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Smoky Mountains Wildlife & Biodiversity
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Smokies Science Series Returns with a Spotlight on Butterflies
by Aaron Searcy, Publications Associate
Warren Bielenberg spends a lot of time photographing Southern Appalachian butterflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But he willingly admits that his journey of butterfly discovery didn’t begin in earnest until he retired from 34 years as a park ranger and began volunteering in Cades Cove
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Charismatic Beetles Light up the Night
By Frances Figart, Creative Services Director
Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced Tuesday, April 27, that its popular synchronous firefly viewing event in Elkmont Campground will resume this year June 1–8 after a hiatus last spring to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In 2019, the spectacle had attracted more than 28,000 people
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The monarchs are coming!
By Will Kuhn, Director of Science and Research with Discover Life in America
Monarch butterflies have begun their yearly northward migration and are due to arrive in the Smokies any day now.
This time of year, you may start to see Danaus plexippus flying around the region. These attractive orange and black butterflies have made the long
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Looking at Birds Through an Artist’s Eye
Story and artwork by Gaynell Lawson
With a fascination and enjoyment of birds, how do I go from studying a bird to painting a fanciful image of the bird? For that matter, why paint a fanciful bird instead of a true likeness?
Carolina Wren by Gaynell Lawson
As I determine the bird’s habits and attributes, an
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Bat Week Shines a Light on Smokies’ Endangered Bats
by Aaron Searcy
This year’s Bat Week (Oct. 24–31) comes at a time when bats in the Great Smoky Mountains are particularly busy. Hibernating species will continue to feed as much as possible in anticipation of the long winter ahead, and on cool fall evenings, bats may swarm in groups to find a mate or locate safe places to
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Lichens of the Smokies Revealed at Science at Sugarlands
James Lendemer loves lichens. He loves talking about them, showing pictures of them, and telling others what lichens are and how they are important.
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Species-a-Day Calendar puts park biodiversity at people’s fingertips
A new Species-a-Day perpetual flip calendar available now in Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor centers allows park enthusiasts to learn more about a place renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life on each day of this and all years to come.
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Science at Sugarlands: Post-fire Plant-Soil Interactions
By Frances Figart, creative services director
Soil is the foundation of our planet. We walk on top of it every day, yet most of us rarely think about it.
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Science at Sugarlands: Grassy Balds
Mysterious and haunting, Southern Appalachian grassy balds have long fascinated scientists and hikers alike. How many balds are there in the Smokies? How did they evolve? How do they support rare plants? Can balds be found in other parts of the world?
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Little Sluice of Heaven: Creek Crossings and Crippling Critters
By Lisa Duff
When Great Smoky Mountains Association volunteer hike guide Lloyd Shiver suggested we knock out two trails with significant creek crossings this summer, I thought, “Can’t ask for a better time to cool off in the Smokies than late June and July.” Add to that the fact boat rides would be required to cross Fontana Lake at the conclusion of each, I jumped at the chance to join in.
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