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 In This Issue
(Click on title to go directly to story)
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Hike 100 Smoky Mountain Miles in 2016
The National Park Service Centennial will be marked by many special programs here in the Smokies, including several organized "Hike 100 Miles" opportunities.
Great Smoky Mountains Association will offer our members who have set their sights on this goal 10 chances to hike with us as you work toward your Smokies Challenge Hike 100 pin.
Click HERE to read more about GSMA's program and how to get involved.
In addition to GMSA's Hike 100 program, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer a limited number of chances to hike with Superintendent Cash during 2016. Click HERE to read more about these hikes.
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Taking the park's 'vital signs'
GSMNP Vegetation Ecologist Troy Evans (left) and longtime intern Sara Thompson, two members of the park's Inventory & Monitoring team,
work in plot #18 (out of a total of 240 to be installed over the next couple of years across the park) to measure changes in vegetation and soils, two of the six "vital signs" that serve as critical indicators of the health of the park's natural resources. Some change will be natural, but these plots will also help park officials measure impacts from air pollution, invasive diseases and insects, climate change, plant poaching, and other threats to the natural ecosystem.
"The park's Vital Signs I&M program is labor intensive," said Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan. "We would not be able to pull it off without the support of Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association, our partners who provide us the funding to recruit interns, like Sara, who work shoulder to shoulder with staff biologists applying their academic expertise while gaining field experience."
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Test your knowledge of park mammals
The Smokies is full of animals... large and small. Many are elusive and seldom seen by visitors, but it's nice to know they're out there in their own little world.
Let's see how much you know about some critters in the park. The first person to answer all 10 questions correctly will win a Mammals of the Smokies field guide and a stuffed animal to be named later. Good luck!
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Le Conte Lodge winter caretaker revisited
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J.P. Krol, Le Conte Lodge's
Winter Caretaker
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GSMA videographer Gary Wilson recently donned his cold-weather gear and made a trip to Le Conte Lodge, where J.P. Krol, the lodge's winter caretaker, welcomed him in as a houseguest. While he was there, Gary asked J.P. about what life's like during the winter months on one of the park's highest peaks.
Those of you who remember Gary's first winter visit with J.P. might not recognize the caretaker. Have a look back to J.P.'s first interview HERE.
Don't forget - you can subscribe to our channel on YouTube HERE. When you subscribe, you can easily find past videos and get email notifications of new ones. Enjoy!
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Scenes from Pilgrimages Past - Photos by Karen Key
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Registration for the 65th Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage will open on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), with the event scheduled to run April 19-23. This beloved annual event returns again this year with programs conducted by experts in their fields. This year's Pilgrimage includes format changes designed to streamline the event, as well as a National Park Service Centennial theme.
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Smoky Mountain Matrimony
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, wedding planning season has officially begun. Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds a special place in the hearts of many who have visited here. For some, it has become the ideal place to make a lifelong commitment to the one they love.
But there are some things you should know about planning a wedding ceremony inside the national park boundaries. Park spokesperson Dana Soehn explains some important things to consider before ordering your invitations. Click on the heart above to watch Valerie Polk's informative video.
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Are the Smokies the true 'Land of Lincoln?'
Both Groundhog Day and Presidents' Day occur in February. The former can be celebrated in the Smokies by a trip to the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum to check on the activity level of the robust population of groundhogs (aka woodchucks) living in the vicinity. The latter can also be marked at Oconaluftee by stirring the ashes of the old Enloe-Lincoln legend.
First off, it is important to note that the topic of President Abraham Lincoln's paternity has been a favorite subject for amateur historians to debate around the campfire or barroom since Abe was nominated for president in 1860. Over a dozen different authors have posited their very different theories. And those who are aware of the debate over our current president's place of birth can understand that interviews and documents don't always get in the way of a good story...
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UP NEXT: Our Owl Prowl with Keith Watson on Saturday, Feb. 13, takes our members to where the action is. Cherokee Orchard is known for owl activity this time of year, when these birds begin nesting. With nearly 35 years of birding experience, Keith is the best at finding and describing these silent hunters. >>LEARN MORE
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From Natalie: "A very special 'Thank You' to everyone who attended the event at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Many of those who attended brought items for the rehab nonprofit, for which we are most grateful."
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UPDATE: If our first program of 2016 is any indication, this year's Branch Out Events are going to educate, excite, and enrich our members' experience in the Smokies. More than 55 people attended the Jan. 16 event at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Our thanks to Natalie from Upstate Birds of Prey and her outstanding group of volunteers for their informative program. This nonprofit bird of prey rehab center in Maryville, TN, could use your support. Click HERE to learn how you can donate funds and supplies and get involved as a volunteer.
NEW: With spring just around the corner, our Branch Out programming schedule continues to grow. Click HERE to see details on all our Spring Branch Out events. Our Branch Out Homepage - where you'll find all the fine print - is HERE.
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In recognition of the National Park Service 100 Years of Service, GSMA in 2016 is offering our members an opportunity to increase your support for the Smokies.
As a "thank you" for upgrading your membership to the Chestnut ($100) level or higher this year, you'll not only have a full heart, but you'll have a chance to win this exclusive experiential Smoky Mountain prize package:
- A full day, private tour of Cades Cove with retired NPS Ranger Mike Meldrum, who you'll remember from his starring role in our Old-Fashioned Wooden Toy podcast a year ago. Click HERE to see it again.
Our prize package list is made possible by the generosity of our Business Sponsors, many of whom offer GSMA members discounts on accommodations, meals, attractions, shopping and more.
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Shop the Smokies
Are you feeling the BRRRRRRR? We've got three ways to keep you warm this winter - whether you're visiting the Smokies
or venturing into your own winter wonderland...
#1 - Our Echo Throw's days are numbered. We're discontinuing this 50" x 60" super soft throw made of 90% acrylic and 10% polyester recycled fibers. Environmentally friendly and machine washable, this blanket is designed to warm you, not the Earth! Get yours while supplies last.#2 - Our Thermal Tee. Show your support for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stay snug and warm at the same time with this cozy thermal t-shirt, emblazoned with the official folk art park logo of cabin, tree, and bear.
#3 - Our Park Hoodie. Made from a 70/30 blend of cotton and polyester, this stylish hoodie will help keep you warm on those cold winter days in the park. It sports our most popular park logo design.
Supporting the Smokies is as easy as (ordering) 1,2,3!
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Recommended Hike: Kephart Prong
Photo by Lisa Duff
By Marti Smith
GSMA Membership Associate
900 Mile Club Member
Kephart Prong Trail, 4 miles round trip, rated moderate
While this is a lower-elevation hike, always be mindful of weather and trail conditions before planning a winter hike. This hike is a gradual 830-foot ascent along a branch of the Oconlauftee River, strewn with history stemming from a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the area. The trail starts out on an old road bed. You'll start to see evidence of...
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NPS Photo of Chimney Tops Trail after two-year rehabilitation program
In a park as beloved by millions as the Smokies, trail maintenance is a must. If you're passionate about the park's hiking trails and have a day to volunteer to make them safer, then grab your gloves and get ready to sweat. GSMA will sponsor three trail maintenance days this year for up to 20 people. We'll need your help April 5, July 11, and Sept. 15. Click below for details about how you can get involved.
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GSMA Executive Director Laurel Rematore tours the Sugarlands Visitor Center museum during her first weeks in the Smokies.
Photo by Gary Wilson
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Laurel Rematore succeeded outgoing Great Smoky Mountains Association executive director Terry Maddox on January 4 of this year. Her previous positions included program and human resources management for Lockheed Martin Corporation, membership and development director for the Yosemite Association, and most recently executive director for the Mesa Verde Museum Association.
Q: Where do you hail from Laurel? A: I'm from San Jose, California, in what is now known as the heart of Silicon Valley. Q: I'm sure there was a lot of competition for such a position. What was the hiring process like? A: Long and thoughtful. I've worked in the nonprofit partner field for 15 years and had enjoyed a productive networking relationship with GSMA staff and a few board members, but it wasn't until this position announcement came out and I started doing research that I understood just how unique and effective GSMA is at fulfilling its mission. The interviews were many - phone, video conference, and several days on-site. The in-person interviews coincided with peak fall foliage in the Smokies...what a show! Though the process felt long to live through, it answered all my questions and helped me to appreciate how incredibly fortunate I was to even be considered for the position.
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Business of the Month
Citizens Bank of Blount Co.
Since 1973, Citizens Bank of Blount County has worked with a simple philosophy: focus on the financial future of individuals and businesses. Locally-owned and operated bank with 10 locations, CBBC's senior management team makes decisions promptly and locally.
NEW Business Members
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The Smokies are just a click away...
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Got questions? We have answers.
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Connecting Today to Yesterday; Preserving Today for Tomorrow
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