Natural Bridge Caverns Celebrates The International Year Of Caves & Karst Throughout June

Photo credit: Jamie Finney (Natural Bridge Caver)

NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS -- Natural Bridge Caverns is launching a series of Discovery Days every weekend in June to instill a love for discovery and deep appreciation of the critical role caves and karst play in the ecosystem of Texas—and the world.

Every weekend in June, the team at Natural Bridge Caverns will celebrate the pillars of the International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK): Explore, Understand, Protect. There will be live demonstrations, entertainment, and educational presentations by the San Antonio Zoo Center for Conservation and Research (discussing cave critters), Bat Conservation International, Edwards Aquifer Conservancy, Orion Knox (one of the original explorers of Natural Bridge Caverns), cave photographer Bennett Lee, and renown cave explorer and expedition leader Bill Steele.

The schedule (all activities are between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm):

June 5th and 6th

Live demonstrations by our own cave exploration team on vertical rope climbing and knot tying techniques for explorers. A "cave squeeze box" will be available to try out so you can feel how small some of the spaces are when exploring "wild caves".

June 12th and 13th

Our staff geologist will give a presentation and be on hand to answer questions on cave and karst formations as well as a visit from another special guest. Cave exploration techniques will be on display and a fun activity is scheduled for this weekend: making a sinkhole in a cup.

June 19th and 20th

The focus for June 19th and 20th will be the protection of these special landscapes and the critters that inhabit them. In addition to our cave explorers, special guests will show us how and why protection is necessary for these natural resources and how it affects our daily lives.

June 26th and 27th

It is time to celebrate, as Discovery Days come to a close, additional entertainment will be onsite and don't miss the special giveaways!

About Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is one of the world's premier show caverns. Discovered in 1960 by local cavers, this family-owned and operated natural wonder is the largest cavern in Texas, filled with incredible formations and spectacular lighting which can be explored through two separate tours. The Discovery Tour showcases state-of-the-art lighting illuminating massive, otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time while the Hidden Passages Tour brings to light delicate formations and mystery in every shadow. Above ground guests can take part in an adventure of a different kind including a ropes course, zip rails, a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze, and even an interactive "panning" activity. More of the cavern is still being discovered; the Wuest family along with their caving team are still actively exploring new areas in the massive cavern.  Natural Bridge Caverns is owned and operated by the Wuest family and is a designated State Historical Site, National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Other News Break Travel stories you might enjoy:

Beachfront Vacation and Entertainment Mecca Coming to the Bolivar Peninsula

The Viking River Cruise You've Always Dreamed of is Coming to America

How to Find the Best Small Places to Stay in the Texas Hill Country

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow