A Letter from the CEO
In my time at Tremont, I’ve come to understand firsthand that our relationship with nature profoundly impacts the well-being of ourselves and our environment. My understanding of this deepened in the past year as increasing numbers of participants, volunteers and staff returned to our valley, rebuilding Tremont programs and our community. Our rebuilding meant reconnection and growth for ourselves and our organization, and always one for a good metaphor, I’ve come to see our journey as forging a new trail toward our future. The story that this report shares below is one of rebuilding – one that represents our challenging, yet fulfilling, work along this new path.
Last year, in the depths of the pandemic, was a time for trail development and maintenance for us. Our smaller staff worked as builders as they planned, maneuvered, and shaped programs during uncertain times. Their success allowed the few program participants we could serve to act as trailblazers along the new path.
By the start of this fiscal year, we were back to a nearly-full staff, planning for the return of happy hikers to Tremont’s trails. With eagerness, we packed bags, filled water bottles, laced shoes, and set out on a healing path together, finding well-being along the paths winding below the forest canopy.
Joyfully, we welcomed 2,569 students and teachers who, like us, were working to rebuild after disruptions to in-person experiences and societal connections. The 376 adult learners we served reminded us that learning can be a lifelong journey. The 56 community science volunteers reminded us that it’s what you may observe along the hike that sparks curiosity and discovery.
Witnessing the return of people to our valley meant we had re-established our momentum forward. And along with the metaphorical trail building this year, we built literal trails on our second campus property, representing the groundwork for connecting more people to nature on our future regenerative campus, one that will give back to the environment.
It’s a meaningful journey for us. These figurative and literal trails will ground our work for the next hundred years. Your support and financial contributions empower us to bring people together on a path of discovery and growth. See our success below, and join us on this journey forward. Together, we’re going to exciting places!
With gratitude,
Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
A Letter from the CEO
In my time at Tremont, I’ve come to understand firsthand that our relationship with nature profoundly impacts the well-being of ourselves and our environment. My understanding of this deepened in the past year as increasing numbers of participants, volunteers and staff returned to our valley, rebuilding Tremont programs and our community. Our rebuilding meant reconnection and growth for ourselves and our organization, and always one for a good metaphor, I’ve come to see our journey as forging a new trail toward our future. The story that this report shares below is one of rebuilding – one that represents our challenging, yet fulfilling, work along this new path.
Last year, in the depths of the pandemic, was a time for trail development and maintenance for us. Our smaller staff worked as builders as they planned, maneuvered, and shaped programs during uncertain times. Their success allowed the few program participants we could serve to act as trailblazers along the new path.
By the start of this fiscal year, we were back to a nearly-full staff, planning for the return of happy hikers to Tremont’s trails. With eagerness, we packed bags, filled water bottles, laced shoes, and set out on a healing path together, finding well-being along the paths winding below the forest canopy.
Joyfully, we welcomed 2,569 students and teachers who, like us, were working to rebuild after disruptions to in-person experiences and societal connections. The 376 adult learners we served reminded us that learning can be a lifelong journey. The 56 community science volunteers reminded us that it’s what you may observe along the hike that sparks curiosity and discovery.
Witnessing the return of people to our valley meant we had re-established our momentum forward. And along with the metaphorical trail building this year, we built literal trails on our second campus property, representing the groundwork for connecting more people to nature on our future regenerative campus, one that will give back to the environment.
It’s a meaningful journey for us. These figurative and literal trails will ground our work for the next hundred years. Your support and financial contributions empower us to bring people together on a path of discovery and growth. See our success below, and join us on this journey forward. Together, we’re going to exciting places!
With gratitude,
Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Program Highlights
new teachers added to the The Schoolyard Network
participants in our adult field programs
campers in our Summer Youth programs
students visited campus during a school field trip
monarchs tagged during their seasonal migration
individuals made a financial contribution to Tremont
people visited Tremont’s Visitor Center
16 students were recognized by the National Park Service for their achievements in our Environmental and Community Leaders Fellowship.
Kids returned to Walker Valley for summer camps – and we hosted our first adult naturalist camp!
One school celebrated their 50th year sending 5th graders to Tremont – a longstanding tradition for their community!
We added a new community science project – monitoring air quality!
You blew us away on Giving Tuesday 2021 by raising over $52,000 in a single day! We streamed content all day – including into classrooms.
We Hosted Our First-Ever Naturalist Week
In June, we hosted our first-ever virtual Naturalist Week, an event designed to help more people connect with nature from wherever they are. All week, we celebrated the great outdoors by hosting challenges, in-person events, and updates from campus – and it was a blast! Check out some of the highlights below.
In Walker Valley…
For 26 adventurous adults, Naturalist Week was also a summer camp! Just like our summer youth, the adults were challenged to notice their surroundings, get curious, and experience wonder. For many, it was an opportunity to build on the skills they’ve learned in our Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program – for others, it was their first introduction to Tremont.
In his session with Naturalist Week campers, former Tremont executive director Ken Voorhis shared lessons from his experiences training other naturalists, highlighting what skills a good naturalist needs (and which skills are perhaps less important.)
Thanks to positive feedback, we will host another in-person Naturalist Week in 2023.
Around the Country…
We challenged people to notice biodiversity in their own outdoor spaces and share interesting observations on The Big Day. Folks shared over 400 species observations in one day, raising over $500 to support Tremont! (Photos courtesy of The Big Day participants – thank you all!)
Throughout the week, people from all over the country participated in the Level Up Challenge. They ranged from 2 and a half to 75 years old and represented Tennessee, North Carolina, California, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and everywhere in between. We asked folks who completed the challenge what their favorite or most surprising part of the week was, and here’s what they had to say:
“Smelling the tree and describing it. And having Grandma, Papa and Daddy all do it with us.” – Age 8
“This was a REALLY fun challenge. I loved keeping track of my observations throughout the week, exploring your activity prompts via the “Weekly Wonder” videos, and finding time throughout the week to intentionally get outside to explore, reflect and write. My favorite activities were the alphabet nature challenge, “New Best Friend” journal activity and sound mapping. Thanks again for all that you do!” – Age 47
“My favorite activity was the bike ride I took on Wednesday. I made my goal at 100 nature photos and set out. I found a neat trail to ride, and biked really slowly, taking pictures every 10 feet. I also went to parks, climbed around in the forest, and took the last twenty or so in my own backyard.” – Age 17
We Hosted Our First-Ever Naturalist Week
In June, we hosted our first-ever virtual Naturalist Week, an event designed to help more people connect with nature from wherever they are. All week, we celebrated the great outdoors by hosting challenges, in-person events, and updates from campus – and it was a blast! Check out some of the highlights below.
In Walker Valley…
For 26 adventurous adults, Naturalist Week was also a summer camp! Just like our summer youth, the adults were challenged to notice their surroundings, get curious, and experience wonder. For many, it was an opportunity to build on the skills they’ve learned in our Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program – for others, it was their first introduction to Tremont.
In his session with Naturalist Week campers, former Tremont executive director Ken Voorhis shared lessons from his experiences training other naturalists, highlighting what skills a good naturalist needs (and which skills are perhaps less important.)
Thanks to positive feedback, we will host another in-person Naturalist Week in 2023.
Around the Country…
We challenged people to notice biodiversity in their own outdoor spaces and share interesting observations on The Big Day. Folks shared over 400 species observations in one day, raising over $500 to support Tremont! (Photos courtesy of The Big Day participants – thank you all!)
Throughout the week, people from all over the country participated in the Level Up Challenge. They ranged from 2 and a half to 75 years old and represented Tennessee, North Carolina, California, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and everywhere in between. We asked folks who completed the challenge what their favorite or most surprising part of the week was, and here’s what they had to say:
“Smelling the tree and describing it. And having Grandma, Papa and Daddy all do it with us.” – Age 8
“This was a REALLY fun challenge. I loved keeping track of my observations throughout the week, exploring your activity prompts via the “Weekly Wonder” videos, and finding time throughout the week to intentionally get outside to explore, reflect and write. My favorite activities were the alphabet nature challenge, “New Best Friend” journal activity and sound mapping. Thanks again for all that you do!” – Age 47
“My favorite activity was the bike ride I took on Wednesday. I made my goal at 100 nature photos and set out. I found a neat trail to ride, and biked really slowly, taking pictures every 10 feet. I also went to parks, climbed around in the forest, and took the last twenty or so in my own backyard.” – Age 17
Spreading Kindness: Inaugural Eric Weigel Day
On April 29th, the Eric Anderson Weigel Memorial Fund and Tremont Institute joined together for the inaugural Eric Weigel Day of Kindness + Gratitude. This special event served to remind everyone to invite the spirit of kindness and gratitude into their lives.
We called to action all those who knew Eric – either during his lifetime or through his story – to engage in acts of kindness and gratitude and donate to Tremont’s scholarship fund in his honor so that we can raise the next generation of kids to follow in Eric’s steps. Learn more about Eric and his legacy.
Spreading Kindness: Inaugural Eric Weigel Day
On April 29th, the Eric Anderson Weigel Memorial Fund and Tremont Institute joined together for the inaugural Eric Weigel Day of Kindness + Gratitude. This special event served to remind everyone to invite the spirit of kindness and gratitude into their lives.
We called to action all those who knew Eric – either during his lifetime or through his story – to engage in acts of kindness and gratitude and donate to Tremont’s scholarship fund in his honor so that we can raise the next generation of kids to follow in Eric’s steps. Learn more about Eric and his legacy.
Supporting Educators Through the Schoolyard Network
To support teachers during the pandemic, we created The Schoolyard Network, a monthly virtual session for regional educators to ask questions, gather ideas, and feel supported in their challenging work.
“The monthly teacher get-togethers at Tremont have been a source of support for me and motivation to get my students outdoors. I love the camaraderie and sharing of stories and resources.” – Schoolyard Network Participant
We hosted monthly calls throughout the school year to connect teachers with resources and each other. Explore their takeaways:
Your New Best Friend | A World in Your Pocket
A Bounty of Lessons from the Schoolyard Garden
4 Nature Journaling Activities for the Schoolyard
Adding Intention to Class Outings | One Teacher’s Experience Outdoors
Educator programs supported by
Supporting Educators Through the Schoolyard Network
To support teachers during the pandemic, we created The Schoolyard Network, a monthly virtual session for regional educators to ask questions, gather ideas, and feel supported in their challenging work.
“The monthly teacher get-togethers at Tremont have been a source of support for me and motivation to get my students outdoors. I love the camaraderie and sharing of stories and resources.” – Schoolyard Network Participant
We hosted monthly calls throughout the school year to connect teachers with resources and each other. Explore their takeaways:
Educator programs supported by
2021-22 Financials
The financial results depicted are derived from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont unaudited financial statements from July 31, 2022. Audited statements will be posted when available.
Revenue Sources
| Donations/Grant Income | $1,168,315.78 |
| Program Fees | $1,137,731.37 |
| Gift Store Net Sales | $75,704.82 |
| Other Revenue* | ($377,107.38) |
| Total Support and Revenue | $2,004,644.59 |
*Other Revenue is made up of interest income, miscellaneous income, and unrealized gain/loss on investments. This number is a reflection of investment performance at the end of the fiscal year, July 2022, and is not a realized loss.
Expenses
| Programs | $991,687.97 |
| General & Administrative | $773,918.06 |
| Fundraising & Development | $275,528.69 |
| Total Functional Expenses | $2,041,134.72 |
2021-22 Financials
The financial results depicted are derived from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont unaudited financial statements from July 31, 2022. Audited statements will be posted when available.
Revenue Sources
| Donations/Grant Income | $1,168,316 |
| Program Fees | $1,137,731 |
| Gift Store Net Sales | $75,705 |
| Other Revenue* | ($377,107) |
| Total Support & Revenue | $2,004,645 |
*Other Revenue is made up of interest income, miscellaneous income, and unrealized gain/loss on investments. This number is a reflection of investment performance at the end of the fiscal year, July 2022, and is not a realized loss.
Expenses
| Programs | $991,688 |
| General & Administrative | $773,918 |
| Fundraising & Development | $275,529 |
| Total Functional Expenses | $2,041,135 |
Making Plans for the Future:
Tremont’s Second Campus
At Tremont, we envision a future where people are more connected to nature – and we’re building a second campus that makes these connections happen.
In 2019, we purchased 194 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. The land contains both open meadow and wooded backcountry habitats. We’ve been practicing land management, including hosting controlled burns in our open meadows to promote native grasses and plants. We’re also developing trails and campsites in the backcountry section, as well as an overall biological inventory so we have a better sense of the land and the species that live there already.
Making Plans for the Future: Tremont’s Second Campus
At Tremont, we envision a future where people are more connected to nature – and we’re building a second campus that makes these connections happen.
In 2019, we purchased 194 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. The land contains both open meadow and wooded backcountry habitats. We’ve been practicing land management, including hosting controlled burns in our open meadows to promote native grasses and plants. We’re also developing trails and campsites in the backcountry section, as well as an overall biological inventory so we have a better sense of the land and the species that live there already.
2021 Giving Tuesday livestream filmed at the second campus.
