Sorry, this program is FULL. Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

From high, exposed peaks to warmer, sheltered lowlands, around 240 species of birds have been found inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including 60 year-round residents. Get to know this abundance of avifauna during a spectacular weekend of discovery, exploration, and learning.

Expect to:

• Learn to recognize bird species through habits, habitats, and physical and behavioral characteristics.
• Visit diverse habitats across the national park, from open meadows to forested slopes
• Gain insight into bird ecology, migration patterns, and nesting behaviors.
• Enjoy camaraderie with fellow bird enthusiasts of all experience levels.

By the end of the weekend, your head will be abuzz with birdsong, and your eyes will have grown accustomed to searching out birds in forests and fields. You won’t know all 240 species, but you will have a better understanding of what to look for the next time you’re looking for a flying friend.

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. If you have previously completed the “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” or “Interpretation: A Teachable Art” course, you are not required to retake “Skills for Sharing Nature” or “Naturalist Skills” to receive your SANCP certification.

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