Dunbar Cave State Natural Area Programs for the week of July 4th

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

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!

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, 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.

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THIS WASN’T ALWAYS A FOREST

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.

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CRITTER CREATIONS

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.

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NIGHT EYES

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.

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ATLATL THROWING

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.

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NIGHT FLIGHT

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.

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RIVER WILDLIFE (at Port Royal Historic Site)

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.

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NATURE READINGS – BUTTERFLIES

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.

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STELLALUNA – A BABY BAT ADVENTURE

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.

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CAVES

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.

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MAKE YOUR OWN BUTTERFLY NET

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

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SPIDER EYES

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.