PRESS RELEASE: Celebrate Cave Ecology On National Day Of Caves And Karst

Learn Responsible Caving Skills at Ruby Falls During Nationwide Celebration Honoring Caves and Karst 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 28, 2019) – In honor of the matchless educational and recreational opportunities found in irreplaceable caves and karst, the National Caves Association (NCA) announces the third annual, National Day of Caves and Karst on June 6. Ruby Falls, home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States, will celebrate National Day of Caves and Karst with activities highlighting the essential role caves and karst play in the environment, along with the importance of conserving their natural beauty and fragile resources.

During the national celebration, admission to Ruby Falls includes extra activities and giveaways to encourage the protection of cave ecosystems. Guests will have the unique opportunity to journey through CaveSim, a simulated cave that teaches the importance of caving safely and softly; without harming caves, causing personal injury, or hurting other cavers. The realistic simulator uses science, technology, engineering and math to demonstrate best-practice caving skills interactively. As budding cavers crawl through the 60-foot, multi-level passage, attempting to avoid contact with touch-sensitive, synthetic formations, the CaveSim computer monitors when formations are bumped or brushed. Each explorer earns a final score based on how well they avoided disturbing the faux formations. Entrance to the cave simulator is included with Ruby Falls admission on National Day of Caves and Karst from 10AM-6 p.m. on June 6. CaveSim will also be available to ticketed guests on June 7 – 8 for $5 per person.  

Guests visiting on June 6 will receive a custom Ruby Falls “Keep our Karst Clean” reusable car litter bag, while supplies last and starting at 11 a.m., the Southeastern Cave Conservancy will be onsite with interactive children’s crafts.

Tennessee has over 10,000 known caves, more than any other state. Caves and karst are rich in natural resources, including the most productive groundwater on earth with 175 different minerals; some of which are found only in caves. For more information about Ruby Falls National Day of Caves & Karst event, please visit www.rubyfalls.com