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.Â
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
TURTLESÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Ages: All AgesÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 26th. Â
SUNSET HIKE
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Time: 7:15pm – 8:30pmÂ
Ages: 10-AdultÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 12:00noon June 27th.        Â
Monday, June 28thÂ
BEGINNER BIRD HIKEÂ
Time: 8:30am – 10:30amÂ
Ages: 10-AdultÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 26th.Â
FIREFLIESÂ
Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm                                                  Â
Ages: All AgesÂ
Lightning bugs, glowworms, little lanterns of the night. Join us for a program on these magical insects.Â
Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 26th.                  Â
Tuesday, June 29th
ORIENTEERINGÂ
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 10-AdultÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 27th.                              Â
KIDS FISH DAY
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Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5-12Â
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.Â
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 28th.                Â
Wednesday, June 30th     Â
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIESÂ
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am    Â
Ages: 3-12Â
Learn about these colorful and diverse insects with a brief slideshow. Then grab an insect net and try and catch some!Â
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 28th.Â
HABITAT: CAVE ENTRANCE
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Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm       Â
Ages: All ages Â
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.Â
Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 28th.Â
EVENING TRAIL HIKE
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Time: 7:15pm – 8:15pm      Â
Ages: 7-AdultÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 12:00noon June 28th.Â
Thursday, July 1st           Â
NATURE READINGS – SNAKESÂ
Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm     Â
Ages: 3 – 9Â
We will sit at the cool cave entrance and learn about snakes through fun books.Â
Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30 June 30th.                 Â
Friday, July 2nd                 Â
ANIMAL HOMESÂ
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am     Â
Ages: 4 – 8Â
Where do animals live and sleep? Learn the answer through books and a short hike.Â
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 30th.                         Â
BUTTERFLY MOBILE
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Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm      Â
Ages: 3-10Â
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.Â
Program Leader: Andy Riggs, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm June 30th.           Â
Saturday, July 3rd
GEOLOGY OF OUR AREAÂ
Time: 10:00am – 11:00amÂ
Ages: 6-AdultÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 1st.Â
ANIMAL TRACKING
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Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pmÂ
Ages: All AgesÂ
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.Â
Program Leader: Michael Fulbright, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm July 1st.