This program is full – please email [email protected] to be placed on a waitlist.

The Smokies are a wonderful place to learn—especially when it comes to plants! This region is a hotspot of botanical diversity, and spring is the perfect time to notice and observe wildflowers and fresh growth.

In this weekend-long course, you’ll learn botanical terms, plant taxonomy, and plant family identification. You will participate in several field explorations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, during which you will investigate particular plant families and delve into the botanical patterns common to those families. Emphasis is given to flowering plants, though we also learn how to use dichotomous keys and field guides to identify local trees and ferns, and of course, there’s time to take in the beauty of the blooms!

By the end of the weekend, your head will be full of new patterns to look for and your heart brimming with a new appreciation for the diverse world of plants. You never knew botany could be so fun!

Cost: $449
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for required readings, a tentative itinerary, and other essential details for your stay. Please review our latest COVID-19 precautions prior to your visit.

Cover photo by Karen Gravagna.