CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Friends of Dunbar Cave have supported Dunbar Cave State Park for 21 years and are now adding a new opportunity for membership. The Friends of Dunbar Cave are committed to assisting the state with programs and general upkeep of the recreational area, from purchasing computers for park staff to providing all the interpretive signs in the park. They even facilitated the purchase of 30+ acres of additional park land.
Friends of Dunbar Cave hosts annual events at the State Park including Spring Fling, Cooling at the Cave, and a Hummingbird Festival.
The Friends group, which is a 501(3)c nonprofit, have recently focused their efforts on expanding the public access to cave tours. In 2010, White Nose Syndrome, a deadly fungus for bats, was detected in Dunbar Cave. To inhibit the spread of the syndrome, the state suspended guided cave tours in 2010. Cave tours resumed in July 2015.
In the spring of 2018, park staff asked the Board of the Friends of Dunbar Cave to provide 50% of the funding for a seasonal AmeriCorp employee. This employee would be dedicated to providing and expanding access to cave tours. The Board investment resumed public access to cave tours and expanded the program.
In January 2019, the state recognized this significant increase in cave tours and awarded Dunbar Cave Park the “Excellence in Interpretation” award. “Let me be frank,” said David Britton, Park Manager, “This is only possible because of the commitment of the Friends of Dunbar Cave.”
The 2019 plans include the funding of an additional AmeriCorps employee dedicated to providing cave tours. Two Americorps employees would allow for cave tours seven days a weeks and for an expanded cave tours season. Local school field trips in the fall of 2019 could include guided cave tours. The Park Manager estimates a growth in revenue to just over $120,000 for Clarksville’s only state park.
The revenue from the Thomas Dunbar Society, a new membership level, would be dedicated to fund the salaries of the two AmeriCorp positions. Annual family/household membership to the Thomas Dunbar Society is $100, $75 is dedicated to paying the AmeriCorp salaries. An annual business membership to the Thomas Dunbar Society is $250, with 100% of the funds dedicated to paying the AmericCorp positions.
To learn about all of the membership levels available within Friends of Dunbar Cave, visit their website
or contact Blayne Clements, Treasurer, Friends of Dunbar Cave at friendsofdubarcave@gmail.com.