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 provides fundamental and specialty skills in Southern Appalachian ecology and interpretive techniques. This is accomplished via a series of field courses covering subjects such as ecological communities, plant identification, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, stream ecology, the history of nature study, interpretation, and other skills necessary to an educational naturalist. To qualify for the non-credit Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certificate, you must complete eight core courses. Students not enrolled in the certification program may take courses individually. 

Courses are held at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Participants may commute from home or stay onsite.

2008 Cost: Each weekend course is $250/person (includes instruction, meals, and lodging) or $230/person without lodging. July courses are $250/person for each course ($230 without lodging) or $430 for two consecutive courses (the non-lodging discount is not available for the week-long option).

Tremont partners with the Smoky Mountain Field School,
educating in Great Smoky Mountains National Park