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 In This Issue
(Click on title to go directly to story)
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People for a Park:
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Both Horace Albright and Anne Davis are included on the list.
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If you only ever purchase one Smokies Life Magazine in your lifetime, this is the one you'll want. (But let's be real - No one can stop reading at just one!)
In addition to this issue serving as GSMNP's official NPS Centennial edition, this publication contains the highly anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential People in the Park's History.
"It took thousands and thousands of people to get this place protected as a national park in the 1920s and 1930s, and it takes ten times that many to keep them pristine," magazine editor Steve Kemp said in his introduction to the list. "Since we are celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service, this list stops at 100."
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Horace Kephart - for whom an event is planned this weekend in Bryson City, NC, in recognition of the anniversary of his death - also made the list.
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GSMNP+GSMA earn national award
Well Deserved! GSMA Executive Director Laurel Rematore (left) and Park Superintendent Cassius Cash were jointly awarded the Public Lands Alliance's Public Lands Partner Award, which recognizes an exemplary partnership for its stunning achievement to protect and preserve our country's public lands and enhance the experiences of visitors and users. The 65-year-old partnership was singled out for a variety of successful partnership efforts, including unprecedented quantity and quality of visitor services at America's most-visited national park.
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Famous bear finds his way home
While the Gatlinburg Welcome Center on the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge was undergoing a much-needed remodel, Wishbone, a yearling black bear killed by a car on Newfound Gap Road in the national park several years ago and taxidermied for display, was moved for safe keeping. Wishbone moved into Park Headquarters, but has now been returned to the Welcome Center.
Thanks to all of you who took our "Where's Wishbone" poll:
Sugarlands Visitor Center - 69%
Correct Answer: GSMNP Headquarters Building - 26%
Ripley's Aquarium Lobby, Gatlinburg, TN - 3%
Cherokee Indian Museum exhibit space, Cherokee, N.C. - 3%
The new and improved Gatlinburg Welcome Center has reopened to the public; volunteers are now needed to help visitors with directions and recommendations to park destinations. If you have a few hours to give during the week, please EMAIL Store Manager Judy Bowman for more information.
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Click above to view
video by Gary Wilson
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Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife Biologist Ryan Williamson takes his job studying black bear behavior to new heights. In this video (click on the image to watch), Ryan climbs an old-growth buckeye to confirm a female black bear thought to have three cubs was denned in a hollowed out cavity inside the tree, about 60 feet off the ground.
In the Smokies, bear dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Bears in this part of the world are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Females with newborn cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March and early April.
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Hike 100 to LeConte Lodge
GSMA's second Hike 100 Challenge to LeConte Lodge March 26 was another success, with 14 of our members earning another 11 of their 100-mile goal. The hiking miles continue to climb - all total, these hardy hikers have traveled 481.8 miles so far.
Click HERE to read more about GSMA's Hike 100 program and how you can register for our upcoming adventure to Gregory Bald on April 23.
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| | | Following GSMA's second Hike 100 outing, participants combined had achieved 481.8 miles hiked in the Smokies so far in 2016. | |
In addition to our Hike 100 program, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offering a limited number of chances to hike with Superintendent Cash during 2016. Click HERE to read more about the park's program and the ways you can get involved.
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Test your wildflower knowledge
As spring bursts forth on the forest floor, let's see how much you know about the petaled wonders that welcome you to the park. Some spring wildflowers are quite well-known... others not so much.
The first person to answer all of the following questions correctly will win a copy of Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers, a wonderful guide to carry along on a hike.
Last month's winner: John Green of TN
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| 2016 Spring mug has ARRIVED!
Our 2016 limited-edition spring in the Smokies mug has arrived and is available NOW. This handcrafted mug of dusty rose and cream features a delicate bouquet of beautiful mountain laurel. When you cannot be here to experience it yourself, this mug will always remind you of the flower that graces the hilldsides of the Smokies every spring.
Don't wait to order yours today! If years past are any indication, our 2016 limited-edition spring mug will not last long.
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Of Boogers and Boogermen
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Boogerman image by Joey Heath
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In their landmark book, "Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English," authors Michael Montgomery and Joseph Hall define booger as "a demon or ghost; a person having a ghostlike, disheveled, or mischievous appearance. The term is often used to threaten children to make them behave." Likewise, a boogerman is a "ghost or hobgoblin; the devil."
Many residents of the Great Smoky Mountains have been quoted with using the term, including Horace Kephart, Hodge Mathes, Sam Styles, Glenn Cardwell, and Sara Cole. Yet the word did not originate here. Nearly every culture has some sort of bogeyman used by parents and guardians to persuade children to follow the straight and narrow. One of the most closely related terms, bugge, comes from Middle English and describes a ghost or hobgoblin.
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If you have not had the pleasure of learning about the Smokies from retired NPS ranger Kent Cave, here's your chance. Register for his Little Cataloochee History Hike today. Few know the area better and can spin a yarn longer than Kent. He'll share compelling stories about the people connected with homes, cemeteries, and the beautiful but secluded Little Cataloochee Baptist Church.
All Branch Out member hikes and programs are listed on our website with online registration available.
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Shop the Smokies:
The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. Whether you're near the Smokies or far away, our hot/cold bottle (left) and our tumbler with reusable straw, both with our exclusive arrowhead filled with park activity icons, will inspire you to discover a national park adventure!
Show your Centennial Pride when you wear this Exclusive-to-the-Smokies arrowhead T-shirt. When donning this shirt, you'll want to go camping, hiking, wildlife watching and more during this 100th anniversary year of the National Park Service.
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'Women of the Smokies' author talks about female contributions to park, region
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Courtney Lix
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What does it mean to be a woman of the Smokies? While author Courtney Lix spent more than five years researching and writing her way to an answer, the Gatlinburg, TN, native - like Dorothy in Oz - actually knew the appropriate response all along.
"To me, it means to feel a kinship with the land, to draw inspiration, possibility, and purpose from the mountains," Lix wrote in the preface to Great Smoky Mountains Association's newest publication, "No Place for the Weary Kind: Women of the Smokies."
Watch for updates from us when the book becomes available to order online and purchase in national park visitor center locations in and around the park.
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Recommended Hike: Boogerman Trail
GSMA Membership Associate
900 Mile Club Member
7.4 miles round trip, rated moderate
The Boogerman Trail begins at the Caldwell Fork Trail just past the Catalooche Campground on the left. In years past hikers could cross over one of the longest foot bridges in the park, now it's one of the longest water crossings. At just about .8 of a mile, you will reach the first intersection.
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Volunteer Trail Day is Tuesday, April 5
"Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer."
~Author Unknown
"Volunteers are love in motion!" ~Author Unknown
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."
~Elizabeth Andrew
If you can join us in Elkmont on Tuesday, April 5, we guarantee you won't soon forget your experience. Your tired feet will remind you; your aching back will remind you; your blistered hands will remind you. But none of that will matter, because your heart will be full with the knowledge that you helped make a difference in this national park.
A few spots remains - Those interested should REGISTER HERE for a day of trail maintenance on the Elkmont Natural Trail.
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Staff Spotlight: Russell Heenie
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Russell Heenie is the Senior Team Manager for Cades Cove Visitor Center, Cades Cove Orientation Shelter, Townsend Visitor Center and the Cable Mill.
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Q: Where do you hail from, Russell?
A: I was born in Connecticut, but grew up in Ocala, Florida.
Q: How long have you worked at Cades Cove Visitor Center?
A: Four years now.
Q: As the manager of Cades Cove Visitor Center, you must have some strong feelings about that special part of the park. What does Cades Cove mean to you? A: Cades Cove is a place where I first visited as a child vacationing from Florida. Later it became a base camp for hiking in the area when I was in my twenties. It was nice to return to the area and raise children in such a scenic place, and now, working for GSMA, I have the ability to share the experience with appreciative visitors every day.
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If you're anywhere near downtown Gatlinburg on Tuesday, April 26, and your tummy starts growling, consider heading over to The Park Grill for lunch. Not only will you enjoy a great meal, but you'll be helping support Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
GSMA's partnership with the Park Grill has already earned national acclaim; now restaurant management is giving 10% back to GSMA from all lunch orders on Tuesday, April 26. As a GSMA business member, The Park Grill's long-standing support for the national park is greatly appreciated.
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Business of the Month
Kyle Zeringue, a member of the North American Nature Photography Association, has been photographing nature for over 25 years. His gallery, Zeringue Fine Art Photography, is located in Studio 301 at the Lowe Mill Arts Center in Huntsville, AL. Primary subject matter includes landscape and wildlife photography from around the United States with a strong emphasis on the Great Smoky Mountains.
NEW Business Members
Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort
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Connecting Today to Yesterday; Preserving Today for Tomorrow
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