SANCP Core

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.

From 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.

Salamanders under stones, frogs calling at night, snakes basking on a warm rock — the Smokies are home to one of the richest communities of reptiles and amphibians in North America. This weekend course gives you an inside look at these fascinating and often misunderstood creatures.

Where does the river begin and end? It may sound simple, but this course will challenge your preconceptions as you explore the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the southern Appalachian mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

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.

The natural world is full of mystery, beauty, and wonder — often revealed only in fleeting glimpses. This immersive weekend course is designed to sharpen your skills as an observer, interpreter, and storyteller of the natural world, giving you the tools to carry your curiosity into any landscape.

From elusive black bears to darting bats and tiny shrews, the Smokies are home to an incredible variety of mammals — some iconic, some hidden, and all essential to the ecosystem. This weekend course invites you to look beyond fleeting sightings to understand how mammals live, move, and interact with their environment.