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Wildflowers 101: Late Summer Wonders
Story and images by Tom Harrington
In this edition of Wildflowers 101, let us look at three more mid to late summer wildflowers: wild golden glow, monkshood, and grass of Parnassus. These three wildflowers have several common characteristics. First, they all grow on Mount Le Conte, which is the third highest mountain in our beautiful
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bears at Cades Cove Visitor Center
By Sarah Shiver, Sales Assistant
I have spent much of my life in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which allowed me to learn about it from a very young age. Each visit provided a new learning opportunity and helped me become familiar with (though certainly not an expert in) everything from hiking trails to animal behavior.
While
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Word from the Smokies: Internship Bridges Gap Between High School and College
By Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
Kaylie Hallcox and Morgan Kirkpatrick just finished up six weeks working in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as part of the 2021 summer high school internship program. Assisting rangers, researchers, and scientists with a variety of projects, the two recent high school graduates had an
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Saving Our Smokies, One Piece of Litter at a Time
Jerry and Darlene Willis are saving Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one piece of litter at a time. Jerry is founder and president of Save Our Smokies (S.O.S.), one of many groups that work together as Litter Patrol volunteers. Image courtesy of Jerry and Darlene Willis.
by Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
How
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Wildflowers 101: Summer Finds
Crimson Bee Balm
Story and images by Tom Harrington
As we advance in the summer season, it is only fitting that we examine some summer wildflowers. In this report we will check out crimson beebalm, Turk’s cap lily, and filmy angelica.
Crimson beebalm is recognized as having one of the most brilliant scarlet red
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Trailside Talk: Reports from the Rangers
Ranger giving information at kiosk. Photo courtesy of GSMNP archives.
By Mike Hembree
How much has Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed over the past half-century?
A lot. And not much at all.
The trees are bigger. The streams are wider and deeper. River rocks grow a tiny bit smoother with each passing storm. Parts
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Mountain Time: “The Green Tunnel” Through the Smokies
By Arthur “Butch” McDade
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is an iconic American long-distance path. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it runs over 70 miles along the park’s high ridges and gaps, including Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. For many hikers, it’s the premier trail in the park. And while the
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Road Ecology Comes to Southern Appalachia
By Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
On July 1, the United States House of Representatives passed the INVEST in America Act to reauthorize funding for transportation projects across the country. Aiming to protect biodiversity, stimulate the economy, and reduce highway fatalities, the bill proposes $400 million for projects to reduce
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It’s Time to Try Birding Beyond the Backyard
by Aaron Searcy, Publications Associate
If you found yourself paying closer attention to the natural world around you this past year, you’re not alone. Months of lockdowns, layoffs, and isolation have translated into soaring popularity for simpler outdoor pastimes, including a unique growing community of “bird nerds.&rdquo
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Knowing the BearWise Basics Can Save Lives in the Backcountry
By Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
June is traditionally the most challenging month for managing human–bear conflicts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. By mid-month this year, the park had already closed several campsites where bears had damaged tents and taken backpacks in search of food.
Then, in the early hours of
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