A Letter from the CEO

Everyone should have the opportunity to feel the vitality of the forest — the thrill of discovering salamanders in the creek, the sense of belonging that grows when they’re immersed in nature. At Tremont, this belief shapes everything we do.

Here, the Smokies feel less like a place and more like a character in our story. The sound of the Middle Prong is a constant backdrop to our work — steady, grounding, always present. A third of our staff live on site, which means the same mountains that guide their days greet them again when the workday ends. For many of us, it feels like this place has always lived in our hearts.

But we also know that isn’t true for everyone. Every year, we welcome children who live within 50 miles of the national park but have never set foot inside it. When they arrive, we witness their worlds expand — eyes bright, curiosity sparking, a sense of freedom settling in. Their wonder feels alive, and it reminds me that access to nature doesn’t happen automatically. It must be created, protected, and shared.

This year, thousands of students, teachers, families, and lifelong learners stepped into the Smokies — many for the very first time. They splashed into creeks, followed salamanders through mossy streambeds, hiked forested ridges, and found a deeper sense of connection to both nature and themselves. And now, they carry that love for this place with them as they move through the world.

It has been a remarkable year. We’ve been dreaming, growing, and welcoming new people into the experience — all while continuing the work that has grounded Tremont for decades.

I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of these successes with you, and I invite you to dive deeper into our virtual annual report.

Warm wishes and deep gratitude,

Catey McClary
President & CEO
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

EXPLORE THE REPORT

WHO WE SERVE

Students
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Teachers
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Adult Learners
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Summer Campers
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National Park Visitors

BEHIND THE SCENES

Financial Report
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Our People

A Letter from the CEO

Everyone should have the opportunity to feel the vitality of the forest — the thrill of discovering salamanders in the creek, the sense of belonging that grows when they’re immersed in nature. At Tremont, this belief shapes everything we do.

Here, the Smokies feel less like a place and more like a character in our story. The sound of the Middle Prong is a constant backdrop to our work — steady, grounding, always present. A third of our staff live on site, which means the same mountains that guide their days greet them again when the workday ends. For many of us, it feels like this place has always lived in our hearts.

But we also know that isn’t true for everyone. Every year, we welcome children who live within 50 miles of the national park but have never set foot inside it. When they arrive, we witness their worlds expand — eyes bright, curiosity sparking, a sense of freedom settling in. Their wonder feels alive, and it reminds me that access to nature doesn’t happen automatically. It must be created, protected, and shared.

This year, thousands of students, teachers, families, and lifelong learners stepped into the Smokies — many for the very first time. They splashed into creeks, followed salamanders through mossy streambeds, hiked forested ridges, and found a deeper sense of connection to both nature and themselves. And now, they carry that love for this place with them as they move through the world.

It has been a remarkable year. We’ve been dreaming, growing, and welcoming new people into the experience — all while continuing the work that has grounded Tremont for decades.

I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of these successes with you, and I invite you to dive deeper into our virtual annual report.

Warm wishes and deep gratitude,

Catey McClary
President & CEO

Learning in Action

Every year, Tremont brings people of all ages closer to the natural world — not by asking them to sit still and listen, but by inviting them outside to explore, question, and discover. In the last year, our programs reached learners from across the region and beyond, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains.

This is learning that moves. Learning that gets your boots muddy. Learning that stays with you.

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hours students spent outside

Sparking a Love for Learning

This year, Tremont welcomed 3,667 students and teachers for multi-day residential programs, continuing a tradition that remains the cornerstone of our work. Here, young people step beyond classroom walls and into creekbeds, forests, and ridgelines that spark both joy and scientific thinking.

For many of these students, this wasn’t just their first overnight field trip — it was their first meaningful encounter with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Despite living within an hour of the park, many had never set foot inside it before. Thanks to partnerships with nearby school districts and dedicated supporters, 9 schools received significant funding from the Local Schools Support Fund, allowing 392 local students to experience the Smokies without financial barriers.

These immersive days and nights lead to transformational moments:

And the impact resonated with teachers:

  • 100% rated their overall trip a 4 or 5 out of 5, with an average of 4.87
  • 100% rated Tremont’s teaching staff a 4 or 5 out of 5, with an average of 4.93

Ronald Teunissen has been bringing seventh graders to Tremont for 23 years. Read more from this interview.

What students experience here becomes more than a field trip — it’s often the moment when learning becomes joyful, embodied, and real.

$0
awarded by Tremont in scholarships and financial aid

$288

funds a lifechanging 2-night, 3-day trip to the Smokies

“”Teachers returned and immediately started putting things into action. Within a week, one had rewritten their end-of-unit math project to include data from a weather station. Another teacher began a phenology unit. Another teacher is putting together a food waste audit project for the whole school. There’s some great synergy!”

“This field trip definitely gave our students the opportunity to show their kindness and empathy to one another. Friendships were strengthened, memories were formed, and their trust in each other and in themselves was deepened.”
“The students clearly became more conscious of their environment. They were quicker to think about stewardship – caring for what was around them. It quickly seemed to become a routine for them.”

“I was really impressed when we met with Tremont staff to discuss our teaching plan. The questions really focused on the needs of our group as a whole and also on individual students and how we can best accommodate their needs. The program was really tailored, which I hadn’t experienced in an overnight trip before.”

“Our school will cherish these memories and bonds made! I also hope to prioritize curiosity and nature exploration as much as possible in my classroom in the future.”

Sparking a Love for Learning

This year, Tremont welcomed 3,667 students and teachers for multi-day residential programs, continuing a tradition that remains the cornerstone of our work. Here, young people step beyond classroom walls and into creekbeds, forests, and ridgelines that spark both joy and scientific thinking.

For many of these students, this wasn’t just their first overnight field trip — it was their first meaningful encounter with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Despite living within an hour of the park, many had never set foot inside it before. Thanks to partnerships with nearby school districts and dedicated supporters, 9 schools received significant funding from the Local Schools Support Fund, allowing 392 local students to experience the Smokies without financial barriers.

$0
awarded by Tremont in scholarships and financial aid

These immersive days and nights lead to transformational moments:

And the impact resonated with teachers:

  • 100% rated their overall trip a 4 or 5 out of 5, with an average of 4.87
  • 100% rated Tremont’s teaching staff a 4 or 5 out of 5, with an average of 4.93

What students experience here becomes more than a field trip — it’s often the moment when learning becomes joyful, embodied, and real.

“”Teachers returned and immediately started putting things into action. Within a week, one had rewritten their end-of-unit math project to include data from a weather station. Another teacher began a phenology unit. Another teacher is putting together a food waste audit project for the whole school. There’s some great synergy!”

“This field trip definitely gave our students the opportunity to show their kindness and empathy to one another. Friendships were strengthened, memories were formed, and their trust in each other and in themselves was deepened.”
“The students clearly became more conscious of their environment. They were quicker to think about stewardship – caring for what was around them. It quickly seemed to become a routine for them.”

“I was really impressed when we met with Tremont staff to discuss our teaching plan. The questions really focused on the needs of our group as a whole and also on individual students and how we can best accommodate their needs. The program was really tailored, which I hadn’t experienced in an overnight trip before.”

“Our school will cherish these memories and bonds made! I also hope to prioritize curiosity and nature exploration as much as possible in my classroom in the future.”

Ronald Teunissen has been bringing seventh graders to Tremont for 23 years. Read more from this interview.

Taking Tremont Back to the Schoolyard

Our work doesn’t end when students leave campus. Tremont is equally committed to empowering teachers to bring high-quality, inquiry-based learning to their own schoolyards and communities. This year, that commitment expanded in powerful ways.

Bridging the Gap Between Schools and the National Park

We proudly welcomed Anne, our new Smokies School Coordinator, a role representing all Great Smoky Mountains National Park nonprofit partners. Anne’s focus: supporting local families, teachers, and school districts in deepening their connection to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This year alone, she attended 47 school events — from STEM Nights and career fairs to outdoor learning coalitions — helping local youth see the park as theirs and making outdoor learning accessible across the region. Here’s what she learned in her first year.

Strengthening Teacher Networks

Across all programs, Tremont supported educators through workshops, mentorship, and community-building:

  • Hosted 218 educators on campus for Teacher Escape Weekends
  • Grew the Schoolyard Network to 825+ educators nationwide
  • Sold out the Schoolyard Escape single-day workshop for the third year in a row
  • Delivered custom professional development for schools and partners including Tennessee Nature Academy, Oliver Springs Middle School, The PAST Foundation, and Project Credible as part of our Schoolyard Consultation offerings
  • Invited visiting school groups to participate in cooperative teaching sessions, strengthening relationships between classroom teachers and Tremont instructors

This blend of in-person, online, and school-based support ensures that teachers return to their own communities equipped — and excited — to take students outside.

Thanks to Arconic Foundation for supporting our professional development programs for educators.

Bridging the Gap Between Schools and the National Park

We proudly welcomed Anne, our new Smokies School Coordinator, a role representing all Great Smoky Mountains National Park nonprofit partners. Anne’s focus: supporting local families, teachers, and school districts in deepening their connection to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This year alone, she attended 47 school events — from STEM Nights and career fairs to outdoor learning coalitions — helping local youth see the park as theirs and making outdoor learning accessible across the region. Here’s what she learned in her first year.

Strengthening Teacher Networks

Across all programs, Tremont supported educators through workshops, mentorship, and community-building:

  • Hosted 218 educators on campus for Teacher Escape Weekends
  • Grew the Schoolyard Network to 825+ educators nationwide
  • Sold out the Schoolyard Escape single-day workshop for the third year in a row
  • Delivered custom professional development for schools and partners including Tennessee Nature Academy, Oliver Springs Middle School, The PAST Foundation, and Project Credible as part of our Schoolyard Consultation offerings
  • Invited visiting school groups to participate in cooperative teaching sessions, strengthening relationships between classroom teachers and Tremont instructors

This blend of in-person, online, and school-based support ensures that teachers return to their own communities equipped — and excited — to take students outside.

Thanks to Arconic Foundation for supporting our professional development programs for educators.

Spotlight on Teacher Escape Weekends

Teacher Escape Weekends continue to be one of Tremont’s most beloved professional development opportunities — a space where educators rejuvenate their love of teaching while reconnecting with nature.

98.8% of teachers report feeling more confident taking students outside after attending a Teacher Escape Weekend

98.7% feel it was useful to spend time with other teachers

98.8% say their skills as an educator have improved as a result of this workshop

100% plan to implement something they learned at this workshop in their classroom this year

99.3% feel more motivated to take students outside

92% perceive time as less of a barrier to conducting experiential education activities

100% feel encouraged about their ability to affect positive change in students’ understanding of the natural world

0
total meals served

Who We Serve

Tremont’s programs draw people who are curious, joyful, and eager to learn — from fifth graders discovering salamanders to older adults exploring photography, nature exploration skills, and new ways of seeing the Smokies.

This year, Tremont welcomed program participants from ages 4 to 92, proving that a love for learning and nature knows no age limits. From the wonder-filled adventures of summer camps for kids to the shared discoveries of family camp, from photography workshops that capture the Smokies’ magic to our naturalist certification program that deepen ecological knowledge, Tremont offers something for everyone.

Who We Serve

Tremont’s programs draw people who are curious, joyful, and eager to learn — from fifth graders discovering salamanders to older adults exploring photography, nature exploration skills, and new ways of seeing the Smokies.

This year, Tremont welcomed program participants from ages 4 to 92, proving that a love for learning and nature knows no age limits. From the wonder-filled adventures of summer camps for kids to the shared discoveries of family camp, from photography workshops that capture the Smokies’ magic to our naturalist certification program that deepen ecological knowledge, Tremont offers something for everyone.

0
total meals served
0
school groups visited for multi-day field trips
0
summer campers splashed in the Middle Prong
0
adults joined us on campus for a nature exploration program
0
people completed the Level Up Challenge during our Virtual Naturalist Week
0
professional development programs offered for educators

Lifelong Learning in the Smokies

Adults from their 20s through their 80s joined us for the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program this year, proving that curiosity truly spans a lifetime. 

98% said they met a personal goal during class.
100% agree that they improved their skills as a naturalist

Our adult programs— from intensive naturalist training to creative retreats—offer powerful gateways for learning at any age. Whether people come to deepen their understanding of the Smokies or reconnect with their own sense of wonder, these experiences inspire lifelong curiosity.

A few highlights from this year:

Welcoming Our National Park Visitors

Shaping the Future of Stewardship

The future we’re building is intentional, ambitious, and grounded in the belief that long-term change happens when people feel deeply connected to place. Our work plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of environmental thinkers, advocates, and problem solvers – in the Smokies and beyond.

Growing Curious Leaders Through ECLF

The Environmental and Community Leaders Fellowship (ECLF) gives 27 Fulton High School students the tools, support, and hands-on experience they need to drive environmental change in their own communities. Through mentorship, field science, and leadership development, these young people gain the confidence to investigate ecological questions and design solutions that strengthen resilience where they live.

This year, fellows embarked on a year-long investigation of water quality, beginning with curiosity about the creek near their school and growing into an ecosystem-scale exploration of watersheds, aquatic biodiversity, and human impacts. Explore their year of water in the timeline below!

September

Discovering Nature on Campus

A new school year begins! Students explore the grounds at Fulton High School, noticing just how many hidden natural “secrets” exist right outside their classroom doors. This kickoff helps them begin observing the land that drains into their local watershed.

September

Bioblitz with Discover Life in America

Students participate in a campus Bioblitz with Discover Life in America (DLiA), practicing the use of field guides and iNaturalist to identify plants, insects, fungi, and other living organisms. Their observations form the early foundation of a student-created Fulton Field Guide, and help them see biodiversity as part of the wider water-quality story.

November

Mapping and Water Quality Testing at First Creek

Students map First Creek, the stream running near the high school, and conduct a riparian zone assessment. They measure turbidity and make predictions about the watershed’s health based on their findings.

January

Biotic Sampling at First Creek

Returning to First Creek, students conduct additional water-quality testing focused on biotic indicators. By examining macroinvertebrates and other living organisms, they gain insight into the ecological health of an urban stream. Their most surprising discovery: a salamander living in the creek!

February

Five-Day Immersion in the National Park

Students spend five days at Tremont, diving deeper into the theme of watershed health. Through hands-on field investigations, they compare the waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with First Creek back in Knoxville. They also continue working on their Fulton Field Guide and plan how they want to share what they’ve learned with others.

February

Screening of Hidden Rivers

Students watch the documentary Hidden Rivers, which highlights the extraordinary aquatic biodiversity of Appalachian waterways and features the work of our partners at Conservation Fisheries. This viewing builds excitement and context for future meetings with conservation scientists.

April

Field Study at the Little River

Students join Tremont and Conservation Fisheries staff at the Little River in Townsend to observe fish and examine differences between First Creek’s urban environment and the Middle Prong’s mountain ecosystem. This comparison deepens their understanding of how land use and human activity influence water quality.

April

Lichen Mapping and Connections for Next Year

In a final spring exploration, students participate in a lichen-mapping activity, learning how lichen act as natural indicators of ecosystem health and air quality. They’ll tie their newfound knowledge of ecosystem health with the 2025-26 schoolyear’s theme: migrations.

Growing Curious Leaders Through ECLF

The Environmental and Community Leaders Fellowship (ECLF) gives 27 Fulton High School students the tools, support, and hands-on experience they need to drive environmental change in their own communities. Through mentorship, field science, and leadership development, these young people gain the confidence to investigate ecological questions and design solutions that strengthen resilience where they live.

This year, fellows embarked on a year-long investigation of water quality, beginning with curiosity about the creek near their school and growing into an ecosystem-scale exploration of watersheds, aquatic biodiversity, and human impacts. Explore their year of water in the timeline below!

September

Discovering Nature on Campus

A new school year begins! Students explore the grounds at Fulton High School, noticing just how many hidden natural “secrets” exist right outside their classroom doors. This kickoff helps them begin observing the land that drains into their local watershed.

September

Bioblitz with Discover Life in America

Students participate in a campus Bioblitz with Discover Life in America (DLiA), practicing the use of field guides and iNaturalist to identify plants, insects, fungi, and other living organisms. Their observations form the early foundation of a student-created Fulton Field Guide, and help them see biodiversity as part of the wider water-quality story.

November

Mapping and Water Quality Testing at First Creek

Students map First Creek, the stream running near the high school, and conduct a riparian zone assessment. They measure turbidity and make predictions about the watershed’s health based on their findings.

January

Biotic Sampling at First Creek

Returning to First Creek, students conduct additional water-quality testing focused on biotic indicators. By examining macroinvertebrates and other living organisms, they gain insight into the ecological health of an urban stream. Their most surprising discovery: a salamander living in the creek!

February

Five-Day Immersion in the National Park

Students spend five days at Tremont, diving deeper into the theme of watershed health. Through hands-on field investigations, they compare the waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with First Creek back in Knoxville. They also continue working on their Fulton Field Guide and plan how they want to share what they’ve learned with others.

February

Screening of Hidden Rivers

Students watch the documentary Hidden Rivers, which highlights the extraordinary aquatic biodiversity of Appalachian waterways and features the work of our partners at Conservation Fisheries. This viewing builds excitement and context for future meetings with conservation scientists.

April

Field Study at the Little River

Students join Tremont and Conservation Fisheries staff at the Little River in Townsend to observe fish and examine differences between First Creek’s urban environment and the Middle Prong’s mountain ecosystem. This comparison deepens their understanding of how land use and human activity influence water quality.

April

Lichen Mapping and Connections for Next Year

In a final spring exploration, students participate in a lichen-mapping activity, learning how lichen act as natural indicators of ecosystem health and air quality. They’ll tie their newfound knowledge of ecosystem health with the 2025-26 schoolyear’s theme: migrations.

Investigating the Smokies
Through Community Science

Community science at Tremont is more than volunteer engagement — it’s one of our strongest tools for understanding how the Smokies are changing. By observing and recording the natural world, volunteers help us track long-term ecological patterns that can reveal what’s thriving, what’s declining, and where attention is needed. When hundreds of people collect data year after year, small details indicate powerful trends that guide real conservation decisions in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

0
volunteer hours dedicated to community science
0
species of salamanders observed, giving us a snapshot of watershed health
0
birds captured during banding season to monitor avian populations
0
monarch butterflies tagged to track migration health

These numbers represent more than scientific output — they reflect a growing community of people who feel responsible for the Smokies because they understand them. When volunteers recognize patterns in monarch activity, salamander populations, or seasonal bird movements, they become advocates for the places they study.

Building a Future Campus
for Regenerative Learning

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. We’re using this land to build a regenerative education center that not only expands our program capacity but also demonstrates a better future for all people.

This year, progress took root in trail systems, habitat restoration, and a flourishing garden. These early steps bring us closer to creating a Living Building Challenge–aligned space that will redefine what immersive, sustainable nature education can look like in the Smokies. A few specific highlights:

Elizabeth Davis may be a familiar face to friends of Tremont, but she has recently taken on a new role as Tremont’s first-ever Land Manager.

This year, Elizabeth harvested from the second campus garden:

  • 360 cucumbers
  • 160 summer squash
  • 40 lbs shiitake mushrooms (plus ~120 more logs inoculated)
  • 25 gallons of sweet potatoes
  • …and lots of beans, okra, peppers, and luffa!

A Legacy for Tremont’s Future

In October, 2025, we proudly announced the creation of the Hank Dye MyMtns Fund. Launched with an initial contribution of $15,000, this fund honors Hank Dye – a devoted friend, board member, and champion of Tremont – and celebrates his lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the wonders of the Smokies.

At Tremont’s annual Homecoming celebration, many guests were moved to tears when Hank’s former colleagues made a surprise entrance to announce the fund. There, Hank learned of the fund and the newly dedicated “Hank’s Hill.” Imagined as the first view people see upon arriving at the new campus, it is a place where generations of kids will run, play, and begin their journey into the heart of the Smokies. Read more about this dedication.

Building a Future Campus for Regenerative Learning

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. We’re using this land to build a regenerative education center that not only expands our program capacity but also demonstrates a better future for all people.

This year, progress took root in trail systems, habitat restoration, and a flourishing garden. These early steps bring us closer to creating a Living Building Challenge–aligned space that will redefine what immersive, sustainable nature education can look like in the Smokies. A few specific highlights:

Elizabeth Davis may be a familiar face to friends of Tremont, but she has recently taken on a new role as Tremont’s first-ever Land Manager.

This year, Elizabeth harvested from the second campus garden:

  • 360 cucumbers
  • 160 summer squash
  • 40 lbs shiitake mushrooms (plus ~120 more logs inoculated)
  • 25 gallons of sweet potatoes
  • …and lots of beans, okra, peppers, and luffa!

A Legacy for Tremont’s Future

In October, 2025, we proudly announced the creation of the Hank Dye MyMtns Fund. Launched with an initial contribution of $15,000, this fund honors Hank Dye – a devoted friend, board member, and champion of Tremont – and celebrates his lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the wonders of the Smokies.

At Tremont’s annual Homecoming celebration, many guests were moved to tears when Hank’s former colleagues made a surprise entrance to announce the fund. There, Hank learned of the fund and the newly dedicated “Hank’s Hill.” Imagined as the first view people see upon arriving at the new campus, it is a place where generations of kids will run, play, and begin their journey into the heart of the Smokies. Read more about this dedication.

How We Do It

Tremont’s impact doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because a community of supporters, partners, and staff believes that everyone should have the chance to connect with the natural world.

2024-25 Financial Report

The financial results depicted are derived from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont’s unaudited financial statements from July 31, 2025. Audited statements will be posted when available.

2024-25 Financial Report

The financial results depicted are derived from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont’s unaudited financial statements from July 31, 2025. Audited statements will be posted when available.

Meet the People Who Make Our Work Possible

Thank you for investing in our future.

Thanks to Aneisha Boddie, Noell Boling, Ephiram Bosse, David Bryant, Rich Bryant, Elizabeth Davis, John DiDiego, Hank Dye, Freshwaters Illustrated, Fulton High School and the Environmental and Community Leaders Fellowship participants, Maddie Howe, the Hughes family, Kathleen Reilly, Logan Rosenberg, Erin Rosolina, Annie Roth, Anne Thomas-Abbot, WBIR Channel 10, Amy Wilson, and Peter Womack for providing photos and videos for this report.