Written by Willow Rutter, University of Chicago Student & Summer Intern at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Last month, Tremont and partners had an incredible opportunity to meet with members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) of Congress right here in the Smokies and spread Tremont’s mission to those on Capitol Hill. We, along with partners from Discover Life in America and the National Parks Conservation Association, shared how our collective work helps us all better understand and advocate for our National Parks and public lands. This timely event highlighted the importance of science and investments in our environment at the local, state, and national levels.
A group of Tremont staff, alongside members of the House Representatives, legislative aides, staffers, and advisors, who are used to the buzz of Washington, D.C. and their state capitals, slowed down on Look Rock to participate in a hike guided by our own youth programs director, Logan Rosenberg. They learned about the importance of air quality and biodiversity and witnessed the beauty of the mountain views from the Parkway.
The SEEC group arrived ready to explore. As some were lacing up hiking boots for the day ahead, others began exploring the parking area, asking questions about the plants they were seeing, and taking pictures of the views. Once gathered, Logan explained to the group two activities we often do with students: 5-4-3-2-1 grounding and a silent partner hike. Activities that are meant to bring students into mindfulness of their surroundings and combat homesickness served as a relief and an easy start to the hike. Once everyone had found five interesting things they saw, four things they could hear, three things they could smell, two things they could feel, and one thing they could taste, partners stagger-started up the trail to silently point out to each other things they noticed. At the end of the trail, the group collectively shared what they noticed. Representative Maxine Dexter of Oregon, District 3, noted that she was surprised by the variety of mushrooms she saw. Vice Chair of SEEC, Representative Sean Casten of Illinois, District 6, was impressed by the biodiversity among the tree population.
Image courtesy of WNC Times.
Everyone was quickly inspired by Jim Renfro, a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Air Specialist who has been working in the Smokies for forty years. Jim shared the history of air quality testing on Look Rock, the changes in air quality in the Smokies over time, the individuals and organizations who have contributed to progress, and the risks associated with air pollution. The SEEC members were intrigued and asked questions, and Co-chair Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois, District 5, chimed in to provide context about the evolution of the Clean Air Act since its passing in 1970. Jim then led the group to the Look Rock Tower. The members were wowed by the view and impressed to see how visibility has improved with the improvement of air quality in the Smokies. Many quickly turned to social media, filming and live-streaming themselves from the tower to spread awareness to their followers and constituents.
This day on Look Rock wasn’t just about sharing a mindful walk or admiring a scenic view – it was about reinforcing the vital connection between people and place, and demonstrating the positive effects of thoughtful environmental policy. As an organization rooted in place-based education, Tremont believes that real learning happens when individuals slow down, pay attention, and build relationships with the natural world. By engaging congressional leaders in the same sensory practices we use with youth and educators, we invited them into that deeper connection. Experiences like this help decision-makers understand firsthand why protecting the Smokies – and ensuring access to clean air, biodiverse forests, and transformative outdoor education – is not just a local priority, but a national imperative.
