Spring 2021 in This Issue

SMOKIESThe official newspaper of Great Smoky GUIDE Mountains National Park • Spring 2021 In This Issue

Smokies Trip Planner • 2 Help Track Wildflowers • 4 National Park News • 5 Spring Driving Map • 6 Park Etiquette • 8 Safety in the Mountains • 9 How to Help the Smokies • 10 Jr. Ranger Page • 11 Visitor Information • 12

Image by Bill Lea

Virtual Wildflower Pilgrimage Invites Be #SmokiesSafe • Delay your trip You to Stop and Share the Flowers if you are sick The Smokies is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity • Avoid crowded areas A n r o pring ephemeral wildflowers, with their people participating and nearly 12,000 to t i a n ic fleeting beauty, usually draw thousands observations from Florida to Alaska, • Maintain social distancing e n S F u six feet away from others le m of visitors from all over the world to Great Canada, and even the United Kingdom.” tch om er, Science C Smoky Mountains National Park. This Wildflowers are the main focus of Wear a mask indoors and year, the 71st annual Spring Wildflower the event, but participants can upload • when unable to physically Words with a Ranger Pilgrimage (SWFP) celebrating these pictures, videos, and audio recordings of distance Somewhere in a dark corner of a spring ephemerals will be held virtually for all sorts of organisms they spot during this family cedar chest is a discolored the second year in a row. While in-person event—including but not limited to trees, • Wash your hands picture of a young boy in a Chicago events may be postponed due to COVID- ferns, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, Bulls shirt enjoying a small park in 19, organizers of this year’s event are and amphibians. Park officials, biologists, • Send only one or two the northeast corner of Alabama. encouraging anyone to join in the fun by and fellow pilgrims will be able to assist in members of your party into That park was Russell Cave National sharing pictures of wildflowers and more. identifying each organism. visitor centers Monument—a place where a younger, “I think one of the benefits of the The 2021 SWFP will run from May 8 skinnier me fell in love with a national virtual SWFP is that people are encour- to May 16. To join the virtual pilgrimage, Visit park that represented 10,000 years of aged to observe and learn about biodi- all participants must download the iNat- nps.gov/grsm/ prehistoric Native American history. I versity, no matter where it exists,” said uralist app and create a free account. Get planyourvisit have not seen that picture in some 20 Entomologist Becky Nichols. “Last year’s help downloading the app, register, and years, but the essence of that photo SWFP was a huge success, with over 300 learn more at wildflowerpilgrimage.org. to plan your trip lies deep inside my soul. I was 19 years old when I revisited OUR PARK GreatSmoky GreatSmokyNPS GreatSmokyNPS Words with a Ranger continues on page 5 ON SOCIAL MEDIA MountainsNPS and SmokiesRoadsNPS SMOKIES TRIP PLANNER Maps and guides: SmokiesInformation.org Additional information: nps.gov/grsm

COVID-19 Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. cherokeesmokies.com Oconaluftee River, and lower Deep The National Park Service is working Sites may be reserved up to six months • Fontana 800.849.2258 or Creek/Indian Creek. Helmets are with federal, state, and local health in advance. Make your reservation at fontanavillage.com required by law for persons age 16 and authorities to closely monitor the recreation.gov or call 877.444.6777. • Gatlinburg 800.588.1817 or under and strongly recommended for all COVID-19 pandemic and is using a Site occupancy is limited to six gatlinburg.com bicyclists. phased system to increase visitor access. people and two vehicles (a trailer = one • Maggie Valley 800.624.4431 or On Wednesdays from May 5 to Check nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/ vehicle). The maximum stay is 14 days. maggievalley.org September 1, 2021, only bicycles and conditions.htm for the latest updates on Special campsites for larger groups • Pigeon Forge 800.251.9100 or pedestrians are allowed on Cades Cove open facilities and access. All openings are available seasonally at Big Creek, mypigeonforge.com Loop Road. Bicycles may be rented at are based on available staffing. Temporary Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep • Sevierville 888.766.5948 or the Cades Cove campground store. closures may occur on short notice. Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont. visitsevierville.com Group sites must be reserved and may be • Townsend 800.525.6834 or Pets in the park Camping in the national park secured up to a year in advance. smokymountains.org Pets are allowed in front-country camp- The National Park Service maintains The list below shows number of sites, grounds and beside roads as long as they developed campgrounds at nine loca- elevations, opening dates, nightly fees, Visitor centers are restrained at all times. Pets are not tions in the park. Only Cades Cove and and maximum RV lengths. Visit nps. Hours are subject to change. allowed on park trails, except for the Smokemont are open in winter. There gov/grsm for more information. Seasonal hours of operation are 9–5, Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails. are no showers or hookups other than • Abrams Creek 16 sites, elev. 1,125', Dec.–June, at Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, Dogs on these trails must be leashed. circuits for special medical uses at Cades opens April 23, $17.50, 12' trailers and Cades Cove visitor centers. Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. • Balsam Mountain 42 sites, elev. 5,310', Clingmans Dome hours of operation are Special events Campsite reservations are required at opens May 14, $17.50, 30' RVs 10–6, April–June. May 8–16, 2021 Spring Wildflower Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big • Big Creek 12 sites, elev. 1,700', opens Pilgrimage: parkwide/virtual Creek, Cataloochee, Cosby, and Deep April 2, $17.50, tents only For rent Creek campgrounds. Making a reser- • Cades Cove 159 sites, elev. 1,807', The Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Picnic areas vation prior to your arrival is recom- open year-round, $21–$25, 35'–40' RVs Cabin at Elkmont can be rented for Picnic areas are open year-round at mended to guarantee a campsite at • Cataloochee 27 sites, elev. 2,610', daytime events. Check recreation.gov Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, opens April 2, $25, 31' RVs for availability and booking. Seasonal and Metcalf Bottoms. The Chimneys • Cosby 157 sites, elev. 2,459', opens opening dates are subject to change. picnic area opens March 12; Big Creek, April 2, $17.50, 25' RVs Collins Creek, Cosby, and Twin Creeks • Deep Creek 92 sites, elev. 1,800', Firewood open April 2; Look Rock opens April 30; opens April 2, $25, 26' RVs To prevent the spread of destructive Heintooga opens May 14. Picnic areas • Elkmont 220 sites, elev. 2,150', opens insect pests, the NPS has banned outside have a table and raised grill (charcoal April 2, $21–$27, 32'–35' RVs firewood from entering the park unless it fires only). See map on page 12 for loca- • Smokemont 142 sites, elev. 2,198', is USDA- or state-certified heat-treated tions. Picnic pavilions may be reserved open year-round, $21–$25, 35'–40' RVs wood. Campers may gather dead and for $12.50–$60 at recreation.gov. • Look Rock closed in 2021 down wood for campfires. Certified wood may be purchased in and around the park. Other services Accommodations There are no gas stations, showers, or • LeConte Lodge (accessible by trail Bicycling restaurants in the national park. MOVING ROCKS only) provides the only lodging in the Most park roads are too narrow and park. 865.429.5704 or lecontelodge.com heavily traveled by automobiles for safe Park weather HARMS • Bryson City 800.867.9246 or or enjoyable bicycling. Bicycles are • Spring - March has the most greatsmokies.com permitted on park roads but prohib- changeable weather. Snow can fall AQUATIC LIFE. • Cherokee 828.788.0034 or ited on trails except Gatlinburg, on any day, especially at the higher SMOKIES GUIDE Smokies Guide is produced four times per year by Publication dates: Senior Editor Writers Lead Designer NPS Coordinator Paul Super Gatlinburg, TN Great Smoky Mountains Association and Great Spring: mid-March Frances Figart Korrin Bishop Karen Key Stephanie Kyriazis Stephanie Sutton 37738 Smoky Mountains National Park. Summer: early June Martha Hunter Managing Editor Design Assistants Planning Committee © 2021 Great Autumn: mid-Sept. Valerie Polk Aaron Searcy Emma DuFort Christine Hoyer Smoky Mountains nps.gov/grsm Winter: mid-Dec. Sarah Shiver Lisa Horstman Rebecca Nichols Association E Printed on SmokiesInformation.org Susan Sachs P.O. Box 130 recycled paper Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 2 elevations. Backpackers are often caught tion occurs as afternoon thundershowers. prohibited in the park. A special permit cotton). Be prepared for sudden off guard when a sunny day in the 70s°F • Autumn - In mid-September, a pattern is required for the Qualla Boundary weather changes, especially at the is followed by a wet, bitterly cold one. of warm, sunny days and crisp, clear and Gatlinburg. Licenses are available higher elevations, including rain, cold, By mid- to late April, the weather nights often begins. However, cool, rainy in nearby towns. A free fishing map and wind. Stay dry and know your is milder. days also occur. Snow may fall at the with a complete list of all park fishing limitations. • Summer - By mid-June, heat, haze and higher elevations in November. regulations is available at visitor centers. See page 9 for more trip essentials. humidity are the norm. Most precipita- • Winter - Days during this fickle season can be Camping in the backcountry Road closures sunny and 65°F Springtime camping can be an exciting Many secondary and higher elevation or snowy with adventure for persons properly equipped roads are closed in winter and open SOCIAL DISTANCING highs in the 20s. and informed. To facilitate this activity, later into spring. Please refer to the map Observe wildlife rules... At the low eleva- the National Park Service maintains on pages 6 and 7 for opening dates for but with people! tions, snows of 1" more than 800 miles of trails and more Clingmans Dome and other seasonally or more occur 3-5 than 100 backcountry campsites and closed roads. times per year. shelters throughout the park. One of At Newfound the greatest challenges for backcountry Gap, 69" fall on campers is deciding where to go. Here average. Lows of are some tools to help. Driving distances and -20°F are possible 1. Get the map. Go online to view estimated times at the higher the park’s official trail map (nps.gov/ elevations. grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm), which Cherokee, NC to: shows all park trails, campsites, and Gatlinburg: 34 miles (1 hour) Fishing shelters. Park rules and regulations are Cades Cove: 58 miles (2 hours) Fishing is also listed here. If you wish, you can Newfound Gap: 18 miles permitted year- purchase the printed version of the trail (½ hour) round in the park, map for $1 by stopping at any park Clingmans Dome: 25 miles Wash your hands Stay home Stay 6 feet away and a Tennessee visitor center or calling 865.436.7318, with soap and water when sick. from other people. (¾ hour) for at least 20 seconds. or North Carolina ext. 226, or shopping online at Cataloochee: 39 miles fishing license is SmokiesInformation.org. (1½ hours) required. Either 2. Plan your trip. Call or stop by Deep Creek: 14 miles (½ hour) state license is the park’s backcountry office, which is valid throughout open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for Gatlinburg, TN to: the park, and no trip planning help. The office is located Cherokee: 34 miles (1 hour) trout stamp is in Sugarlands Visitor Center, two miles Cades Cove: 27 miles (1 hour) If you sneeze or cough, Avoid touching Still don’t use required. Fishing south of Gatlinburg on U.S. 441. cover your mouth your face. slower friends as Newfound Gap: 16 miles and nose with a tissue. bear bait. with bait is 865.436.1297. (½ hour) 3. Get a permit. Make your reser- Clingmans Dome: 23 miles vation and obtain your permit through (¾ hour) These temperature the backcountry office at Sugarlands Cataloochee: 65 miles and precipitation Visitor Center (by phone or in person) (2½ hours) averages are or online at smokiespermits.nps.gov. Greenbrier Cove: 6 miles based on data for Reservations and permits are the last 20 years. (¼ hour) required for all overnight stays in the Temperatures Deep Creek: 48 miles backcountry. The cost is $4 per person are in degrees (1½ hours) Fahrenheit. An per night. Reservations may be made average of over up to 30 days in advance. Townsend, TN to: 84" (7 feet) of Spring hikers should be especially Cades Cove: 9 miles (¼ hour) precipitation falls aware of quickly changing conditions Newfound Gap: 34 miles on the higher and the danger of hypothermia—the elevations of the (1¼ hours) Gatlinburg, TN lowering of body temperature. Always 37738 Smokies. On Mt. Gatlinburg: 22 miles (¾ hour) Le Conte, an carry an ample supply of food, water, Cherokee: 52 miles (1½ hours) average of 82.8" of and reliable rain gear. Layer clothing Look Rock: 18 miles (½ hour) E Printed on snow falls per year. that provides warmth when wet (not recycled paper Cataloochee: 87 miles (3 hours)

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 3 Become a Citizen Scientist Help Track Rare Smokies Wildflowers with the iNaturalist App

s winter thaws in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the first signs of through Walland. While its purple and yellow flowers look like the more common A new life is the eruption of fresh blooms along the Smokies’ wildflower-laden trails. dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), its strong fragrance is a distinguishing feature. While wildflowers may seem abundant in the park this spring, some are excep- Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) – This wildflower serves as food for monarch tionally rare. The richness of the park’s wildflowers relies on several factors, including butterfly caterpillars. It blooms June through July, reaching up to three feet tall with rainfall, early season temperatures, and pollinator health and activity. large clusters of yellow-white flowers. It prefers moist forests and forest edges at low to You can help park scientists map these special wildflowers by embarking on a mid elevations, like the forests near meadows at Purchase Knob or Cades Cove. scavenger hunt to find, photograph, and report them using a citizen-science app called Woodland pinkroot/indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) – This wildflower blooms iNaturalist. from April through June showcasing striking red, tubular flowers with five-pointed “I’m always blown away by the inordinate diversity of wildflowers in the Smokies,” petals. It prefers moist woodlands at low elevations, like along Rich Mountain Road. said Will Kuhn, director of science and research at park partner Discover Life in Park visitors’ actions also impact the health of Smokies wildflowers. America (DLiA). “There are so many shapes, sizes, and colors.” “Many wildflowers are hidden when they’re not in bloom, but that doesn’t mean DLiA exists to assist park staff in analyzing the biodiversity of the Smokies. Using they can’t be trampled,” Kuhn explained. “Stay on trails so you don’t accidentally the iNaturalist app, DLiA organized the Species SnapIt & MapIt project to allow park crush wildflowers and other organisms, seen or unseen. Also, look, but don’t touch. visitors to report sightings of the flora and fauna they see. Park staff can then use that Flowers are beautiful but are also an important part of the plant’s lifecycle. Picking information to identify at-risk species for conservation. them interrupts that lifecycle.” Kuhn shared three rare or under-reported species to look for in the Smokies: Learn more about helping the park monitor these and other rare species at Dwarf violet iris (Iris verna) – This wildflower blooms in April at low elevations dlia.org/snapit-mapit. Images below by University of Tennessee Herbarium in semi-shaded woodlands, like along Rich Mountain Road or the Foothills Parkway

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Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 4 Great Smoky Mountains National Park news briefs Words with a Ranger continued from page 1 PARK NEWS Russell Cave—this time on my first day as a national park ranger. I remember Storybook Trail of the Smokies Comes to Cosby feeling overwhelmed with several ques- Cosby Nature Trail will be home to a new Storybook Trail of the Smokies series tions during my first summer there, but designed to encourage literacy, promote exercise, and inspire stewardship of Great my main question was, “Where will this Smoky Mountains National Park. career take me?” It was not long before Young readers, parents, and hikers of all ages are invited to come along for short the National Park Service took me to but exciting one-mile walks where books come to life with educational content and the place where the Civil War started, activities tailored for the trail. The project will feature a new book every two weeks the ranch of a president that signed this spring from April 3 to May 30, and the first 20 families to arrive on opening civil rights legislation, the depths of an Saturdays will receive a complimentary copy of the featured book. archaeological site where Columbian The project is made possible by the National Park Service in coordination mammoths died, and most recently the with Great Smoky Mountains Association, Cocke County Cooperative Extension most-visited park in the park service, Service, Unify Cocke County, and the Cocke County School System. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow along by finding Storybook Trail of the Smokies on Facebook. Six months ago, I became the new science communicator for Great Smoky Illustration from children’s book Sala- Smokies Survey Suggests Fewer Insects, Birds on the Move mander Ball by author Lisa Horstman. Mountains National Park. But what is a science communicator? My job is to In 2019 and 2020, PhD candidate Graham Montgomery Chickadee seem to be moving upslope in elevation, which is help internal and external audiences spent months hiking throughout Great Smoky Mountains expected as climate warms.” understand the natural and cultural National Park carefully recording insect and bird species. His Climate change, invasive species, and habitat change are science of the park. Whether the subject efforts were part of a study using the same historical methods the major drivers of population and diversity shifts, even in is salamanders or Native American as a previous count conducted in the 1940s to track changes international biosphere reserves like the Smokies. Studies like history, I act as the link from the science in the park’s insect and bird communities. Montgomery’s will help scientists better understand what to the public. Montgomery and his advisors are still working to process species and ecosystems are most affected by these threats and Although working amid the thousands of collected insect species. But so far, he says it’s how best to protect them. COVID-19 pandemic has not been ideal clear insect numbers in the park are generally in decline. At home, Montgomery says people can help insects and for anyone, I’ve had the chance to col- “On the bird side of things, we’re seeing range shifts in birds by not using pesticides and planting native species. Park ian pi laborate and lead many special projects several species,” said Montgomery. “Yellow-rumped War- visitors can help by documenting the species they see through ind nk with the park service. One project that blers seem to be more common. And birds like the Carolina iNaturalist, a citizen-science app (see page 4). will make an impact on the park is the African American Experience project, Safe Passage Helps Make I-40 Safer for Wildlife and People which focuses on uncovering the untold More than 12 million Near the park boundary, a 28-mile stretch of Interstate history of African Americans in and people come to Great 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge is becoming a barrier to wild- outside of the park boundaries through Smoky Mountains life movement. As many as 70 bears are killed each year in research, events, and storytelling. I’m National Park each year this section of highway between Asheville and Knoxville. also leading an effort to revitalize the to see black bear, elk, Now nearly 20 federal, state, tribal, and non-governmen- park’s research learning center website, and other wildlife. But tal organizations are collaborating to make this section of which will use an array of scientific sto- the Smokies’ iconic I-40 more permeable for wildlife and safer for people. Their ries and programming to connect virtual species don’t just stay effort is called Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge visitors to the park. within the park bound- Wildlife Crossing Project. Seven years ago, I hiked to the peak ary. Just like us, they The Safe Passage group has formed a fund coalition so of Mount Le Conte. As I peered down travel in search of food, that public donations can join department of transportation from the summit, I thought about what it shelter, and mates— monies for mitigations to the road in tandem with planned would be like to work for such a breath- which often means bridge repairs. These could include improving existing taking park. I never thought that dream crossing dangerous re- structures that wildlife already use to cross, constructing would come true, but in August of 2020, gional highways as well underpasses, or building vegetated wildlife overpasses, which, it did. There is not a day that goes by that as secondary roads. when paired with fencing, have been shown to successfully I do not enjoy the mist of the mountains, reduce collisions. the sound of the creeks and rivers, and A Search for Safe Passage, a book for young readers inspired Learn more and support the Safe Passage effort at the flora and fauna that dominate the by the Safe Passage project, is available in visitor center smokiessafepassage.org. terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains. bookstores and at SmokiesInformation.org.

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 5 To Knoxville To I-40 To Newport 321 SEVIERVILLE ay w Exit rk Pa 443 32 lls Hartford CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST hi ot Cosby Fo Exit Park View 447 129 416 411 TENNESSEE 441 Exit 451 #RecreateResponsibly 32 NORTH C MARYVILLE AROLIN PIGEON FORGE A Pittman Mount Cammerer This spring it remains important to recreate Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Center Cosby 321 Paved, narrow, 5.5 mile one-way road 321 73 Hen Wallow Falls Mount Big 321 Gatlinburg Welcome Center Cammerer Creek o ers old-growth forest, waterfalls responsibly in Great Smoky Mountains l Trail 40 National Park i 321 and historic buildings. No RVs allowed. ra T Information Center Ga n National Park. Before you head out, familiarize Opens April 9. bes Mounta i ek Tra Cre il

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JOYCE Great Mountain Views T e r KILMER - SLICKROCK a P i 23 a WILDERNESS AREA l r 74 Wildflowers k 129 w ay Santeetlah Lake SYLVA

28 NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST ©GSMA2021 143 441 23 To Knoxville To I-40 To Newport 321 SEVIERVILLE ay w Exit rk Pa 443 32 lls Hartford CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST hi ot Cosby Fo Exit Park View 447 129 416 411 TENNESSEE 441 Exit 451 #RecreateResponsibly 32 NORTH C MARYVILLE AROLIN PIGEON FORGE A Pittman Mount Cammerer This spring it remains important to recreate Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Center Cosby 321 Paved, narrow, 5.5 mile one-way road 321 73 Hen Wallow Falls Mount Big 321 Gatlinburg Welcome Center Cammerer Creek o ers old-growth forest, waterfalls responsibly in Great Smoky Mountains l Trail 40 National Park i 321 and historic buildings. No RVs allowed. ra T Information Center Ga n National Park. Before you head out, familiarize Opens April 9. bes Mounta i ek Tra Cre il

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here are more than 800 miles of maintained Thiking trails to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several of these trails follow ancient foot- paths first created by the Cherokee—the earliest known human inhabitants of the Smokies. Other trails follow roadways first created by area farmers and work crews long before the national park was established. While it may be tempting to venture off an established trail to take a shortcut or to get the perfect picture, the emerging spring wildflowers and many unseen burrowing insects and creatures just beneath the leaf litter will thank you for staying on walking paths and only step- ping off when you absolutely must, like when yielding to other hikers. By staying on trails and taking nothing but pictures, you help control erosion into sensitive Smokies waterways and protect important By staying on trails and taking nothing but habitats for everything from rare wildflowers to native salamanders and firefly larvae. pictures, you help control erosion into sensitive Smokies waterways and protect important habitats for everything from rare wildflowers to native salamanders and firefly larvae.

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 8 Setting Out for the Mountains...Safely

It is your responsibility to be safe and to know and obey park rules. You can find information and rules at visitor centers, trailhead bulletin boards, and the park website at nps.gov/grsm.

BASIC PACK LIST TRAIL HAZARDS:

• Poison ivy and brambles • Lightning • Water, a water filter, tablets, or the ability to boil water • Slippery logs, rocks, and leaves • High winds • Food, including plenty of snacks • Ice on wooden structures, rocks, and • Hypothermia shady sections of trail • Extra layers (base layer, jacket, socks) • Rapid changes in weather for changing conditions • Water crossings (water can rise quickly • Dead or downed trees • Sun protection with sunscreen, and rocks and logs are often slippery; sunglasses, and/or a hat closely supervise children around water) • Wildlife including black bears and elk • Rain gear and pack cover to keep what you are carrying dry (zippered plastic bags inside your pack can do this too) IN AN EMERGENCY: • Traction support, like hiking poles or microspikes • Never hike alone or split up from your party. Remain on established trails.

• Navigation—map and compass and the • If you can acquire a signal, call emergency dispatch (865.436.9171) or dial 911. knowledge of how to use them • Remain with any injured party until help arrives. Remain calm and focus on actions • Shelter in the form of a tent or tarp that will help speed the rescue and ensure the comfort and survival of the victim. • Flashlight or headlamp and batteries • Use what basic first-aid techniques you know, but do not attempt invasive • Fire starter with a lighter, strike stick, intervention unless you are medically trained. and something to light • Issue a series of three spaced blasts on an emergency whistle every few minutes • Knife or multi-tool to alert the rescue crew of your location.

• Emergency whistle • If you are in an open area visible from the air, display brightly colored clothing or gear.

• First aid kit with all the essentials Plan ahead: Inform the NPS backcountry office of your itinerary before you hit the trail to care for common accidents so response crews will know where to begin looking in case of an emergency. Let the • Permit for camping overnight NPS help you plan a hike and prepare for what you may experience along the way at 865.436.1297, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 9 IF YOU LOVE THE SMOKIES Join the park’s partners in helping to protect this place for ourselves and future generations every day. You can support DLiA by Great Smoky Mountains National Park Friends of the Smokies Discover Life purchasing the Smokies Species-a-Day depends on four primary nonprofit Friends of the Smokies assists the in America perpetual calendar. Learn more at DLiA. partners as well as 2,800 park volunteers National Park Service in its mission The Smokies org or by calling 865.430.4757. to help its staff meet the needs of 12.5 to preserve and protect Great Smoky have long been million visitors and manage 522,000 Mountains National Park by raising renowned for acres of resources. funds and public awareness and their rich variety of life. Knowing what Tremont providing volunteers for needed projects. creatures reside here helps the National Born out of a Great Smoky Mountains Since it was founded in 1993, sup- Park Service better protect the Smokies need for residen- Association porters of Friends have contributed more against threats like air pollution, wild- tial education Since 1953, the nonprofit Great than $70 million to meet park needs. fire, habitat fragmentation, invasive programs in Smoky Mountains Association has Examples of pro- species, and climate change. the park, Great supported the educational, scientific, grams and projects Discover Life in America is a Smoky Mountains and historical preservation efforts of include: nonprofit partner that was launched Institute at Tremont has offered student the park by operating the park’s offi- • Rehabilitation in 1998 to manage the All Taxa Biodi- and adult programs that promote a cial bookstores, publishing books and of the most versity Inventory (ATBI), an effort to connection to nature for more than 50 other media about the park’s natural impacted identify and learn about every variety of years. Up to 6,000 students and adults and cultural resources, and supporting trails through plant and animal in the park. The orga- annually attend workshops, camps, and park programs. Over the years, GSMA Trails Forever nization works with leading biologists school programs at the institute that has contributed more than $46 million • Forest con- from around the globe to conduct this are designed to promote curiosity and to assist with living history demonstra- servation and wildlife management massive inventory. inspire learning. tions, save hemlock trees, fund natural • Real-time webcams and air quality Volunteers and interns become Adult workshops include hiking, resource education monitoring ‘citizen scientists’ who help with backpacking, community science, pro- internships, construct • Facility improvements and visitor DLiA’s work. These participants get an fessional and teacher development, pho- visitor centers and amenities insider’s look at the park, as well tography, and the Southern Appalachian the Collections • Historic structures rehabilitation as firsthand knowledge of biology, Naturalist Certification program. Preservation Center, • Cultural experiences and special events field science, and laboratory practices. Summer camps provide youth and their and much more. • Search and rescue program support Funding comes from donations by families opportunities to spend six to 11 Association members and equipment individuals and institutions. days exploring the national park and its receive a number of bene- • K–12 educational programs To date, DLiA has helped add more wonders. Fees include meals, lodging, fits to keep them informed about special Programs like Parks as Classrooms, than 10,000 species to the inventory of and most equipment. events in the park and issues affecting which serves approximately 20,000 life in the park, including more than Call 865.448.6709 or visit GSMIT. the Smokies: students every year, provide educational 1,000 species completely new to science! org for program dates and informa- • Subscription to the biannual experiences that help foster a love for Today there are more than 21,000 tion and to learn how you can support full-color magazine Smokies Life nature and inform the next generation of different kinds of organisms known to life-changing learning experiences in • Digital access to this award-win- park supporters. A new digital learning the park with new discoveries happening the Smokies! ning park newspaper and Smokies space at Smokieees.org invites students LIVE e-newsletter to explore nature-related activities, be • 15–20% discount on books, music, entertained through music, art, and GSMA MEMBERSHIPS SIGN ME UP! gifts, and products at park visitor stories, and escape through observation Get Rooted in the Smokies! Name(s) ______centers and at GSMA’s web store of the natural world. GSMA memberships are available in both ______• 10% (or more) discount at 500+ Friends’ commitment to preser- individual- and family-level packages. additional nonprofit public lands vation includes support for restoring q Acorn (youth) $15 Address ______partner stores and maintaining historic log homes, q Buckeye $35/ $50 family ______• Access to member-exclusive group barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, hikes, backpacking excursions, and and gristmills. Become a Friend by q Chestnut $100/ $125 family Email (for e-newsletter) ______educational sessions visiting FriendsOfTheSmokies.org. For q Dogwood $200/ $300 family ______• Invitation to GSMA’s Members information about memberships and q Hemlock (lifetime) $1,000/ $1500 family Phone # ______Weekend planned giving, email info@friendsofthe- q Lookout League Business Memberships Please include your check with this form. Join today by visiting SmokiesInformation. smokies.org or call 800.845.5665. Mail to: GSMA, P.O. Box 130, $250–$1,000 org or call us at 888.898.9102, ext. 257. Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 10 Common Mudpuppy Dung Beetle

These hefty salamanders grow up If you happen upon two small shiny to 16 inches long. Because they beetles rolling a ball of dung, be ame fr spend all of their time in Smokies assured it’s really nothing out c om streams, they have bushy external of the ordinary. Dung beetles it gills that allow them to breathe routinely gather dung from deer underwater. During the day they and other animals into a ball, roll hide in submerged burrows; at it around to get it nice and packed the night they come out to feed on fish, down, then bury it and lay eggs in crayfish, snails, frogs, and other it. This way the young have plenty salamanders. to eat when they hatch. smokies! They’re out there— Eastern Slugs Slender Glass slimy, wiggly, Lizard spooky creatures that seem like your worst nightmare. But these seemingly unfriendly organisms all play a role in the great diversity of the Smokies. Learn about a few here…after you recover from the heebie-jeebies. These weird animals look like Slugs are simply snails without snakes but are actually lizards shells. They secrete a generous with no legs. They have extremely amount of slime, which helps them long tails that break off very ooze along the forest floor. Their Illustrations by Lisa Horstman easily (hence the name “glass favorite foods are leaves, roots, lizard”). It’s rare to see them flowers, fruits, and fungi. Look for because they spend most of their mushrooms with slime trails and Please include your check with this form. time in rodent burrows. When they bites eaten from them. Some birds Mail to: GSMA, P.O. Box 130, come out, they hunt spiders, snails, eat slugs, but most think they’re Gatlinburg, TN 37738 bird eggs, snakes, and more. just too slimy.

Smokies Guide Spring 2021 • 11 VISITOR INFORMATION For more information, go to nps.gov/grsm

Primary Alt. Rt. Secondary Alt. Rt.

Heintooga/ Round Bottom Road

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SWAIN COUNTY VISITOR CENTER

Information Emergencies Hospitals Haywood County All-access Avoid the fine General park info: For emergencies after hours: Le Conte/Sevier County 828.456.7311 Restrooms at park visitor Picking or digging plants is prohibited in the park. 865.436.1200 • nps.gov/grsm Park Headquarters 865.446.7000 Waynesville, NC centers in Cades Cove, Backcountry information: Middle Creek Rd., Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands Persons feeding wildlife 865.436.9171 Swain County are subject to a $5,000 fine. 865.436.1297 Sevierville, TN are fully accessible. 828.488.2155 Pets are only permitted smokiespermits.nps.gov Cherokee Police Sugarlands Valley all-access 828.497.4131 Blount Memorial Bryson City, NC on the Gatlinburg and To order maps and guides: 865.983.7211 nature trail is on Newfound Oconaluftee River trails, 865.436.7318, ext. 226 Gatlinburg Police U.S. 321, Maryville, TN Gap Road just south of which allow dogs on SmokiesInformation.org 865.436.5181 Sugarlands Visitor Center. a leash.