Adults
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Refresher
The Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Refresher course offers hands-on training for dealing with injuries and other outdoor emergencies.
FULL – Naturalist Skills — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesBecoming a naturalist is a lifelong process of nurturing one’s sense of wonder while discovering and experiencing the riches found in the natural world. Learn and practice naturalist skills that will connect you to nature in deep and meaningful ways.
FULL – Winter Woody Plant ID — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Elective
Do you know what details to look for to identify trees and shrubs in the wintertime? In this course, you’ll learn to notice leafless characteristics that will benefit your observation and identification skills year-round.
FULL – Skills for Sharing Nature — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesDeveloping the skills and techniques to effectively share nature with others has never been more important than now. Learn to develop and facilitate engaging experiences in nature, help others find meaning in their experiences, and tease out relevance when engaging with any subject matter.
Likin’ Lichens — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Elective
During this field-based course, you’ll spend the weekend delving into the enchanting world of lichens, learning their basic ecology, identification, and natural history.
Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesFrom the budding flowers to the fresh green of the summer leaf canopy, the colors and light in the spring are brilliant. Capture these fresh signs of life through your own lens in our Springtime in the Smokies photography workshop.
Full – Birds of the Smokies — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesWhat could be better than a weekend of birdwatching? How about building your skills, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and discovering the diversity of the Smokies?
FULL – Plants — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesDelve into the incredible diversity of plants found in the southern Appalachians! In this weekend-long course, we’ll make it easy to learn botanical terms, plant taxonomy, and plant identification.
NEW – Naturalist Week at Tremont
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesLearn from nature, deepen your connection to the natural world, and develop your outdoor skills at Naturalist Week, a one-of-a-kind summer camp for adults.
FULL – Firefly Camp
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesBond with your child while playing games that build confidence and awaken the senses during this one-of-a-kind family camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
FULL – Reptiles and Amphibians — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Discover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the southern Appalachian mountains. You’ll leave Tremont with a new appreciation for the diversity of reptiles and amphibians in the Smokies.
Smoky Mountain Family Camp
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesSpend your family vacation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and experience the magic of the mountains as you hike ridges, study wildlife, explore secret places, and take afternoon dips in the Middle Prong.
Full – Aquatic Natural History — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesWhere does the river begin and end? It sounds simple, but this course will explore the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the southern Appalachian mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Full – Southern Appalachian Ecology — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesLearn about the ecology of the southern Appalachian mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through discussions and field trips.
Full – Naturalist Skills — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesBecoming a naturalist is a lifelong process of nurturing one’s sense of wonder while discovering and experiencing the riches found in the natural world. Learn and practice naturalist skills that will connect you to nature in deep and meaningful ways.
Full – Women’s Fall Backpack
What better way is there to enjoy early fall than with a group of adventurous women on the trail and around the campfire? Climb mountains, ford streams, and recharge your batteries while marveling at the natural wonders around you.
Autumn Glory in the Smokies with the Sierra Club
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesHike the Great Smoky Mountains with fellow outdoor enthusiasts with the Sierra Club National Outings Program.
Autumn Brilliance Photography Workshop
What better place to celebrate fall and improve your nature photography skills than in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Geology — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program Elective
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesExplore the hidden backbone of the mountains while immersing yourself in this overlooked — yet vital— aspect of Smokies' natural history.
FULL – Mammals — Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program
Explore the diversity of mammal species in the southern Appalachian mountains, focusing on the management practices used within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder
The Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder course offers hands-on training for dealing with injuries and other outdoor emergencies.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Refresher
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesIf you have taken Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (also called Wilderness First Responder) in the past and are due for a renewal, this refresher course is for you!
Naturalist Skills
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesThe natural world is teeming with mystery, beauty, and wonder, often only experienced only through fleeting glimpses. Become a better observer of natural phenomena, learn how to provoke your curiosity and ask meaningful questions, and discover new ways to document your outdoor experiences so you can learn and grow as a naturalist.
Winter Woody Plant ID
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesKnow what details to look for while trying to identify trees and shrubs in the wintertime. In this course, you’ll learn to notice leafless characteristics that will benefit your observation and identification skills year-round.
Likin’ Lichens
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesDuring this field-based course, you’ll spend the weekend delving into the enchanting world of lichens, learning their basic ecology, identification, and natural history.
Skills for Sharing Nature
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesHone your ability to develop and facilitate engaging experiences in nature, help others find meaning in their experiences, and tease out relevance when engaging with any subject matter. We’ll explore skills, resources, and strategies for making these meaningful connections with nature while practicing our own naturalist skills.
Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesFrom the uncurling of young tree leaves to a superlative woodland wildflower display, the colors and light in spring in the mountains are breathtaking. Capture these miracles of life using your own camera lens in our Springtime in the Smokies photography workshop.
FULL – Birds of the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesFrom 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.
Plants of the Smokies – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesDelve into the incredible diversity of plants found in the southern Appalachians! In this weekend-long course, we’ll make it easy to learn botanical terms, plant taxonomy, and plant identification.
Naturalist Week: Summer Camp for Adults
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesLearn from nature, deepen your connection to the natural world, and develop your outdoor skills at Naturalist Week, a one-of-a-kind summer camp for adults.
Reptiles and Amphibians – Full
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesDiscover the secret lives of reptile and amphibian species in the southern Appalachian mountains. Immerse yourself in a weekend of exploration and learning about these fascinating, secretive, and often feared and misunderstood creatures.
Aquatic Natural History
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesWhere does the river begin and end? It sounds simple, but this course will explore the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the southern Appalachian mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Naturalist Skills
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesThe natural world is teeming with mystery, beauty, and wonder, often only experienced only through fleeting glimpses. Become a better observer of natural phenomena, learn how to provoke your curiosity and ask meaningful questions, and discover new ways to document your outdoor experiences so you can learn and grow as a naturalist.
Southern Appalachian Ecology – Full
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesGain a deeper understanding of the mountains, including the flora and fauna that call this place home – skills that can also be applied to your surroundings in any natural environment.
Women’s Fall Backpack – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesWhat better way is there to enjoy early fall than with a group of adventurous women on the trail and around the campfire? Climb mountains, ford streams, and recharge your batteries while marveling at the natural wonders around you.
Autumn Glory in the Smokies with the Sierra Club
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesHike the Great Smoky Mountains with fellow outdoor enthusiasts with the Sierra Club National Outings Program.
Tremont Writers Conference – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesJoin renowned authors and professional park educators for a writers conference like no other set on a lush, secluded campus nestled within America’s most-visited national park. Applications are due by April 30.
Writing the Appalachians
Clayton Center for the Arts 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, United StatesYou’re invited to an extraordinary evening of literary exploration with celebrated authors Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Janet McCue, Frank X Walker, and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers. These talented writers, each known for their diverse and captivating works exploring different aspects of Appalachia, will share stories and insights from their own experiences capturing the region’s beauty, culture, and challenges.
Autumn Brilliance Photography Workshop
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesWhat better place to celebrate fall and improve your nature photography skills than in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Capture remarkable colors as the leaves change in our Autumn Brilliance Photography Workshop.
Mammals of the Smokies – Full
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesExplore the diversity of mammal species in the southern Appalachian mountains, focusing on the management practices used within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Geology – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesExplore the hidden backbone of the mountains while immersing yourself in this overlooked — yet vital— aspect of Smokies’ natural history.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesThe Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (also referred to as Wilderness First Responder) course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, scout leaders, camp counselors, and any other youth or outdoor professional. It not only offers hands-on training for dealing with bites, burns, and other injuries, but also teaches participants how to manage conditions brought about by extreme temperatures and other environmental hazards.
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Refresher
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesIf you have taken Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (also called Wilderness First Responder) in the past and are due for a renewal, this refresher course is for you! This program provides a comprehensive review of wilderness medical information and skills while satisfying the requirements to renew certification in Emergency Medical Responder on the National Registry.
Naturalist Skills
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesThe natural world is teeming with mystery, beauty, and wonder, often only experienced only through fleeting glimpses. Become a better observer of natural phenomena, learn how to provoke your curiosity and ask meaningful questions, and discover new ways to document your outdoor experiences so you can learn and grow as a naturalist.
Winter Woody Plant ID – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesBecoming a winter tree identification enthusiast is a rewarding adventure, offering a new perspective on the world around you during the colder months. Through expert instruction and guidance, you'll gain the ability to recognize trees in winter and deepen your connection with the natural world in every season.
Likin’ Lichens – FULL
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesLichens have captivated humans for a long time. These mysterious and diverse organisms have fascinating life histories - they defy our understanding of species and our ability to categorize everything in neat boxes. They just don’t play by the rules!
Skills for Sharing Nature
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesHow do we share our love for nature with others? During this weekend-long course, we will spend our time exploring ways to interpret the world, while engaging and inspiring others with the great outdoors.
Springtime in the Smokies Photography Workshop
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesMore than any other place in North America, springtime in the Smokies is pure magic! From the uncurling of young tree leaves to a superlative woodland wildflower display, the colors and light in spring in the mountains are breathtaking. Capture these miracles of life using your own camera lens in our Springtime in the Smokies photography workshop.
Schoolyard Escape – FULL
Dogwood Elementary SchoolJoin Tremont on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, for our one-day Schoolyard Escape workshop - an amazing professional and personal development experience for educators across the Schoolyard Network and beyond.
Campus Cleanup Volunteer Days
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN, United StatesAt the end of March, a powerful storm took down dozens of trees on and around Tremont's campus. Read Jeremy's account and check out pictures of the damage here. Thankfully, our staff and program participants are safe and programs are able to continue, but there is a significant mess to clean up. We're calling on [...]