Plants of the Smokies
May 7, 2027 - May 9, 2027 | Adults | $580
Sorry, this program is FULL. Please email mail@gsmit.org to be added to the waitlist.
The Smokies are a hotspot of botanical diversity, and spring is the perfect time to notice and observe wildflowers and fresh growth. In this weekend course, you’ll dig into plant identification through taxonomy, morphology, and field techniques.
In the field, you’ll:
- Study wildflowers, ferns, trees, and shrubs in their native habitats.
- Practice using dichotomous keys and field guides with confidence.
- Learn to recognize plant families by their repeating patterns.
- Build a mental map of the Smokies’ extraordinary plant diversity.
By the weekend’s end, you’ll not only improve your identification skills but also carry a new appreciation for the intricate world of plants.
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.
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Photos by David Bryant, Karen Gravagna, and Ken Voorhis.
Cover photo by Randy Richards.
Plants of the Smokies at a Glance
Date: May 7, 2027 - May 9, 2027
Ages: Adults
Location: Tremont’s Smokies Campus
9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Cost: $580
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for a tentative schedule, packing information, and other essential details for your Tremont program.
Meet Your Instructor
Erin Canter
Erin Canter left academia after earning a BS in Environmental Science and an MS in Biochemical Oceanography in exchange for outdoor experiential education. After 5 years as the Manager of Science Literacy and Research for GSMIT, Erin moved over the mountains to Western North Carolina. Erin has taught the SANCP: Plants course since 2020, and also teaches several classes from mycology to phenology for the NC Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program. She is currently the Community Engagement Manager for the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina where she established the Foothills Naturalist Program, a series of pay-what-you-want adult environmental education classes.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
