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Keep up with our Summer Research Interns - read the "Tremonthly" summer science report.
It's Great Smoky Mountains Photo Contest time again! Read the rules here
Evaluating Tremont's Impact
Learn why your school's visit to Tremont will be "more than just a field trip."
Reptiles and Amphibians
July 10 - 12
Discover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. We will focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky 
Mountains National Park. Emphasis will be given to general natural history of each species, including but not limited to; distribution, associations, reproduction, status, conservation, research methods, etc. Fieldwork will include surveys of populations of reptiles and amphibians using traditions methods such as cover boards, leaf liter bags, etc.
Goal:
To give the student an overview of the variety, distribution, management, and natural history of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Specific objectives of this course are:
1. To introduce the student to reptile and amphibian taxonomy and identification.
2. To introduce the student to the distribution and habitat preferences of reptiles and amphibians in
this region.
3. To discuss the general natural history of reptiles
and amphibians in this region.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify taxonomic groups and many of the species within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2. Create a natural history report on both a reptile and an amphibian of their choice.
3. Identify major conservation concerns as they relate to reptiles and amphibians in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
July 2008 Reptiles and Amphibians Workshop Schedule:
July 10 - 12, 2008| 10:00 am - Noon | Check-in and get settled |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 2:00 | Reptiles and Amphibians: An overview |
| Habitat. Ecology, Identification methods, Conservation | |
| 3:30 | Research and Field Identification around Walker Valley |
| Research methods, handling techniques, hands-on identification using dichotomous keys | |
| 6:00 | Cookout |
| 7:00 | Appalachian Beach Party |
| 9:00 | Evening Assignment: Species Profiles |
Friday, July 11
| 8:00 | Breakfast and pack sack lunch |
| 8:45 | Herps around the Park (all day trip to high country) |
| Herp identification in different park habitats | |
| Connection of species to habitat/elevation |
|
| Use of various keys and field guides |
|
| Developing comfort with subject |
|
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Break- Time to Relax! |
| 5:30 | Supper |
| 7:00 | Appalachian Celebration |
| 9:00 | Nocturnal field session |
Saturday, July 12
| 8:00 | Breakfast and pack sack lunch |
| 9:00 | Fields, wetlands, and structures (Cades Cove) |
| Reptiles and amphibians around human structures | |
| Reptile hunting in fields and along edges | |
| Wetland (non-alluvial) habitats | |
| 2:00 | Assessment of Learning |
| 3:00 | Wrap-up and Evaluations |
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