Winter transforms the forest – leaves drop, colors fade, and at first glance the trees seem indistinguishable. But look closer, and you’ll find a world of detail waiting to be uncovered. This single-day course helps you unlock the secrets of tree and shrub identification in the winter months, sharpening your eye for bark, buds, and branch structure.
Guided by experienced Tremont staff, you’ll gain skills that deepen your appreciation of the quiet beauty of winter forests. In addition to hands-on field sessions, you’ll learn to use identification keys and resources developed specifically for Tremont, including a Winter Tree Key designed to make this process accessible to all learners.
What you’ll experience:
- A fresh perspective on the Smokies in winter, when details stand out against bare landscapes.
- Strategies for recognizing woody plants without leaves – perfect for naturalists, educators, and curious explorers alike.
- Field sessions inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll test your skills in real habitats.
By the end of the day, you’ll see winter forests with new eyes and carry skills that enrich your outdoor experiences year-round. This course is perfect for Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program participants and graduates, as well as anyone who is interested in further developing their naturalist skills.
Registration includes all materials, instruction, and lunch.
Photos by David Bryant, Rich Bryant, and Allie English.
Cover photo by David Bryant.
Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for a tentative schedule, packing information, and other essential details for your Tremont program.
Meet Your Instructor
Lindsey Nguyen
Lindsey Nguyen is the Youth Summer Program Coordinator at Tremont, and has spent the last 5+ years teaching outdoor environmental education to students of all ages and leading backcountry hikes and multi-day trips. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Environmental Geosciences and has since earned her Southern Appalachian Naturalist certification. She loves her cats, all trees, and swimming in the river.
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.
