Smokies Life continues its 2026 Branch Out events with opportunities to find out about Monarch Butterfly tagging and elk in the Smokies.
Learn about the monarch butterfly and join local conservation efforts to track the species during its annual migration through the region. This event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Great Smokies Welcome Center in Townsend, Tennessee.
Enjoy a short naturalist “ramble” during prime elk mating season while learning about the species and its reintroduction to the area. This event will be held from 12:30-6 p.m. on Oct. 9 and Oct. 17 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cost for Branch Out events for Park Keepers is $45. To join and attend cost is $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 and event registration $45). Participation fees are essential in helping to cover the costs associated with planning and hosting. All additional revenue supports the projects and services of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For more information and additional events, see smokieslife.org/branch-out-events or email membership@smokieslife.org.