Smokies celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The Smokies came to the Latino communities of Knoxville this month in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, with more than 100 Latino people attending an event at Sugarlands Visitor Center where attendees were offered a chance to learn about the park in Spanish.
Called “Se Encuentre Su Parque” — “Find Your Park,” in English — the event let participants make old-time toys, learn about Smokies animals, search for terrestrial invertebrates, explore the visitor center, hike to Cataract Falls and find out how to “Leave No Trace” while visiting the park. Thirty-six children became Junior Rangers.
“The success of this event was one small step in helping the park better engage with a diversity of park audiences to share the amazing resources and stories of the Smokies,” said Acting Education Branch Chief Joy Absher.
Donors to Friends of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Association and the National Park Foundation made the event possible.
