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, and all meals are provided.

SANCP Details

Course Descriptions

Course Summaries


Due to the popularity of this program, all remaining 2009 courses have been filled. Register now for 2010 courses:

Interpretation/Naturalist Skills
combined course
February 19 - 21, 2010

Birds
May 7 - 9, 2010

Aquatic Ecology
July 5 - 7, 2010

Plants
May 7 - 9, 2010

Reptiles and Amphibians
July 7 - 9, 2010

Southern Appalachian Ecology
October 15 - 17, 2010

Mammals
November 5 - 7, 2010