Archived Outdoors
Connect to the spirit of the Smokies
The “Spirit of the Smokies” certificate program is starting up again, offered by the University of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain Field School for adults who love the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and desire a deeper connection to this landscape. This will be the field school’s 44th season.
The program consists of eight sessions spread from March to November that explore everything from geology to wildflowers to first aid.
- Session one: “The Geological and Ecological Foundation and Culture and History of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.
- Session two: “The Wildflowers of Greenbrier,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17.
- Session three: “Oconaluftee, Smoky Mountain Elk and More,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1.
- Session four: “Black Bears: Their Nature and Habitat,” 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 5.
- Session five: “Basic Hiking Skills and Backpacking with Confidence,” 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 10.
- Session six: “Backcountry First Aid and Survival Skills,” 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.
- Session seven: “Elkmont Transition and Change,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.
- Session eight: “The Future of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: How You Can Get Involved,” 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Registration is $449 per adult, with a discounted rate of $849 available for two adults. Register at http://bit.ly/3uXmmWs or call 865.974.1051 to receive the discounted rate. Space limited.
