Can’t make this date? Join us for Naturalist Skills in the fall.

The natural world is full of mystery, beauty, and wonder — often revealed only in fleeting glimpses. This immersive weekend course is designed to sharpen your skills as an observer, interpreter, and storyteller of the natural world, giving you the tools to carry your curiosity into any landscape.

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll dive into field-based training with Tremont’s experienced teaching staff, developing core habits that professional scientists and lifelong naturalists use to deepen their understanding of the natural world. You’ll spend time outdoors journaling, sketching, taking structured observations, and experimenting with different methods for recording patterns in the world around you. You’ll connect those observations to the long tradition of naturalist-explorers who have used their craft to better understand both nature and themselves.

Key highlights include:

• Hands-on practice with naturalist journals, from quick sketches to reflective writing.
• Tips for noticing ecological patterns and asking stronger, curiosity-driven questions.
• Group discussions that build confidence in interpreting your observations.
• A supportive community of peers, where wonder and curiosity are shared openly.

By the end of the weekend, you won’t just walk away with better observation skills. You’ll carry a new mindset for seeing the world through a naturalist’s eyes — one that makes every hike, backyard stroll, or classroom lesson richer and more rewarding. Whether you’re brand-new to this journey or have been practicing for years, this course is a chance to reawaken your sense of wonder and grow your personal toolkit for lifelong learning.

Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

This course is part of Tremont’s Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program, which consists of eight core courses. You have the option to enroll in individual courses or complete all eight to earn certification awarded by the University of Tennessee.

Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for required readings, a tentative itinerary, and other essential details for your stay.