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HomeEventsDunbar Cave State Natural Area Programs for July 17th through July 23rd

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area Programs for July 17th through July 23rd

Clarksville, TNDunbar Cave State Natural Area has been a State Park since 1973. The cave and its surrounding 110 acres have considerable scenic, natural and historical significance. The entrance offered shelter to prehistoric Native Americans as far back as 10,000 years.

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

Upcoming events include: Evening Critter Hike, History of Dunbar Cave, Geology of a Cave, Dragonfiles 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 17th

Evening Critter Hike

Time: 8:00pm – 9:15pm
Ages: 8 – Adult

Join us for a hike to observe the many creatures that come out to feed and socialize at night on the park.

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 15th.

Monday, July 18th

History of Dunbar Cave

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 8 – Adult

Join Ranger Adam at the cave entrance and learn about the reasons why Dunbar Cave has drawn people to it over the years. Topics will include Native American use of the cave and the Dunbar Cave and Idaho Springs Resorts.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 16th.


Fish of Swan Lake

Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 7 to adult

While wandering around the lake, view and discuss the varied fish species Dunbar has to offer.

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 16th.

Tuesday, July 19th

A Sense of Nature

Time: 8:30am – 10:00 am
Ages: 5 – 10

We will use our eyes, ears, noses, mouths and fingers to learn about nature. 

Program Leader:  Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 17th.


Tree Identification Hike

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: 6 – 12

Join Ranger Adam for a walk around the park discovering some of the common trees found in our area.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 17th.


Cave Critters

Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All Ages

We will observe the many creatures Dunbar Cave calls home, including bats, rats, salamanders, spiders and crickets.

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 17th.

Thursday, July 21st

Friends Meeting

Time: 6:00pm

IF you use the park and/or attend our programs, you should become a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave!  Meet in the Visitor Center.

Friday, July 22nd

Birds of Dunbar Cave SNA

Time: 7:00am – 8:30am
Ages: All ages

Birdwatching at its best – come take an early morning hike and see our many different birds.     

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 20th.


Pond Life

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 20th.


Geology of a Cave

Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Ages: All Ages

Learn how caves are made and about karst topography (what’s that?  Come and find out!) in the Visitor Center AV room, then get a first hand observation of how caves are formed at the cave itself.

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 20th.


History of Dunbar Cave

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 8 – Adult

Join Ranger Adam at the cave entrance and learn about the reasons why Dunbar Cave has drawn people to it over the years. Topics will include Native American use of the cave and the Dunbar Cave and Idaho Springs Resorts.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 20th.

Saturday, July 23rd

Sunrise Hike

Time: 5:30am – 6:30am
Ages: adult

A quiet hike of the park to gather yourself and start the day off fresh by greeting the sun as it rises.

Program Leader:  Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 21st.


Dragonflies

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 10 – adult

Join dragonfly expert and photographer Richard Connors and learn to identify the colorful dragonflies and damselflies of the Area.  Includes slide program and walk around the lake.  Bring binoculars and cameras if you have them (binoculars not required, but very helpful in seeing small creatures!)

Program Leaders:  Richard Connors and Amy Wallace
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 21st.


Wildflower Stroll

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 10-Adult

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 July 21st.


Night Hike 

Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: All ages

Join us as the sun goes down and the night creatures (bats, owls, raccoons, beaver and others) come out. Bring a flashlight.

Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: Noon July 23rd.

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