Discover the Mysteries of the Bat Cave Preserve!
THIS MONTH ON UNC-TV'S OUR STATE, TO THE BAT CAVE!
Episode Premieres Wednesday, April 5, at 8 PM

On the April edition of Our State, premiering airing Wednesday, April 5, at 8 PM (encores Thursday, April 6, at 9:30 PM; Sunday, April 9, at 1:30 PM; Sunday, April 9, at 10:30 PM; and Monday, April 10, at 3:30 AM), cameras spelunk into the depths of Bat Cave for the first time as scientists work to discover the mysteries of this unique ecosystem on Bat Cave Preserve; Wilmingtonians throw a huge party-including our state's largest parade-to honor their blazing azaleas on Azalea Festival; and visitors delight in the many lush plants, some more than a century old, on Airlie Gardens.

Bat Cave Preserve-Yes, there is an actual bat cave in Bat Cave Preserve.  One of the largest granite fissure caves in the world, Bat Cave is home to several types of bats. This near wilderness preserve helps further the survival of several rare species of bats, as well as rare salamanders and wildflowers, and a multi-faceted natural habitat. Owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy, the Preserve's unique micro-climates allow threatened or endangered species of plants and animals to survive. For the first time, cameras probe the depths of the cave, following scientists' work to discover the mysteries of this unique ecosystem.

Azalea Festival-North Carolinians love azalea plants!  When spring arrives in North Carolina, yards burst forth with their brilliant colors. Nowhere in our state are the azaleas more ubiquitous and ablaze than in Wilmington, where citizens are so enamored with the plant that they annually throw a huge party in its' honor. The North Carolina Azalea Festival features music, charity and athletic events, the state's largest parade and, of course, garden tours featuring the honored plant. Debuting just before the weekend of this year's Azalea Festival, go behind the scenes to see how the parade is staged.  

Airlie Gardens-Nicknamed "Wilmington's Garden," this longtime attraction bursts with a lush planting of flowers. For over a century, visitors gaze in pleased awe at Airlie Gardens' lush planting of flowers. Among its many different plant species, the garden showcases azaleas and camellias, the favorite flower of the gardens' original owner, Sarah Jones.  Many of the camellias Mrs. Jones planted 100 years ago are still blooming today. Now owned by New Hanover County, discover its rich history as well as spectacular floral displays of these gardens by the sea. Visit www.unctv.org/ourstate to see a video clip of this segment.

Inspired by the pages of Our State magazine, UNC-TV's half-hour on-air monthly magazine, Our State, takes you down-home in North Carolina for an in-depth look at the people and places that make our state great! Compelling stories, stunning digital videography and thoughtful narration take you beneath the surface, providing answers to the hows and whys of all things Our State.

Each month you'll find more great things about our state to discover and to love! Discover and celebrate North Carolina's people, places, traditions and culture through inspiring stories such as you'll find in the pages of Our State magazine-now on UNC-TV's on-air magazine Our State.

Led by award-winning producer/director Jim Bramlett, a pioneer in high definition productions and new technologies at UNC-TV, Our State specializes in capturing North Carolina's unique culture. Filmed in high-definition, Our State's extremely high-resolution picture offers a stunning visual experience. Like its print counterpart, Our State helps preserve the past, anticipates the future and celebrates the present through unforgettable stories and images that make our state great!

Be sure to tune in and see how the state of the arts thrive in North Carolina on this edition of UNC-TV's Our State, Wednesday, April 5, at 8 PM, and Thursday, April 30, at 9:30 PM. For more information about Our State, visit Our State online at www.unctv.org/ourstate. Check UNC-TV's monthly program guide CenterPiece and local television listings for other airdates and times.

Our State is produced by UNC-TV in partnership with Our State magazine and the generous support of BB&T. For more information about this show and other UNC-TV programming, visit UNC-TV online at www.unctv.org. UNC-TV's 11 stations comprise North Carolina's only statewide television network, made possible through a unique partnership of public investment and private support. UNC-TV is committed to producing and broadcasting programs for and about North Carolina, making it the state's most important source of information about North Carolina.

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