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June Programs at Dunbar Cave

By Debbie Boen | June 8, 2007 |

This 110-acre natural area in Montgomery County is honeycombed by caves and sinkholes, the most prominent being Dunbar Cave. This 8.1 mile cave has historical, natural, archaeological and geological significance. Excavations revealed that this cave has been occupied by man for thousands of years, drawn by its constant stream flow and natural air conditioning.

Dunbar Cave is located 60 minutes northwest of Nashville and about one and a half miles northeast of downtown Clarksville, TN in Montgomery County. Dunbar Cave is the most prominent of several caves located in this designated natural area. In the roomy mouth of the cave, square dances, radio shows, and big band era concerts were once held.

June Programs

All Programs are free unless noted otherwise, and require reservations by the deadline listed.  Program 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 listed are definite-please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program.  (931) 648-5526

Cave Hikes

Wednesdays through Sundays at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. each day.  There are no hikes on Mondays or Tuesdays except July 4 when we will have hikes at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.  We also have special evening cave hikes listed below.  We reserve the rigth to cancel any hike due to lack of reservations.  You must be at least three years old, have a flashlight and a reservation.  Cost is $4.00 per person.  Call (931) 648-5526 for reservations.

Insect Investigation

Watch a 30-minute video on Insects and then go outside and see what we can find! Reservations by: 4:30 MAY 30 Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Friday, June 1 - 10:00-11:00am
Ages: 5-11

Insects at Night

Come see fireflies glow in the sky. Then find out who’s eyes shine in the night. Bring a flashlight. Headlamps work great!

When: Friday, June 1 - 7:30-8:30pm
Ages: 4-Adult
Reservations by: 4:30pm on May 30
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger.

When: Wednesday, June 27 - 7:30-8:30pm
Ages: 4-Adult
Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 25
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger

Turtles!

See a slide show and learn about the different turtles of Tennessee. Afterwards we will take a short hike around the lake and see which ones we can spot in the lake. Reservations by: 4:30 May 31. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Saturday, June 2 - 10:00-11:00am
Ages: All

Evening Cave Hikes

Can’t make our regularly scheduled hikes? Well this one is just for you. Cost is $4.00 per person and space is limited to 20 people. Bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes (no sandals)

When: Saturday, June 2 - 6:00-7:30pm
Ages: All
Reservations by: 4:30pm on MAY 31
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Sunday, June 3 - 6:00 – 7:30pm
Ages: 3-Adult
Reservations by: 4:30pm on JUNE 1
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Evening Trail Hike

This is a great time of day to observe wildlife as we walk the Short Loop trail. Reservations by: 4:30 MAY 31 Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Saturday, June 2 - 7:00 – 8:00pm
Ages: All

Bat Emergence

Come learn about the bats that live in Dunbar cave and see them fly. Bring a flashlight.

When: Sunday, June 3 - 7:30-8:30pm
Ages: All
Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 1.
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger.

When: Friday, June 22 - 7:30-8:30pm
Ages: All
Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 20
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger

When: Saturday, June 30 - 7:45–8:30pm
Ages: All
Reservations by: 4:30pm on on June 28
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

Earthday Everyday

Learn what you can do to help your planet. We will play games and learn everyday activities that make a difference. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 4. Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger.

When: Wednesday, June 6 - 2:00-3:00pm
Ages: 5-Adult

Pond Succession

Come learn about the life cycle of a pond by drawing a mural and finding out that even a pond only has so long to live. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 5. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Thursday, June 7 - 10:00–10:45am
Ages: 7-10

Night Hike

Walk the Short Loop trail at night as we explore the woods and the lakeshore for nocturnal critters. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 6. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Friday, June 8 - 8:00–9:00pm
Ages: All

Snakes – Colubrids

Join Reptiliacs for a look at some live rat snakes, corn snakes, hognose snakes and others. Reservations Required by: 4:30pm on June 7

When: Saturday, June 9 - 11:00–12:00
Ages: All

Sunset Hike

Hike the Short Loop trail and look for emerging wildlife as the Sun goes behind the trees. The trail is 1.1 miles and mildly strenuous. Wear good walking shoes (no sandals) and bug spray is recommended. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 7 . Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Saturday, June 9 - 7:30-8:30pm
Ages: 3 – Adult

What is in Swan Lake

Come find out about the aquatic habitat for Swan Lake a.k.a. Dunbar Lake. Bring shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty because we are getting wet!

When: Wednesday, June 13 - 9:00-10:00am
Ages: 5-Adult
Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 11
Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger

When: Thursday, June 21 - 9:00-10:00am
Ages: 5-Adult
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm on June 19.
Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist.

Lantern Cave Tour

Explore the dark abysses of Dunbar Cave with only a kerosene lantern for light. Cost is $4.00 per person and space is limited to 10 people. Wear good walking shoes (no sandals). Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 11. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Wednesday, June 13 - 5:30-7:00pm
Ages: 6-Adult

Morning Stroll

Take a morning Hike along the short loop trail and see the morning wildlife as they wake up. The trail is 1.1 miles and mildly strenuous. Wear good walking shoes (no sandals). Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 12. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Thursday, June 14 - 7:30-8:30am
Ages: All

Pictograph Viewing

Want to see the ancient Native American drawings in the cave but don’t want to go on our regular hour and a half cave Hike? Then this is just for you. Bring a flashlight and space is limited to 20 people. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 14. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Saturday, June 16 - 10:00–10:30am
Ages: 3-Adult

Salamanders!

Learn about the Salamanders that live in Dunbar Cave and others in Tennessee. Find out how to tell the difference between a salamander and a lizard and see live ones that live in the cave up close Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 14. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Saturday, June 16 - 5:00-6:00pm
Ages: All

Evening Cave Hike

Want to see the cave, but can’t make it to our regularly scheduled Hikes? This Hike is for you. Cost is $4.00 per person. Space is limited to 20 people. Bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes or boots (no sandals). Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 15. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Sunday, June 17 - 6:00–7:30pm
Ages: 3 – Adult

Wildflower Hike

Learn the names and lore of the flowers on this Hike to the cave and along the lake.  Reservations by 4:30 June 18.  Program Leader:  Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist.

When: Wednesday, June 20 - 8:30–10:00am
Ages: 8-Adult

Ultimate Predator

Learn about how predators are adapted to what they eat and then design your own ultimate predator. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 19. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Thursday, June 21 - 10:00–10:45am
Ages: 6-10

The Friends of Dunbar Cave Guest Speaker

Jimmy Dunn shares his memories of Dunbar Cave during its Hey Days. No reservation required.

When: Thursday, June 21 - 7:00-8:30pm
Ages: All

Eyes of the Night

Bring a flashlight and we will Hike around the lake hoping to catch the eyes of our nocturnal animals. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 19. Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist.

When: Thursday, June 21 - 8:30–9:30pm
Ages: 5 – adult

Man’s use of Dunbar Cave through time

Gain a better appreciation for your local park by viewing a slide show covering the past 10,000 years of human activity at Dunbar Cave. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 25. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

When: Wednesday, June 27 - 10:00–11:00am
Ages: 10-Adult

Beginning Birding

Begin a lifetime passion in this program that introduces you to bird watching. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 26. Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist.

When: Thursday, June 28 - 9:00–10:30am
Ages: 5 - 11

Frogs and Toads

See a slide show on the different frogs and toads in Tennessee and find out how to tell the difference between the two. Afterwards we will take a short stroll around the lake to see if we can hear and spot any. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 26. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Thursday, June 28 - 6:30-7:30pm
Ages: All

Bird Hike

Bring your binoculars and learn about the colorful birds of our Area. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 27. Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist.

 When: Friday, June 29 - 7:30-9:30am
Ages: 12 - adult

LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY TREES

There are lots of trees in Tennessee. Come learn some of them and learn how you can identify trees on your own. Bring a tree identification book if you have one. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 27. Program Leader: Amanda Whitley, Seasonal Interpretative Ranger.

 When: Friday, June 29   9:00-10:00am

Ages: 5-12

Waterfowl Hike

Visit and interact with out resident waterfowl. Take a short Hike around lake and find out what they are and where they came from. Reservations by: 4:30pm on June 28. Program Leader: Nathan Smith, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

When: Saturday, June 30 - 9:00-9:45am
Ages: All

Hiking Trails

There are three trails on the natural area that range from a leisurely walk to a fairly strenuous hike. All trails begin and end at the visitors’ center.

Lake Trail: 2/3 mile (easy)
Short Loop: .8 miles (moderate)
Recovery Trail: 1.7 miles (moderate)

Picnic Facilities

The park has seven picnic tables located just behind the visitors’ center on a hill overlooking scenic Swan Lake.

Note: The Picnic area is not wheelchair accessible.

Visitors Center Hours

From 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm daily.

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome, but please contact the park a month in advance.

Contact Dunbar Cave State Park

Map

About Debbie Boen

Debbie and her family moved to Clarksville slightly after the tornado of 1999. Debbie founded the group, Clarksville Freethinkers for Peace and Civil Liberties, in 2004. She participated in Gathering to Save Our Democracy, a group dedicated to obtaining free and verifiable elections in Tennessee. She has supported groups including the NAACP, Nashville Peace Coalition, PFLAG, Friends of Dunbar Cave and the Mountain Top Removal Series of Films and speakers. She has originated rallies, meetings, vigils, films and protests. She participated as an artist in the ARTZ gallery group in Clarksville and won Best of Show and First Place awards for two of her sculptures. She won a voter's choice award for a performance at the Roxy Regional Theatre. She is a wife, mother and cancer survivor. When she grows up, she would like to be more childlike and keep a sense of humor no matter what, in the Will Roger sense.

Email: buginthefire@bellsouth.net

Sections: Events
Topics: Dunbar Cave, Dunbar Cave State Natural Area, State Parks, Summer Programs

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