2026 NSS Convention
Hundreds of Caves, Hundreds of Miles
Corydon, IN - July 6 - July 10, 2026
Caving and Activities
Field Trips:
Description:
The all-day Geology Field Trip on Sunday July 5 will begin and end at the Fairgrounds Campground in Corydon and visit multiple local sites in the larger Corydon/Wyandotte vicinity, including going east to New Albany to Falls of the Ohio State Park and then travelling south to Brandenburg, Kentucky. Departure time will be 9:00 AM. Lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring food and drinks in a small cooler that can fit under their seat. We will use modern air-conditioned buses with an on-board restroom. Each bus will have a locally knowledgeable caver geologist as a tour guide. The trip is suitable for teenage children. While a support car will follow each bus, we encourage those with medical or mobility issues to plan for an all-day trip to some remote areas, with travel on both mostly-paved and several unpaved pathways. There is also some modest vertical relief with shorter but sloped pathways.
We will start at the Campground with a trip overview and where the regional base level stream Indian Creek is adjacent to the bus loading area and a stream resurgence of the Binkley Cave system is located. We will then visit the Corydon Crushed Stone Company quarry located a few miles north to see the local stratigraphy and a panoramic view of the heavily karsted Mitchell Plateau, the Chester Escarpment and the Crawford Upland. We will then travel east via I-64 to the Falls of The Ohio State Park to see globally significant Devonian age fossils and the Falls themselves across from downtown Louisville, which are an important navigational challenge now and 250 years ago, with a large lock and dam operation. In route, we will travel up and down the Knobstone Escarpment, a significant regional physiological and stratigraphic feature. We will then travel west to see the panoramic view of the Ohio River valley at Leavenworth and a discussion of the formation of the Ohio River on our way to a short in-cave visit to Wyandotte Cave where we will discuss the geological and historical significance of the cave and the immediate heavily karsted vicinity. The trip then heads west back to Corydon and then south across the Crawford Upland and the Mitchell plain, crossing over the large Binkley Cave system and related sinkhole plain, stopping near an abandoned quarry for a discussion on the vicinity. We will then continue to the south to the Buck Creek/Mauckport Overlook Park for a panoramic view of the ancient deeply incised oxbow and a continued discussion of the formation of the Ohio River valley. Our last stop will be in the riverfront park at Brandenburg, Kentucky to see more of the Ohio River and to visit the Buttermilk Falls, a series of rainfall fed springs at the base of the valley wall and fed by the adjacent sinkhole plain along about a half mile-plus rolling walk on a closed county road. Slated return back to Corydon by about 6:00 PM.
Trip max: 200
Date: Sunday July 5
Fee: $85
Description:
The karst valley in which Wyandotte Cave is located has the richest obligate subterranean fauna in Indiana, with over 30 species of animals recorded. During the field trip we will discuss the work of biologists in the cave, starting with Cope’s 1871 visit, then Blatchley, in 1896 and Bolivar and Jeannel in 1928. Today, Wyandotte Cave is the focus of important conservation management of bats, particularly the endangered Indiana bat. An approximately 2-3 hour cave trip along tourist trails with electric lights will be conducted, no equipment needed (helmets and lights are optional). Upon exiting, other biologically significant caves and other sites will be discussed.
Hosted by: Julian J. Lewis and Wyatt Williams
Trip Max: 25
Date: Tuesday, July 7th
Fee: $14 per person*
*Transportation and food will not be provided for this field trip.
(There are food options in nearby Corydon and Leavenworth
Description:
Join us for a guided trip into Wyandotte Cave located about 15 minutes west of the convention site in Crawford County. This commercial cave is owned by the Indiana DNR and they offer limited trips to the public on weekends. The NSS Convention staff has arranged special tours at discounted rates during the week. The number of trips and group size will be limited. This cave has significant history, Native American use, biology, and geology. It also has huge rooms, narrow passage, and impressive formations and the tour has a very rustic feel. It is a real "caver's cave". The tour typically takes 2+ hours and is all walking but can be strenuous with stairs. Helmets and lights are optional. Reserve your spot now (a total of only 80 spots is being offered initially). You will be able to select a preferred tour day at a later date.
Fee: $14 per person*
*Transportation and food are not provided.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday mornings
Once your day/time are known, directions and carpooling information will be available.
There are food options in nearby Corydon and Leavenworth.
Description:
Details to come!
Trip Max: TBD
Date: TBD
Fee: TBD
Hosted by Cave Country Canoes and the Louisville Astronomical Society
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars with Cave Country Canoes and the Louisville Astronomical Society! Celebrate Indiana’s dark skies with amazing telescopes for viewing, following a relaxing 7 mile paddle (3-5 hrs) on the scenic Blue River. This is a one-of-a-kind experience offering a stunning sunset paddle and views of the Milky Way and beyond!
Guests should bring a headlamp, bug spray, snacks, and something to drink.
Date/Departure Time: Wednesday, July 8th - 5:00- 7:00 pm EDT
(Rain date: Thursday, July 9th - 5:00-7:00 pm EDT)
Location: Meet at 112 W Main St, Milltown, IN 47145 (parking is free)112 West Main St, Milltown, IN 47145, US
Cost: Float + Stargazing (Ages 10+): $35 per person (includes kayak/canoe rental, paddles, life vests)
Stargazing Only (All ages): $15 per person and free for kids under 10 yrs old (sunset around 9:00)
*NOTE: Please RSVP by calling Cave Country Canoes directly (info below). Payment will be collected upon arrival at Cave Country Canoes.
To RSVP or as questions about trip particulars:
(812) 633-4806
https://cavecountrycanoes.com/
Coordinated by Sherri Nail, Manager - Guest Services
Workshops:
Description:
Discover Vertical Caving is a condensed overview of the equipment and methods required for Single Rope Techniques commonly used for vertical caving. The course begins with a brief powerpoint introducing the student to the terminology, equipment and systems. In the practical portion of this program, experienced vertical caving instructors provide the students with an exciting vertical experience. Students will learn how to rappel with 2 of the most popular descenders. They will also learn how to climb rope with at least 2 different climbing systems. This is a great introductory course to learn or relearn the basics of vertical caving. The course may also help students decide which equipment they might prefer before visiting the vendors and buying their own.
Students need to provide their own helmet, gloves and secure closed toe footwear.
Questions about the workshop can be sent to:
Carl Heitmeyer
Vertical Section chair 2025/2026
cavercarl@aol.com
Max: 24
Dates:
1st Session-Tuesday, July 7th 09:00-12:30
2nd Session-Wednesday, July 8th 09:00-12:30
Fee: $30
Description:
Instructed by Mike Mansur, NSS #26393CL FE CO
2022 Recipient of the NSS Victor A. Schmidt Conservation Award
There are untold numbers of broken cave formations in the world’s caves. The majority of these were caused by human impact, with a small amount resulting from natural causes. We, as cavers and scientists, want to do as much as possible to repair, restore and conserve these damaged resources. The Cave Formation Repair and Restoration Workshop will help train and educate people on techniques and tools that we use to make formation repairs. Day one will be a three-hour classroom training session, with workstations set up to prepare the participants on the use of the tools and techniques that we use to make repairs to broken cave formations. Day two will be a Field Trip to a local cave where the Speleothem Repair Workshop participants will get hands on training repairing broken formations.
Mike Mansur’s book, The Cave Formation Repair Project: Restoring the Beauty of America’s Great Caves, will be used as the textbook for the class. The $30 registration fee includes a signed copy of his book.
Michael C. Mansur
NSS 26393CL FE CO; Director 2025-2028
mmansur@caves.org
Sandia Grotto of the NSS Chair 2020-2025
Cave Formation Repair Project Leader and Founder
Trip Max: 30
Date: Tuesday July 7th, Wednesday July 8th
Fee: $40
Description:
Details to come!
Trip Max: TBD
Date: TBD
Fee: $25
Sketching Workshop (Analog and Digital Sketching)
Monday, July 6th
- Classroom Portion: 9:00-Noon (limit 25 participants for each format)
- In-Cave: 1:00-5:00 pm (limited to first 10 people who sign up at 8am for digital and analog formats)
Description: Join us 9AM Monday morning and get an introduction to sketching. The class will be split between digital sketching using Topodroid, and analog sketching using paper and protractor. You can choose to do one or the other. Topodroid students must bring their own device with a stylus running Topodroid 6.3.63-36 or later. If you have prepaid for the Analog class, all tools will be provided. If you have not prepaid, bring a Rite in the Rain All Weather 6 ring binder (No200) and a Roberson Cave Compass V2 (available at cavecompass.com) and 3 pencils. Paper will be provided.
Cost: $0 for Digital and $25 for Analog
Taught by Jason Richards and Jon Zetterberg
Description:
Speleology for Cavers is a full, one-day course. Come learn the difference between strike and the dip, vadose and phreatic, and the birds and the bats. Bring home with you the geologic differences between caves in the Appalachians, the meaning to cavers of Bogli's mixing corrosion, and the difference between the lifestyles of Riparia riparia and Perimyotis subflavus. Experts in Speleology will lecture on Geology, Geochemistry, Karst Hydrology, Biology, and Paleontology. The course will go the full day, cost $55, and includes extensive course notes on a USB drive and lunch. Registration is limited to 40 people.
Steve Stokowski, PG, CPG
NSS#14425 FE
Organizer, Speleology for Cavers
sstokowski@yahoo.com
Trip Max: 40
Date: Monday July 6th
Fee: $55
Description:
Even the most experienced caving teams can encounter unexpected mishaps. Sharpen your technical skills and learn to prevent and overcome problems underground. This hands-on clinic covers a variety of topics including contingency rigging, improvised vertical systems, traveling haul systems, converting a loaded line to lower a person who is stuck on rope, and basic medical considerations. These techniques are all possible with a small caving party using minimal gear that can be carried on caving trips. By preventing and preparing for common caving-related problems, students are empowered to solve common issues they may encounter while caving.
What to expect: After a short introduction, the class will work through SRT system optimization then break into 5 groups to rotate through each of 5 stations, These stations will cover various self-rescue topics including contingency rigging, improvised vertical systems, traveling haul systems, converting a loaded line to lower a person who is stuck on rope, and basic medical considerations.
Prerequisites: Basic vertical competency
Equipment needed: Personal SRT system, helmet, and gloves. Wear clothes that you are comfortable climbing rope in, and closed toed shoes.
Pre-Registration is required and available on our "Register" link
Organized by Stephanie Suen
Contact ssuen@caves.org
Proceeds to benefit NCRC and VTC gear caches
Trip Max: 25
Date: HALF DAY Thursday, July 9, 2026 8AM-12PM
Fee: $26
Other:
Caving During Convention:
There are hundreds of caves within a 2-hour driving distance from the Convention site. If you are interested, please visit Cave Central at the fairgrounds.
During Convention there will be horizontal and vertical trips daily as well as guided hikes, which will include guided and self-led trips. In addition, Cave Central volunteers will be available to help with the logistics and planning of self-led trips.
Beyond the caving trips, there are many hikes, streams, rivers, lakes, and other geologic features available, for example Indiana’s largest natural bridge, Ravine Arch, located in the Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Preserve.
The Junior Speleological Society (JSS) is for youth 7 to 17 years old. Chris Landis and his team will facilitate fun adventures all week for the kids.
See his Letter to the Parents here
Adult volunteers are needed and appreciated! Please email mudandogs@gmail.com if you have a few hours or a day to chaperone and/or assist.
Adult family members of JSS participants are encouraged to participate in all JSS events
Description:
For all sketchers that want a fun activity where you can practice your skills, learn something (really!!), meet and chat with other sketchers, AND compete to have your sketch be part of a NEW map of a great Indiana Cave, this contest is for you!!
RULES:
5-8 stations will be marked for you in the cave. The last station will be flagged as “the last station”. The goal will be to draw a detailed sketch on standard grid paper. You will also be required to fill out a title sheet. Please SIGN IN to the sign up sheet in the Cartography Salon area (catwalk above the Vendor area), and take ONE bag of paper sheets. The data will already be written on the back of the title sheet. After you survey and you have finished your sketch with all the labels and symbols and title sheet, please place the notes back in the bag, and drop it off in the “SKETCHING CONTEST BOX” in the Cartography Salon area, then SIGN OUT with the time. Digital sketching equipment may be used – Entrant is responsible for printing sketches and turning in hard copies to the contest.
CAVE LOCATION/INFORMATION:
The cave is about 20 minutes from the convention site, and is titled, Wolf Cave. Directions and other pertinent information will be provided at the sign-up station in the Cartography Area. Please choose a time from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM that you will be at the cave, beginning your survey. The sign-up sheet will prevent a bottleneck inside the cave. Please be considerate if you cross paths with another team. Chatter can be distracting
JUDGING:
Judging will begin Wednesday morning, so all sketches need to be in the SKETCHING CONTEST BOX by Tuesday night, or Wednesday by 9:00 AM. Judging and display will be complete by Wednesday afternoon.
SKETCH CONTEST WINNERS AND DISCUSSION
A meeting will be held Thursday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 pm, in the Cartography Salon area. Everyone’s sketches will be hanging on the wall. Winners will have ribbons next to their sketches! The judges will be present to give their critiques and discuss the results! There are 3 prizes, and everyone gets a Certificate of Participation!
Contest Days:
Monday + Tuesday self-guided in-cave (TBD location) + Thursday 3:00-4:00 pm for judging/discussion/awards
Participant Limit and Cost:
None
Questions? Would like to join but forgot your book?
Contact Marion Ziemons 740-604-0075 or carlotacaver@gmail.com
Sponsored by the Kentucky Speleological Survey, Inc.
Description:
Sign up at Registration - first come, first served
Max: 20 per session
Dates: Tuesday 8-9, Thursday 8-9, Friday 8-9
Fee: $0
What is the Caver Co-Op?
The Caver Co-Op provides an opportunity for NSS Convention attendees to buy and sell caving related items. You'll find the Caver Co-Op in the vendor area, and it's open to check in items on Sunday from 12-5 with regular hours beginning Monday for sales and to check in additional merchandise. The Caver Co-Op charges fees on sales with any profit going to the NSS. The fee structure is set to encourage sellers to volunteer at the Caver Co-Op.
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer:
We encourage you to volunteer. It is fun and you get to hang out with cavers! The Caver Co-Op is only open when there are volunteers to staff it. Any NSS member can volunteer. and you don't need to be buying or selling anything to do so. If you volunteer and sell items then your payout is higher as the commission is lowered for your time. You can sign up at the Co-op or online now at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/8533252580101/false#/invitation (look for Co-op shifts)
What volunteers do:
Keep merchandise neat, check that price tags are attached and secure, assist sellers, monitor for pilferage, and report sales on the provided documents.
Shifts:
One-hour blocks, starting Sunday 7/5 from 12-5, then Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Friday 8:00am - noon. Hours may change depending on staffing.
Volunteer incentives:
Sellers who volunteer for 4 or more hours will receive a greater percentage of their sales (see "Commission" below).
Selling:
Sellers are acting as consignors, providing items to the CAVER CO-OP to be sold on their behalf.
Who can sell?
Current NSS members with a Convention registration number can sell.
Seller Form:
At the Co-Op you will be given a Seller Form to complete and sign. List each item that you are selling, starting on page 2 of the form. You can save time by printing and filling out this form in advance, which is at this link Seller Form 2026.pdf
Pricing:
The seller sets the prices. List all in whole dollars, minimum price is one dollar, merchandise with a lower value should be bundled to make the minimum value. Item prices that include cents will be sold at a price rounded up to the next dollar.
Labeling:
Label/tag individual items and bundles of items with a seller code unique to you plus the price (readable and securely attached). Use your NSS number as the seller code, alternatively you can use your Convention registration number. Use the seller code of "NSS" to donate the full sales price to the NSS. Sellers can save time at check-in by labeling merchandise beforehand.
Allowed Merchandise:
Items must be caving related. No large knives, weapons, and similar dangerous merchandise. Staff may, at their discretion, not accept an item and not sell an item. If items have trademarked symbols, approval from the organizations must be obtained.
Payment and Commission:
Payment will be by check mailed to the seller at the name on the Seller Form within 60 days of the last day of convention. A commission, which goes to the NSS, is deducted from each sale. See the section on "Commission" below. Items sold as a donation to the NSS will have their sales go directly to the NSS.
Unsold items and Pickup:
Unsold items need to be picked up before the posted closing time on Friday. Arrangements for someone else to do the pickup must be made before Friday. Unclaimed items will be considered a donation.
Liability and Security:
Volunteers will track inventory and sales, however, the volunteers, the NSS, and representatives of the NSS are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Buying
Who can buy?
To make a purchase at the Co-Op, you need to have a Convention registration number.
Payment:
Payment is accepted by credit/debit card, check, and cash. Prices are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
Tax:
Tax is 7% and will be automatically added to each sale.
Return policy:
All sales are final.
Commission:
The Commission is the portion of the sales price (before tax) that goes to the NSS.
Sellers will receive the sales price of each item sold (before tax) minus the commission.
Volunteering 4 or more hours: 10% commission
Volunteering less than 4 hours or not volunteering: 20% commission
Volunteers can sign up at the Co-op or online at the following link:
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/8533252580101/false#/invitation (look for Co-op shifts)
