Dunbar Cave State Natural Area Programs for the week of June 27th

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

Upcoming events include: Turtles, Sunset Hike, Beginner Bird Hike, Fireflies, Kid’s Fish Day and so much more!

Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the deadline listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline are canceled.

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, June 27th

TURTLES

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: All Ages

This program will explore the many species of turtles that call our park home, with a slide show and a brief walk around the lake. We may even have a few on hand so you can see them up close.

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

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SUNSET HIKE

Time: 7:15pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 10-Adult

One of the most active times for wildlife in the park is at sunset. This 1-mile hike on the Short Loop trail will be an excellent time to spot many different animals such as bats, frogs, owls and possibly many more. Wear good walking shoes, and make sure you bring a flashlight.

Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 12:00noon June 27th.

Monday, June 28th

BEGINNER BIRD HIKE

Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Ages: 10-Adult

Want to get involved in America’s top hobby? Many people enjoy nature, but find it confusing to become a birdwatcher. We will teach you some basic skills on birding, and then put what you’ve learned to the test with a short hike around the lake. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.

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

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FIREFLIES

Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm
Ages: All Ages

Lightning bugs, glowworms, little lanterns of the night. Join us for a program on these magical insects.

Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 26th.

Tuesday, June 29th

ORIENTEERING

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 10-Adult

You find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a map and a compass. Could you get home? Come join us as we learn a little about getting around in the woods, and later navigate a short obstacle course to see what you’ve learned.

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

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KIDS FISH DAY

Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5-12

Come get a line wet and catch some fish. Learn about what kinds there are in Swan Lake and how important they really are. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet, rod and reel, bait, water and sunscreen.

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

Wednesday, June 30th

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 3-12

Learn about these colorful and diverse insects with a brief slideshow. Then grab an insect net and try and catch some!

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

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HABITAT: CAVE ENTRANCE

Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 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 Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 28th.

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EVENING TRAIL HIKE

Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm
Ages: 7-Adult

Beat the heat! Walk the Recovery Trail with a ranger as we keep an eye out for wildlife that becomes active just before sunset. Bring water, good walking shoes, bug spray, and be prepared to walk 2 miles.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 12:00noon June 28th.

Thursday, July 1st

NATURE READINGS – SNAKES

Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Ages: 3 – 9

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

Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30 June 30th.

Friday, July 2nd

ANIMAL HOMES

Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
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 June 30th.

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BUTTERFLY MOBILE

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
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 June 30th.

Saturday, July 3rd

GEOLOGY OF OUR AREA

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
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 to these and other questions about our local geology. Be prepared for a short walk to the cave entrance and back.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 1st.

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ANIMAL TRACKING

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 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 1st.