2015 Program Schedule
June 14th – 30th

Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the listed deadline.

Programs with no reservations by the deadline will be 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). Age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is younger or older than the age limits given.

Call (931) 648-5526 for reservations.

RELATED CONTENT Dunbar Cave reopened for public tours

 

Sunday, June 14 2:00 — 3:30 p.m. BOTANICAL DAY HIKE All ages
Take a guided tour through the park to learn more about our summer flora and which plants are fading, fruiting, or blooming. Be ready for a 1 mile hike. Wear sturdy shoes, bring some water, and field guides if you have them!
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 12. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

4:30 — 5:30 p.m. PORT ROYAL AFTERNOON HIKE All ages
Take a short relaxing stroll down at Port Royal. Learn a bit of the history and landmarks on the park, as well as the seasonal plants and animals. We’ll meet in the River Bottom Trail parking lot on the north side of the bridge. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 12. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Tuesday, June 16 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
Each person on a cave hike must have a working flashlight. Due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in our cave, clean caving protocols are in effect. Each person must bring two pairs of shoes- one pair, which will be worn in the cave, must be boots or shoes with good traction as the cave floor is very muddy and slippery (no sandals or flip-flops). The other pair (any type of footwear) is to change into before exiting the cave so that the WNS fungus is not carried out on your shoes. The park will provide bags to place your cave shoes in and you will be given instructions on how to properly clean them when you get home so that we do not spread WNS to other areas.
The cave floor is muddy and slippery; every person must sign a release of liability waiver which will be provided to you when you make your reservations. The hike is not handicap accessible and not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Cost is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 5 – 12 (no children under age 5 are allowed on a cave hike).
To go on a cave hike, you must have a reservation. Reservation can be made only during office hours (8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. M-F), and can be made by phone or in person. Hike is limited to 20 persons.
There will be no cave hikes June 17 – 19 due to our Jr. Ranger Camp
Friday, June 19 5:00 — 6:30 p.m. WILDLIFE DENTURES Ages 5-15
Ever wondered why your teeth are different from a dog’s? Or a squirrel’s? Discover the relationship between animal teeth and the food they eat. When you’re done, you’ll be taking home your very own set of wildlife dentures.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 17. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Saturday, June 20 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

4:30 — 6:30 p.m. CATERPILLAR CREATION Ages 5-15
You see them in your yard and all around our park, but do you know what kind they are? Come find out about the larval form of some of our most beautiful insects and have the chance to create your own caterpillar. Later on, we’ll continue this program by making both the cocoon and the adult butterfly for your caterpillar.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 18. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Sunday, June 21 2:00 — 3:00 p.m. PORT ROYAL DAY HIKE All ages
Head out to Dunbar’s sister historical state park to take in the sights and sounds. Our hike will be approximately ¾ of a mile, the trail is moderately strenuous. Wear sturdy shoes . Meet in the parking lot beside the restrooms.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 19. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Monday, June 22 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. EVENING HIKE All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and day ends to see what is out.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 June 20. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger

Tuesday, June 23 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. FIREFLIES All ages
Come out and learn about these little lanterns of the night on a short hike.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 June 21. Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist

Wednesday, June 24 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PORT ROYAL MORNING WALK All ages
We will take the ½ mile River Bottom Trail and see what plants and creatures we can find. Meet at the River Bottom Trail Head at Port Royal Historic Park.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 June 22. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

Thursday, June 25 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

2:00— 3:30 p.m. COCOON CREATION Ages 5-15
As a follow-up program to our caterpillar creation, we’ll make paper mache cocoons to continue the life cycle of our lovely insects. If you were unable to attend the caterpillar creation, please join us anyway.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 23. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

4:30 — 5:30 p.m. BLINDMAN’S TREE HUNT Ages 5-15
In some Native American tribes this game was used as a test of manhood. These days it’s just plain fun. Test your memory and your senses as you trace your way back to a place you’ve never seen.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 23. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Friday, June 26 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

7:30 — 9:00 p.m. PORT ROYAL CAMPFIRE GAMES Ages 5-adult
Come out to Port Royal and relax around a campfire. We will play flashlight tag, glow stick hunt, and other fun games. We’ll end the night with tasty s’mores. In the event of rain, this program will be rescheduled.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 4:30 JUNE 24. Program Leader: Kala Downey, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Saturday, June 27 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.
Tuesday, June 30 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CAVE HIKE Ages 5 – adult
See Tuesday, June 16 for details on cave hikes.

8:15 – 9:30 p.m. NIGHT HIKE All ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as darkness rises– we might hear owls, frogs and other creatures.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 June 28. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger