The Smoky Mountain Field School this Month

Some twenty-eight years ago, a number of University of Tennessee professors decided they wanted to share their love and knowledge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with visitors to our state. They established the Smoky Mountain Field School and began offering courses for adults and families on wildflowers, birds, trails, waterfalls, etc. Now there are over 70 of the short courses offered from March through November and while each is taught by an expert, the classes give families a good look at the park through guided day hikes or overnight backpacking trips.

Space is limited to from five to 20 people depending on the course, and reservations are required in advance. The overnight backpacking trip to Mt. LeConte scheduled for April has not filled yet. For more information call 865-974-0150.

The following programs will meet this month:

“Introduction to Orienteering” will be this Saturday, March 11th at the Sugarlands Visitor Center training room. Neil Buckingham will lead a lecture, classroom activities and field exercises on the fundamentals of competitive and wilderness orienteering. Cost is $49.

“Advanced Orienteering” also will be this Saturday. It provides an opportunity for more instruction on using a map and compass to navigate remote areas. The “Introduction to Orienteering” class must be taken first. Cost is $49.

“Tracking and Nature Observation” will be Saturday, March 18, in the Abrams Falls area. The all-day class, led by Wanda DeWaard, will teach you how to spot clues and signs that animals leave behind as you do some tracking and observing. Cost is $49.

“Getting Re-Connected: Nature Awareness Skills” will be held on Sunday, March 19, from 1-5 p.m. Naturalist Wanda Dewaard will lead the family program to acquaint participants with the Great Smoky Mountains. Cost is $29 for adults and $25 for children 6-12.

“Waterfalls of the Smokies” will be Saturday March 25, in the Cades Cove area. Families are invited to learn about amphibian biology, ecology and research. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for children 6-12.

“Sharing Nature with Children”: will be Sunday March 26. Led by Charles Maynard and David Morris, the family event will be held along a mountain stream and an old railroad bed. Participants will learn about plans and animals that depend on the forest for life. Cost is $29 for adults and $19 for children 6-12.