“One of the best weekends ever!”
“We can’t wait to return!”
“Staff are fun, informative, knowledgeable and friendly. Always prepared and well organized.”

Spring Wonders Weekend: Nature Study 101

Over the past 39 years, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has formulated a recipe for a perfect Spring weekend getaway. Take the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, add birdsong, a dash of crisp air, dedicated and talented staff and guest instructors, and… voila!  You have Spring Wonders Weekend.  This Spring Wonders Weekend will focus on the skills and tools used in nature study.  Spend the weekend learning observation techniques, journaling, identification, collection, and curation. This comprehensive and FUN approach to nature study will prepare you to return to your home landscape, ready to appreciate it all the more. Program lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. Cost: $220/participant (includes meals, lodging and instruction.)

One hour of graduate credit is available for an additional fee.

2008 schedule below.

Friday, May 16^th

3:00-5:00       Check-in and get settled

6:00              Supper

7:00              All Workshop Welcome and Introductions

7:30              Group Welcome and Introductions

During this time we will get to know each other and spend some time focusing on the writings and characteristics of a few exceptional naturalists.

8:30            The Naturalist’s Journal

                   Join us for a quick introduction to the importance of the journal to a practicing naturalist and then we’ll turn your loose to craft your own journal with all sorts of creative goodies.           

Saturday, May 17^th  

8:00-9:00       Breakfast and pack sack lunch

9:00-4:30 (w sack lunch)            

What is it that makes a good naturalist?  Thorough discussion and activities in the field we will explore that question in depth. We will focus on what skills a good naturalist needs and some ideas about how we can develop and lead others to develop a greater sense of place and connection to the natural world.  Our discussions will begin at Tremont and focus on skills related to Communication and Expertise. By mid morning we will head out the trail to focus on skills areas related to Observation and Inspiration. We will then spend our time hiking, climbing and exploring the mountainsides.  We will be traveling several miles and exploring some off trail places as well.  Our hike will provide a combination of challenge, fun and opportunities to focus in depth on our surroundings. Throughout the afternoon we will use sketching, stories, writing, solo time and other activities to enhance our own naturalist abilities and sense of place.

4:30-5:30       Break - Time to Relax!

5:30-6:30       Dinner

7:00            

8:00            Campfire Tunes and Tales

                   Join us around the campfire for a relaxing evening of great songs and stories.
                   Refreshments will be provided. Council House

Sunday, May 18^th  

5:30 am         Dawn Chorus with Amber Parker

Start the morning with an early foray into the forest in search of the dawn chorus.  This wonderful event happens every spring morning as each species of bird begins its day’s song at a particular moment in time.  We will listen as the birds warm-up for the day and will stay out to enjoy some time using our ears to better understand the birds around us. Dining Hall

8:00-9:00       Breakfast and Pack sack lunch

9:00-noon       We will be spending our morning at the headwaters of the Middle Prong around Thunderhead Prong and Sam’s Creek. We will focus on good interpretive and communication techniques as well as on doing some naturalizing using field guides and the knowledge of the group to examine and learn about the natural history of that area.

12:30              Lunch and/or departure