in Albany, New York. The convention will also be close to major karst areas of the Northeastern United States and provide a broad background on karst problems from around the world.

To stay up to date, join the email list!

Congratulations Anika Baloun

The winner of the Geological Society of America Karst Division logo contest was Anika Baloun. Anika is a New Mexico Tech Biology Masters student from the Jones Geobiology Lab currently investigating chemosynthetic microorganisms in volcanic caves. We are excited to see the new logo at GSA Connects in San Antonio, October 19-22, 2025.

Nomination Deadline November 15th

At the awards banquet during each annual National Speleological Society (NSS) Convention, the NSS recognizes exceptional people both in and outside of the Society by presenting awards for outstanding accomplishment.

Please consider nominating an outstanding individual in one of these categories:

• (*New) Alvin McDonald Award
• Science Award
• Certificate of Merit
• Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award
• Group Conservation Award
• Fellow of the Society
• Honorary Member Award
• Steve Hudson Award for Cave Rescue
• Lew Bicking Award
• James G. Mitchell Award
• Outstanding Landowner-Caver Relations Award
• The William J. Stephenson Award for Outstanding Service
• Spelean Arts and Letters Award
• Peter M. Hauer Spelean History Award

Cave and Karst Scientist in Parks Internships

Scientist in Parks applications are open! All opportunities close on October 12, 2025 or once 60 applications have been received. This year there are multiple positions that are related to caves and karst in National Parks. Check your eligibility before applying. Start dates vary from January to April 2026.

Here are a couple of cave and karst SIP positions:

• Biology Assistant, Mammoth Cave NP, Kentucky
• Cave and Karst Assistant, El Malpais NM, New Mexico
• Natural Resource Management Assistant, Oregon Caves NM, Oregon
• Science Communication Assistant, Oregon Caves NM, Oregon

Welcome Andy Armstrong and Dr. Kashif Mahmud

Andy Armstrong is NCKRI's new Cave and Management Liaison, a NPS focused position that provides guidance on best cave and karst management practices and aides parks by connect their management needs with scientists and operational partners. Andy has 20 years of experience in federal cave and karst management at multiple NPS cave parks such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument. He has a people-centered approach to cave stewardship, that prioritizes safety, resource protection, and collaboration.

Dr. Kashif Mahmud will be joining the NCKRI team in early 2026 as a Karst Research Scientist. He specializes in modeling and remote sensing with a focus on employing diverse, interdisciplinary approaches to better understand and characterize complex environmental systems. At NCKRI, his research will center on developing innovative, integrated frameworks synthesizing various data sources including hydrological, geophysical, and remote sensing to harness the unique strengths of each currently siloed method, ultimately enabling more accurate characterization of subsurface fractures in heterogenous karst systems.

Investigating Groundwater Discharge at Government Springs

Professional Intern Matthew Kaspar leads a small team of Post Doc Dr. Maggie Furtner and Devra Willingham to measure stream discharge at Government Springs, a resurgence within the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management.