TOWNSEND, TN. — Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is connecting people with nature through its popular monarch tagging project in Cades Cove this fall. 

Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico every year for the winter, and Tremont Institute uses tagging as a way to learn more about their migration and population status. Tremont has been tagging monarchs and inventorying other butterfly species for many years. Popular with participants of all ages, this program allows volunteers to spend time in sunny fields in Cades Cove with butterfly nets. Participants use field guides to identify the species they find. 

Monarch tagging is one of several citizen science projects conducted at Tremont Institute. Citizen science is public participation in scientific research. Hands-on experience with real research projects engages and excites participants and volunteers of all ages. Citizen science projects happen throughout the year, and the public is invited to participate in real research projects such as bird banding, salamander monitoring, phenology tracking, and otter spotter.

Since 1969, Tremont has been delivering experiential learning opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park  through programs that educate and inspire a connection to nature. Tremont offers programming year-round, including residential school programs, summer youth camps, summer family camps, adult hiking trips and workshops, naturalist certification courses, teacher development, and citizen science research.

For more information on Tremont’s programs, visit http://gsmit.org/program/. Additional information about citizen science opportunities can be found at http://gsmit.org/citizen-science/.

To view the monarch tagging schedule and sign up for an open date, visit http://gsmit.org/monarch-tagging-and-butterflymoth-identification/. 

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through educational programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Connecting People and Nature since 1969. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2019