Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program

Become a better naturalist, communicator, and land steward by learning the ecology and natural history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 

The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) provides fundamental and specialty skills in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. Sign up for classes that interest you, or choose a class to begin working toward your certification.

Upon completion of the eight core courses, you will receive the non-credit Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certificate from the University of Tennessee. Core courses are:

  • Aquatic Natural History
  • Birds of the Smokies
  • Mammals
  • Naturalist Skills (offered twice per year)
  • Plants of the Smokies
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Skills for Sharing Nature
  • Southern Appalachian Ecology

We also offer elective SANCP courses as staffing allows. These courses are not required for certification, but many students in the program enjoy taking these classes to deepen their knowledge on expanded topics.

All courses are taught by Tremont faculty complemented by other experts, researchers, and park professionals. Courses are held at Tremont’s campus inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though some include field trips throughout the park. Participants may commute from home or stay on site, and all meals are provided.

All our core SANCP courses are listed as Elective Criteria I Workshops in the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program (NC-EE).

Please note: The previous weekend combination of courses, “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” has expanded to two full weekends: “Skills for Sharing Nature” (previously titled “Interpretation: A Teachable Art”) and “Naturalist Skills.”  If you have previously completed the “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” weekend, you are not required to retake “Skills for Sharing Nature” or “Naturalist Skills” to receive your certification.

Upcoming Core Classes

Southern Appalachian Ecology – FULL

September 27 - September 29

Naturalist Skills

September 27 - September 29

Mammals of the Smokies – Full

November 8 - November 10

Electives

Geology

November 8 - November 10

The Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) provides fundamental and specialty skills in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. Sign up for classes that interest you, or choose a class to begin working toward your certification – learn more about certification below!

Upcoming Core Classes

Southern Appalachian Ecology – FULL

September 27 - September 29

Naturalist Skills

September 27 - September 29

Mammals of the Smokies – Full

November 8 - November 10

Electives

Geology

November 8 - November 10

Earn Your Naturalist Certification

Upon completion of the eight core courses, you will receive the non-credit Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certificate from the University of Tennessee. Core courses are:

  • Aquatic Natural History
  • Birds of the Smokies
  • Mammals
  • Naturalist Skills (offered twice per year)
  • Plants of the Smokies
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Skills for Sharing Nature
  • Southern Appalachian Ecology

We also offer elective SANCP courses as staffing allows. These courses are not required for certification, but many students in the program enjoy taking these classes to deepen their knowledge on expanded topics.

All courses are taught by Tremont faculty complemented by other experts, researchers, and park professionals. Courses are held at Tremont’s campus inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though some include field trips throughout the park. Participants may commute from home or stay on site, and all meals are provided.

All our core SANCP courses are listed as Elective Criteria I Workshops in the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program (NC-EE).

Please note: The previous weekend combination of courses, “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” has expanded to two full weekends: “Skills for Sharing Nature” (previously titled “Interpretation: A Teachable Art”) and “Naturalist Skills.”  If you have previously completed the “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” weekend, you are not required to retake “Skills for Sharing Nature” or “Naturalist Skills” to receive your certification.

SANCP Graduates

2024
Erin Canter

2023
Michael Carroll
Dan Chadwick
Dorothy DeVan
Amy Dittsworth Shofner
Liz Dulac
Joseph Gordon
Dawn Greenway
Jim Greenway
Jacqueline Harp
Wren Logan
Cheryl Ray (honorary)
Paige Younkins

2022
Kathleen Barbour
Bruce Broecker
Steven Dettmar
Joyce Griffin
Rob Hart
Laura Mallette
Joel Searfoss
Marianne Searfoss
Julia Steele
Martin Steele
Lisa Weartz
Travis Whitehead
Sue Zupko

2021
Betsy Bohannon
Barbara Browne
Tonya Campbell
David Garrett
Keri Teller Jakubowski
Carla Miller
Susan Peterson
Tom Poole
Susan Steiner
Mary Veal

2020
Mike Barnett
Adam Bean
Bruce Bigsby
Tina Brouwer
Tonya Crenshaw
Clare Dattilo
Roseann Graham-Tate
Boyd Hopkins
Regina Kinton
Allison Pearson
Rodney Pearson
Cathy Reas Foster
Jennifer Terry
Rachel Zizka

2019
Amy Arnold
Jeff Cooper
Emma DuFort
Beverly Hill
Leah LaRocco
Linda Sealey

2018
Evelyn Angeletti
Nancy East
Nicole Thurston
Derek Chase
James Dunn
Ricky Ryan
Sarah Goodman
Doug Peters
Walter Peterson

2017
Stephanie Adams
Charles Garten
Nicole Harris
Stephen Hart
Richard Ralston
Vickie Reddick
Julia Stewart

2016
Jeremiah Folk
Randy Hammer
Trudie Henniger
Alice Kellog
Patricia Mayhugh
Lorie Morris
Kathy Poese
Pam Rodgers
Tara Winterbotham

2015
Shirley Andrews
Libby Gilley
Julie Labhart
Robin Paris
Dedra Scherer
Lois Snow
Marci Spencer
John Terrell
Anita Thomas
Julie Whitted

2014
Meghan Baker
Doug Burroughs
Debi Campbell
Eleanor Gilchrist
Holly Haworth
Julia Robertson
Lisa Stalnaker
Don Taylor
Halyse Taylor
Kathy Taylor

2012
David Bryant
Kevin England
Martha J. Montgomery

2013
Karan Barber
Lewis Culpepper
Mary Dresser
Nannette Enloe
Val Joiner
Ellis Levine
Janet Witt

2011
Lauren Greene
Janet Key
Bob Lash
Patria Leath
Wilfred “Mac” Post
Ron Ramsey
Mia Schmitt
Ann Shirra
Sue Watts

2010
Jennifer Bausman
Cynthia Beal
Linda Berry
Mike Casey
Sue Charles
Liz Coburn
Margie Hunter
Kevin Kennard
Ann Lendley
Lloyd Luketin
Lorna Luketin
Clarence Mayo
Becky Priddy
Joe Strickland
Mickey Sylvester
Melody York

2009
Jan Heinrich
DiAnne Wilson

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