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

What makes the Southern Appalachians one of the most biodiverse regions in the world? This foundational course takes you into the forests, ridges, and coves of the Smokies to uncover the geological, climatic, and ecological forces that shaped this extraordinary landscape.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll combine expert-led discussions with immersive field trips to explore the Smokies’ major ecosystems. From lush cove hardwood forests to windswept ridgelines, you’ll learn how factors such as elevation, slope, aspect, and moisture gradients create an incredible mosaic of habitats. Each excursion will highlight not only the plants and animals present but also the connections that tie them together in a larger ecological web.

Course highlights:

• Visits to diverse forest communities, including cove hardwood, pine-oak, and spruce-fir stands.
• Exploration of how geology and climate history shaped today’s landscapes.
• Discussion of ecological patterns, including succession, disturbance, and species interactions.
• Practical skills for “reading” a forest — seeing the relationships between soil, slope, and species.

By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with more than knowledge of Smokies biodiversity — you’ll gain a systems-level understanding of how ecosystems function, and how even small details influence the natural world around you.

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.