NPS Photo
Teachers at our fall research workshop study snails.
Most workshops are offered free of charge or at a reduced rate. See below for details on upcoming workshops.
Upcoming Workshops
Friday, February 17- Sunday, February 19, 2012
Likin' Lichens. Register through the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Spend the weekend delving into the intruiging world of lichens as we learn their basic ecology, identification and natural history during this field-based workshop. Workshop lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. $50 non-refundable registration fee covers all meals, lodging and giveaway materials. To register, contact the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
Friday, May 4 - Sunday, May 6, 2012
Spring in the Smokies. Explore the Smokies in the spring at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, a high elevation research station in the park. We will participate in studies researching salamanders and terrestrial insects while surrounded by spring wildflowers and migrating birds. Moderately strenuous hiking is likely. To register, visit the Museum of Natural Science's website. Cost: $75 (includes lodging, some meals and transportation to and from Raleigh, NC).
Monday, June 18 - Saturday, June 23, 2012
Smoky Mountain Science Teacher Institute. Immerse yourself for one week in the biological diversity of the Smokies and return home with exciting new ideas for involving your students in hands-on science. Throughout the week, we will visit different Smokies habitats to learn about their amazing natural resources as well as the issues threatening them. Each day you will become a citizen scientist, helping to inventory and monitor everything from salamanders to tardigrades (microscopic water bears). All lodging and meals for the week are provided. $50 non-refundable registration fee. Register through the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
Wednesday, August 1 - Friday, August 3 2012
Advanced Water Quality Workshop. Funded through an NSF grant and taught by experts from across the United States, this workshop will investigate water quality issues in the Smokies and beyond. Workshop includes classroom materials, lodging near Waynesville, NC and lunch each day. Register by contacting Susan Sachs at (828) 926-6251 or e-mail us.
Friday, October 28 - Sunday, October 30, 2012
Got Elk? Fall Research in the Smokies. Spend the weekend exploring fall in the beautiful Cataloochee Valley, home to the new Elk herd in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We will also participate in several citizen science studies designed to monitor the impacts of air pollution to park resources. These studies can be replicated back in your schoolyard or other nearby natural area. Sign up for this workshop through the NC Museum of Natural Science. The cost is $75 but it includes lodging at Lake Junaluska and several meals for the weekend.
Friday, November 2 - Sunday, November 4, 2012
Salamanders and Storms: Studying a Changing Climate. Is climate change occuring in the Smokies? What will our future look like? How can a teacher study climate change in their own schoolyard? These are some of the topics that will be explored during this weekend retreat at teh Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Workshop lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. $50 non-refundable registration fee includes all instruction, meals, lodging and classroom materials. Register through Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a residential environmental learning center located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tremont offers workshops and programs for everyone, from teachers to grade school children to Elderhostel groups. Several special programs for teachers are offered including Teacher Escape Weekends, a Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification series, and Science Teacher Institutes, to help you improve your teaching skills while enjoying the beauty of the park. For more information, call (865) 448-6709 or visit the Tremont website.
Tremont also offers the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) in partnership with the University of Tennessee. Complete 8 courses to earn a certificate in natural history and interpretative skills.
The Smoky Mountain Field School offers high-quality workshops, hikes, and adventures for people who want to enhance their enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of the Smokies and the great outdoors. For more information and a schedule of programs, call (865) 974-0150.