Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Bygone Years, Snapping Turtles, and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Sunday, August 29th

BYGONE YEARS

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 8-Adult

Take a tour of the park and learn about why people have such fond memories of the Dunbar Cave of times past.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 27th.

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All Ages

Learn about these huge reptiles, and try to see some with a walk around the lake.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 27th.

Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Tennessee is home to many reptiles. Join us for a discussion and a quick search for some of these cool animals.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 27th.

Tuesday, August 31st

BEGINNING BIRDING

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: Adults

Learn birds by sight and sound in this program that introduces you to our most common birds.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 29th.

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Un-Nature Hike, Make Your Own Windchime, Spinning Snakes, Children’s Theatre “Animal Tails” , Sunset Hike and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Sunday, August 22nd

UN-NATURE HIKE

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 6 – Adult

Some visitors leave trash which can hurt the animals. Come help us remove these unnatural things.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 21st.

MAKE YOUR OWN WINDCHIME

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: All Ages

Using parts from nature, you can make your own windchime.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 20th.

MAKE YOUR OWN CAVE ART!

Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5-12

Come learn about the cave art symbols and then draw your own!

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 20st.

SPINNING SNAKES

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: All Ages

This will be a fun indoor craft project to make and color our own spinning snakes.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 20th.

SUNSET HIKE

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Age: All Ages

Hike the trail when its (hopefully) cooler and watch the sunset.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 20th.

Thursday, August 26th

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: Adults

Learn the names and lore of the flowers on this hike to the cave and along the lake.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 24th.

Saturday, August 28th

UN-NATURE HIKE

Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Ages: 6 – Adult

Some visitors leave trash which can hurt the animals. Come help us remove these unnatural things.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 26th.

BAT MOBILE

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: All Ages

Come and create your own hanging mobile of bats and what they eat!

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 26th.

CHILDREN’S THEATER CRAFT ACTIVITY

Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
Ages: Children

Please come out and make crafts and later participate in the performance at 11:00. Meet at Cave Entrance.

Reservations Required for this activity – Deadline is 4:30pm August 26th.

Time: 11:00am – 11:45am
Ages: All Ages

Actors from Austin Peay State University will present these special stories. No reservations needed.
Meet at the Cave Entrance (bring a folding or sports chair if you want a comfortable seat).

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: All Ages

Bring a plain t-shirt and you will be able to make your own leaf prints on it.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 26th.

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Tree Cookies, Critter Creations, Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder, and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Call 931-648-5526 for reservations.

Sunday, August 15th

TREE COOKIES

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: 3-12

Come out and learn how we can age trees, tell weather conditions and natural disasters by the rings they leave.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 13th.

CRITTER CREATIONS

Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 4-10

Learn how to identify what animal is what by all that they leave behind.

Reservations by: 4:30pm August 13th.
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Thursday, August 19th

BYGONE YEARS

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 8-Adult

Take a tour of the park and learn about why people have such fond memories of the Dunbar Cave of times past.

Reservations by: 4:30pm August 17th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger

Saturday, August 21st

MAKE YOUR OWN HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER

Time: 10:00am – 12:00am
Ages: All Ages

Hummingbirds are amazing birds. Bring a plastic bottle with you to this creative workshop!

Reservations by: 4:30pm August 19th.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

TURTLE TAPPING

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: All Ages

Do you have the patience of a turtle? Some turtles will tap the ground with their toes for 30 minutes to get the worms to come to the surface. Lets try this ourselves!

Reservations by: 4:30pm August 19th.
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Pine Cone Owl, Tree Identification Hike, Beginning Birding, Leaf Rubbin’, Flint and Steel, and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Call 931-648-5526 for reservations.

Sunday, August 8th

PINE CONE OWL

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 5-10

Stop by and make yourself an owl to set in your windowsill and also learn a bit about our silent fliers of the night.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 6th.

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 5-12

Meet me at the cave for an awesome story by the great Dr. Seuss and info on conserving resources.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 7th.

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 6-Adult

Walk the Short Loop (1 mile) trail and learn about some of the common trees you can find.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm Augusty 6th.

Thursday, August 12th

NATURE ART

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 4-8

Sit at the cool cave entrance and make art about nature, using natural materials. Meet at the cave entrance.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 10th.

Saturday, August 14th

BEGINNING BIRDING

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 5-11

Learn birds by sight and sound in this program that introduces you to our most common birds.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 12th.

Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 3-10

Take a short hike to gather some leaves and do some “rubbins” to make your own field guide.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 12th.

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: 3-10

We’re going to make our own slime and learn why its so important to some criters. Bring an old shirt to get dirty.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 12th.

Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 8-Adult

Meet me at the cave and find out how fire was made before the days of Zippos and Bic lighters.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 12th.

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Spinning Snakes, Reptiles!, Make Your Own Cave Art!, Fossils, Pine Cone Bird Feeder, Hoppers and Croakers, Insects, Butterfly Mobile, All About Bats, and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Call 931-648-5526 for reservations.

Sunday, August 1st

SPINNING SNAKES

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: All Ages

This will be a fun indoor craft project to make and color our own spinning snakes.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 30th.

Tennessee is home to many types of these cold-blooded animals, join us for a discussion on them, then a quick search for any of these cool creatures.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 30th.

Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 5-12

Hundreds of years ago Native Americans drew symbols on the cave walls of things that were important to them. Come learn about some of these symbols and then draw your own!

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 30th.

Monday, August 2nd

FOSSILS

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: All Ages

Fossils are everywhere! You just need to know what to look for. If you come to this program you will learn all about fossils, and we will try to find some!

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 31st.

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 3-10

Make your own feeder for the birds in your neighborhood out of a pine cone, and later take a short hike (to see what birds might come by to say “hello”). ANY CHILDREN WITH PEANUT ALLERGIES SHOULD NOT ATTEND. Bring binoculars (if you have some).

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 31st.

Tuesday, August 3rd

HOPPERS AND CROAKERS

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 3-12

Sit in for a quick slideshow of all the wonderful amphibians that inhabit Swan Lake, and later take a short hike (easy) to see if we can spot some in the water or on the bank. Bring shoes you can get wet, water and sunscreen.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 1st.

Wednesday, August 4th

INSECTS

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 5 – 12

We’ll learn about insects and their life cycles, then go out and catch some.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 2nd.

Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5 – 8

Learn about bats through videos, books and games.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 2nd.

Thursday, August 5th

PAWPRINTS AND POOP

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 5 – 12

Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 3rd.

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 6-12

Ever wonder what those big lumps on your favorite tree were? Join us to hear the answer and take a hike (easy) to see them in nature.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 3rd.

Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 3-10

Come and create your own hanging mobile of the life cycle of butterflies, and later take a short hike (easy) to see if we can find any along the trail.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 3rd.

Friday, August 6th

BAT MOBILE

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Come and create your own hanging mobile of bats and what they eat!

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30 August 4th.

Time: 6:40pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Come learn all about these unusual aviators and why they are so important to the park as we watch them come out of the cave. Meet at the cave.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 4th.

Saturday, August 7th

SNAKES

Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: All ages

Join Sherry and Donnie of Reptiliacs for a close up look at live snakes – ONLY if you want to (otherwise sit in the back!)

Reservations by: 4:30pm August 6th.

Meet at the mouth of the cave to witness a true miracle of nature as our bats emerge from their sleep to get a bite to eat.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 5th.

Time: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Come out and walk the Recovery Trail (2 miles) as we search and call for owls that may be out hunting in the night!

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm August 5th.

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.

Upcoming events include: Mammal Mayhem, Full Moon Lunacy, Habitat: cave Entrance, Animal Tracking, Learn About Swan Lake, Blowgun Workshop, Frogs, and let’s not forget Cooling at the Cave and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Sunday July 25th

MAMMAL MAYHEM!

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Age: All Ages

Mammals are some of our most common and most secretive types of wildlife. This is an opportunity to learn about the many furry creatures that call our park home.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 24th.

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 3-Adult

Let’s get down to basics and see just how many things live right below our feet. Bring your imagination and old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 23rd.

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 8-Adult

Learn how to make fire the “old fashioned” way with flint and steel. Learn some other easy tricks to make your fire building attempts that much easier and effective.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 23rd.

Monday, July 26th

FULL MOON LUNACY

Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 5-adult

The full moon is rumored to cause strange things to happen. Learn about the moon and watch a moonrise.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 24th.

Tuesday, July 27th

HABITAT: CAVE ENTRANCE

Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Age: All ages

We can’t go in the cave – or can we? We can visit the cave entrance and learn about the creatures and plants that live in this nice cool environment. Phoebes, spiders, salamanders and others call this place home.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 25th.

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Age: All Ages

Sometimes it can be hard to spot wildlife here in the park, but they always leave evidence behind. This program will teach you some techniques to identify animal signs.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 25th.

Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 6-Adult

Come learn why the lake at Dunbar Cave was created and how it has changed throughout the years. Be prepared to walk about 2/3 mile.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 25th.

Wednesday, July 28th

GEOLOGY OF OUR AREA

Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 6-Adult

Ever wonder why there are so many sinkholes in Clarksville, or how fossilized coral ended up in your backyard? Come learn the answers. Be prepared for a short walk to the cave entrance.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 26th.

Time: 1:30pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult

We can’t go in the cave, but you can learn about the cave art and see pictures of it.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 26th.

Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 3-Adult

Create your own piece of clay pottery just like the Woodland Indians did long ago. Bring your imagination and an old shirt. Meet at the cave entrance.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: NOON July 26th.

Thursday, July 29th

WALKING WITH BIRDS

Time: 8:00am – 9:30am
Ages: 5-Adult

On this hike, the less you know about birds the better. We’ll take a slow meander along the trails to get a better idea of what birds are at Dunbar Cave.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 27th.

Time: 10:00am -11:00am
Ages: 7-Adult

Native Americans utilized Dunbar Cave and the surrounding area for over 12,000 years! One common hunting tool they used was the blowgun. Test your blowgun skills with this fun and educational workshop. Meet at the Cave.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 27th.

Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 10 – adult

We sometimes find skulls in the woods or near the lake. Learn how to identify an animal by its skull.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 27th.

Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Ages: 3 – 8

We will sit at the cool cave entrance and learn about animals in nature through fun books.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 28th.

Friday, July 30th

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Time: 8:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 15-Adult

Lets take a medium length hike along the short loop and see what we can “shoot”, whether it be our woodpeckers or the turtles lazing on the logs. Bring your camera, water and sunscreen.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 28th.

Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Ages: 4 – 8

Where do animals live and sleep? Learn the answer through books and a short hike.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 28th.

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Age: All Ages

There are many species of frogs that can be found in the park. Come learn all about them.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 28th.

Saturday, July 31st

MAKE YOUR OWN BUTTERFLY NET

Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Age: All Ages

Butterflies are our most beautiful insects. This program will teach you how to make an easy and cheap butterfly net. Once those are all made, we will try to catch some butterflies in the park.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 29th.

Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Age: All ages welcome

The Friends of Dunbar Cave present a special time at the cool cave entrance reminiscent of days gone by. Gather and play cards and games as you listen to the soft sounds of a musical group. A donation gets you refreshments. T-shirts and postcards available to purchase. No reservations needed, but parking is extremely limited. You will not be able to enter the park once the parking lot is full.

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area — The cave, as you may know, has been closed since the beginning of November. We always close during the winter to let the bats hibernate in peace. Usually we would reopen in April, but this year a bat infected with White Nose Syndrome was found in March and the cave was closed indefinitely. We recently found out that even if this hadn’t happened, we still would not have been able to go into the cave after the first of May. We have at least a foot of mud in many of the passageways (at least those we could even get into, some were just too slippery to manage) that will take months to dry.

But we are doing a lot of other programs, which you can find listed in Discover Clarksville. In June we did 118 programs for 1,416 visitors, and we have 76 programs scheduled for July.

Snapping Turtle, from trap, July 11, 2010

If you come to the Natural Area, you will see butterflies (such as the Tiger and Zebra Swallowtails) on flowers, in mud puddles and on animal droppings, and flowers blooming – the native Prairie Rose was nice this year, and right now we have Yellow Passion Flower, Ruellia, St. Andrew’s Cross, Butterfly Pea and the wonderful orange Butterfly Weed, a milkweed – which may actually make seed this year, since it has been blooming for over three weeks and so far no one has picked it (usually it makes it about a day before a thoughtless visitor snaps the top off, removing the flowers and any chance for seeds later). Our visitors have been extra thoughtful this year!

Dunbar Cave

Upcoming events include: Make your own Sailboat, This wasn’t always a Forest, A trip through Time, Stream stomp, Night flight and so much more!

All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children).

The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.

Call (931) 648-5526 for reservations.

Sunday, July 4th

MAKE YOUR OWN SAILBOAT

Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Age: All Ages

This is going to be a fun day of building boats from leaves and other things found in nature. After we create our sailboats we will put them to the test on Swan Lake.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 3rd.

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 6-Adult

Before becoming a State Natural Area in 1973, what is now the park looked a lot different. Come learn how nature has reclaimed what man had abandoned on this 2 mile hike.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Rservations by: 4:30pm July 3rd.

Monday, July 5th

A TRIP THROUGH TIME

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 8-Adult

Roy Acuff, the old pool, dancing at the cave entrance! Go back in time and see wonderful old photographs that show the “good old days”. If you remember it fondly, you might find a picture of yourself!

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 4th.

Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 4-10

Learn how to identify animals by all that they leave behind on a short hike (easy) around the lake.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 4th.

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 6-Adult

Ever wonder what comes out in the woods at night? Go into the dark for a hike (medium) to spot and identify the things that go bump in the night!

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 12 Noon July 5th.

Tuesday, July 6th

MAMMAL MAYHEM!

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: All Ages

Mammals are some of our most common and most secretive types of wildlife. This is an opportunity to learn about the many furry creatures that call our park home.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 4th.

Wednesday, July 7th

BUGS, SLUGS AND OTHER UGS

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 3 – 12

We will look for the creepy crawlies that hide under rocks and logs. Be prepared to get outside and get your hands dirty.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 5th.

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 5-12

Crazy name, awesome game. Come on out and see how the Native Americans honed their hunting skills and also had a little fun.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: Noon July 6th.

Time: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 5-Adult

Meet at the mouth of the cave to witness a true miracle of nature as our bats emerge from their sleep.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: Noon July 6th.

Thursday, July 8th

PONDLIFE

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 4 – adult

Whats in the “pond”? Muskrats, turtles, fish, dragonflies and others call Swan Lake home. Join us as we look at these creatures. Bring a coffee can with both ends cut off (have mom or dad use a can opener) if you have an empty one around.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 6th.

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All Ages

The Red River and Sulphur Fork Creek both have an abundance of wildlife, and their meeting at Port Royal makes it a perfect place to learn about the many animals that can be found near a river. Meet at the lower parking lot.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 5th.

Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Ages: 3 – 9

We will sit at the cool cave entrance and learn about butterflies through fun books.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 7th.

Friday, July 9th

STREAM STOMP

Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 4-12

Meet us at Rotary Park, down by the stream (look for the park vehicle), and be ready to get wet! We are going to flip rocks and kick up some mud to find out what’s hiding underneath, and how they can tell us about the health of the water.

Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 7th.

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 4 – 8

Stellaluna is a wonderful baby bat who lives for a time with a nest of birds. Join us for book, video and a fun game in this indoor program.

Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 7th.

Saturday, July 10th

THIS WASN’T ALWAYS A FOREST

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 6-Adult

Before becoming a State Natural Area in 1973, what is now the park looked a lot different. Come learn how nature has reclaimed what man has abandoned. Bring water, good walking shoes, bug spray, and be prepared to walk about 1.5 miles.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 9th.

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 5 – adult

Learn how caves are made, how Dunbar got its name, who used to live in our cave entrance, and who (or what) lives there now. MEET AT THE CAVE ENTRANCE.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: Noon July 10th.

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Butterflies are our most beautiful insects. This program will teach you how to make an easy and cheap butterfly net. Once those are all made, we will try to catch some in the park.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 8th

Time: 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Ages: 5-Adult

Many people are afraid of spiders, but this short hike will allow you to see them lighting up the forest, without having to get too close. You must have a flashlight and good walking shoes.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: Noon July 10th.

In a reception held Thursday evening at the Dunbar Cave Visitor’s Center,  the Friends of Dunbar Cave premiered a new 15-minute documentary on the history of the cave. the film will be run every on days when the center is open.

Over 25 people were filmed and interviewed by the Friends group, but Clean Cut used only four of them in this short introductory film. Cathy Lee and Jason Bagget were on hand  to meet those attending this event.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.

A Cave "friend" converses with producer Cathy Lee. In the background is Jason Bagget.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.
Park staff and Friends wanted the film to have three parts: How the cave was made, the cultural history of the park and the importance of it being a natural area. Anyone who knows just a little about the cultural history of the park knows that to fit it into a short film is quite a request.

For many years the Friends of Dunbar Cave support Dunbar Cave State Natural Area in ways that protect the park, educate the public and raise money for projects that help the park. They are able to help the State Park in ways that the State of Tennessee has limited spending capabilities. The Friends group rallied to keep the park a natural area and in the hands of the State with that purpose. Under the direction of Park staff, the Friends group originated Trees to Trails and with the help of CDE they recycle Christmas trees to make the trails better.

The group originated Spring Fling, a day of free programs showing everything from hike in camping, birdhouse making, flower and bird watching, wild animals, snakes, lizard and raptor shows to canoeing on the lake. The staff at Dunbar help with several of the programs and arrange to get canoes from another park.

Two years ago the Friends brought back Cooling at the Cave, on a day in July, which invites all to come sit by the cool cave entrance, listen to music, play board and card games and drink lemonade. The group also does fundraisers to make money to help the park. For instance a donation from Wal Mart that Shirley Berardo attained went to buying professional trail map signs that are installed along the walking trails.

The Friends group hosts the annual Haunting History event as its major fundraiser. Skits are performed in the cave by young actors. Volunteers bring the public into the cave every 20 minutes or so to see the skits. As many as 30 volunteers plus the actors work to make it an exciting and safe event.

These events thrill the public. Thousands of people have enjoyed them through the years.

The recent carbon dating of Indian drawings inside the cave makes Dunbar Cave an even more valuable asset to our history and community. To allow the public to see the art, a better gate had to be built and the Friends helped.

Sometimes the Friends members speak at clubs and events. It’s a lot to do for a group of already incredibly busy people. When the public gets just a whiff of how exciting the history of Dunbar Cave is, the Friends group usually hear a lot of “you oughtas”. But the small group of people who make things happen somehow know they can’t take on too much and how to fit the things they do take on into their busy schedules.

The Friends work with the Park staff to make sure that everything they do is educational and pertinent to the park. One of the driving forces behind the Friends efforts is the desire to see an Interpretive Center at the park. The group has met with State of Tennessee officials on many occasions to plan and dream about an Interpretive Center for Dunbar Cave. Many times the Friends group has played an important role in assuring the State of Tennessee that they are serious about this goal, and that the history and artifacts of the park tell a fascinating story.