Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP)
Become a better naturalist, communicator, and land steward by learning the ecology and natural
history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program provides fundamental and specialty skills in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. This is accomplished via a series of field courses covering subjects such as ecological communities,
plant identification, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, stream ecology, the history of nature study, interpretation, and other skills necessary to an educational naturalist. To qualify for the non-credit Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certificate, you must complete eight core courses. Students not enrolled in the certification program may take courses individually.
Courses are held at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Participants may commute from home or stay onsite.
Costs: Each weekend course is $250/person (includes instruction, meals, and lodging) or $230/person without lodging. July courses are $250/person for each course ($230 without lodging) or $430 for two consecutive courses (the non-lodging discount is not available for the week-long option).
Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Details (pdf)
Course Descriptions (pdf)
Course Summaries (detailed descriptions, goals, and objectives) (pdf)
Program FAQ’s (Please bear with us while we develop FAQ's)
Week-long Workshop Schedule
July 7 - 12
By attending the July, week-long workshop you will be able to complete two core courses as well as enjoy a bit of down-time in the Smokies. Click here for the sample schedule.
2008 Course Schedule
Naturalist Skills
February 8 – 10
November 7 – 9
Southern Appalachian Ecology
May 16 – 18
October 24 - 26
Birds of the Smokies
May 16 – 18
Interpretation: A Teachable Art
February 8 - 10
July 7 - 9
Plants (Southern Appalachian Ecology is a prerequisite for this course)
July 7 - 9
October 24 - 26
Reptiles and Amphibians
July 10 - 12
Aquatic Natural History
July 10 - 12
Mammals
November 7 - 9
Tremont partners with the Smoky Mountain Field School,
educating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
