WhAtEvER - Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

The newsletter of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
•
Spring 2008
=
Wh atev er
By Alicia Hunsberger
Cherokee Bend Elementary
Takes
I
t is refreshing to attend
Tremont each year with
students from Cherokee Bend.
We all get excited about
traveling to the Great Smoky
Mountains to experience the
outdoor classroom. Every year
brings both mystery and
challenge as we plan together for
months prior to taking the
infamous trip. Glenn Rice, our
fearless leader and social studies
teacher, along with the other fifth grade teachers coordinate with the Tremont staff to ensure
an experience for the kids that is both meaningful and memorable. As a special educator, I
greatly value the Tremont staff—their expertise and their willingness to make every effort to
include all children in an outdoor learning experience that is monumental.
%
This year was particularly interesting because we had
plans to take two students with significant physical
handicaps. Our adaptive physical education teacher,
Keri Petrofsky, offered her expertise in disabilities to
ensure safety and fun for all kids participating. In
addition to their sleeping bags, extra tennis shoes,
warm clothes, and flashlights, Ward Webb and Will
Kirkpatrick were packing multiple wheelchairs,
shower chairs, and prosthetic legs.
continued on page 3
Alicia Hunsberger
It
Taking After a
River Otter
We don’t know who had more fun, the students or the instructor!
By Amber Parker, Education Director
By Jen Martin,
Senior Teacher/Naturalist
T
discussions and found
students planning and
presenting several team
programs. Along the way we
played Interpretive Taboo,
found out that John could
REALLY sing, overcame stage
fright, held a very creative
campfire (during which the
Scat Rap featured
prominently), and taught some
By Jason Love, Citizen Science Director
F
D
o you remember when you were a kid, walking past a mud
puddle or waking up to a good snow, and having that
uncontrollable urge to jump in it? Maybe you still have that urge,
but as adults we sometimes try to refrain from acting completely
ridiculous.
Kent Jones
Bonny Millard
he first class of the new
Southern Appalachian
Naturalist Certification
Program was a weekend full of
great achievements, excellent
companionship, and a whole
lot of fun. Participants from
several states and ranging in
age from 16 to (well, we didn’t
ask) were incredibly
enthusiastic and open to new
Tremont Congratulates 2007 Outstanding Educator
and Outstanding Scientist for Biodiversity Education
The inaugural class of the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program.
experiences. The class topics,
Interpretation and Naturalist
Skills, covered the principles of
teaching a variety of topics to a
wide range of ages in outdoor
and/or non-classroom settings.
Over the course of the
weekend, students learned the
history of interpretation, the
tools of a naturalist, program
planning techniques, and
group management skills. The
participatory nature of the
class created great group
amazing final group programs.
For the final programs teams
chose topics such as lichens,
decomposition, hiking 101,
winter tree ID, and nature
journaling. The quality of their
programs coupled with
dynamic peer review sessions
brought the weekend to a
satisfying conclusion and had
students planning their next
adventure in the Naturalist
Certification Program.
River otters, on the other hand, don’t have a problem with
showing their inner child. In fact, it seems like they play most of
the day. We have had numerous river otter sightings along the
Middle Prong of the Little River in the past couple of months. It is
so enjoyable to watch their sleek furry bodies gliding in and out
of the water, and just loving life.
River otters aren’t very big, only about 3-4 feet long, and they
may weigh up to 25 pounds. They eat fish, crayfish, insects, and
frogs, and only need to spend a small part of the day looking for
food. Which leaves a majority of the day for… playing!
However, a river otter’s life has not always been all fun and
games. During the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National
Park in the 1930s, otters had nearly been eliminated from east
Tennessee due to uncontrolled trapping. The National Park
Service began the otter reintroduction program in 1986, and
since then over 100 otters have been released in the park. They
are doing well in a protected habitat like the Smokies, but are
still classified as a threatened species in Tennessee.
Fortunately some of the school students that come to Tremont
have had the opportunity to watch the river otters play. Otters are
very secretive but can be found swimming and playing during all
seasons. In fact, they are known for being some of the best
sliders around. Whenever there is snow or mud, river otters take
advantage of it. They find a hill, get a running start, and belly
flop, tucking their legs beside them and using their tail as a
rudder. When they get to the bottom, instead of getting back to
business, they head back up the hill for another round.
We should all use the river otter as an example… that
sometimes we just need to go outside and play. This year,
Tremont is offering numerous opportunities to help you explore
the outdoors. Who knows, maybe you’ll spot a river otter while
you’re here.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
2
or the fifth consecutive year, Discover Life in America
(DLIA) announced its Outstanding Educator and
Outstanding Scientist for Biodiversity Education at the
11th Annual DLIA conference. These two awards are
presented to an educator and a scientist who excels in
sharing information about the All Taxa Biodiversity
Inventory (ATBI) and inspire their students to explore not
only the park, but also their schoolyards and backyards
for biodiversity. Like many of the previous award
winners, this year’s awardees have close ties to Tremont.
The Outstanding Biodiversity Educator for 2007 is
Gabrielle Riesner. Gabrielle is a science teacher at
Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, North
Carolina. Gabrielle brought her class to Purchase Knob for
a field trip and organized an ECO club that instills in her
students a deeper understanding of ecology and
biodiversity. Gabrielle also was an enthusiastic participant
in the Smoky Mountains Science Teacher Institute, held at
Tremont, where she incorporated many of the skills and
activities from the workshop with her students.
Whatever It Takes
continued from page 1
Will Kirkpatrick, a student with Spina Bifida, was
excited to get to experience the outdoors along
with his classmates. We had the opportunity to
rent an outdoor
wheelchair, called
the Terra Trek, in
order to allow him
to participate in
every activity. The
Terra Trek is an
all-terrain
wheelchair. It has
larger wheels that
are able to roll
over different
types of landscape, including large roots and
rocks. The front of the chair has unique poles that
allow the chair to work as a rickshaw, similar to a
wheelbarrow. This provides people helping with
the chair to assist with more ease than pushing
from the back. Will was able to assist in pushing
as well. All the students from Will’s class worked
together to ensure that everyone made it on the
All-Day-Hike and through Cades Cove. Will said
that his favorite activity was the All-Day-Hike. “It
The 2007 Outstanding Scientist for Biodiversity
Education is Dr. Paul Bartels, Warren Wilson College,
North Carolina. Since 2001, Dr. Bartels has consistently
worked closely with the Resource Education staff in North
Carolina to develop a number of programs on the ATBI
and Tardigrades (water bears). Dr. Bartels has worked
with 8th graders at Purchase Knob during the summer
and arranged for his undergraduate students to assist in
developing protocols for high school students on the
Cherokee reservation. In 2007 he spent a day training
Cherokee middle school students how to collect, isolate,
and study Tardigrades. The students were so inspired by
Dr. Bartels that they spent six hours the next day
designing and implementing their own scientific study
that assessed the response of Tardigrades to liquids of
various pH levels. Dr. Bartels also teaches a very popular
Tardigrade exploration workshop during the Smoky
Mountains Science Teacher Institute at Tremont, where his
presentations are always well received.
was pretty awesome getting to participate and I
never could have done it without the Terra Trek
and all of my friends,” says Will of his
experience. Some of the narrow passages were
more difficult to get through, but it was amazing
to see the kids wanting to take turns to assist Will
in this adventure.
Ward Webb is another fifth grade
student at Cherokee Bend. Because
of an injury at age four, Ward lost
both of his legs. That has not
stopped him from doing anything. He
is determined to get to do it all, and
his legs certainly did not keep him
from participating at Tremont. Ward
has two prosthetic legs which
enable him to participate in
activities with his peers. Ward had
difficulty choosing one favorite experience. When
asked to describe his favorite part of Tremont, he
responded, “Well, I loved Cades Cove; finding
thirteen salamanders was cool too! I almost forgot
that I loved the solo sit, and the food was great!”
Ward had access to his wheelchair, but was able
to make it through the week without using it once.
Frequent breaks and sock changes were more
important for him, in order to rest his legs and
keep from getting sores.
These students are an inspiration to us all for
their commitment to make it work regardless of
the circumstance. Cherokee Bend is extremely
thankful for Tremont’s flexibility and willingness to
let us try something new with these students.
Michael and Jeremy helped to make
accommodations as we were making stops to
adjust the Terra Trek or replace leg socks that
keep Ward from bruising. There is a commitment
at Cherokee Bend to do whatever it takes for
students. It was a blessing that Tremont joined in
our efforts to make this work for all students and
provide a safe, learning environment. At the end
of the day, we were all physically exhausted, but
the challenge was thrilling and the learning
adventure was certainly worth it!
Alicia Hunsberger
First Naturalist Certification
Class a Success!
Tremont would like to offer outdoor wheelchairs such as the Terra Trek to
program participants on a regular basis. Can you help? If interested, please
contact Meredith P. Goins at (865) 448-6709 or [email protected]
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
3
From the Science Lab...
Tracks & Signs
Citizen Science Highlights for 2007
By Jason Love, Citizen Science Director
Smoky Mountains Science
Teacher Institute
L
ast year was in many ways a record year for citizen science at Tremont, from capturing and tagging a total of 185
Monarchs in Cades Cove as part of the Monarch Watch Project, to having a record 23 teenagers sign up for our
10-day Field Ecology Adventure Camp. Here are some other highlights for 2007:
• Received a $1,200 mini-grant from DLIA to
fund the stipends of two ATBI teacher interns
who used the opportunity to learn how to
integrate real science in the classroom and
schoolyard
• Successfully completed our eighth season of
MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and
Survivorship), netting a total of 68 birds
• Hosted Water Mite Workshop with Dr. Andrea
Radwell and DLIA
• Tremont's Raven Fork Gorge Expedition was a
success, collecting valuable data in a remote
section of the park, including water mites,
plants, mosses, and insects
• Over 160 volunteers participated in our
Monarch tagging sessions in Cades Cove;
27 species of butterflies were identified,
including a new park record, the Dainty
Sulphur
G
reat Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, in
partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National
Park, is hosting our annual Smoky Mountains Science
Teacher Institute June 15-20, and an Advanced workshop
July 8-11, 2008. These workshops will be filled with
opportunities to learn and explore. Come learn about the
geology of the Smokies, lichen identification, and air and
water quality issues in the national park. Get your feet wet
while snorkeling for hellbenders and calculating stream
volume. Learn how to use a GPS unit and how to interpret
data collected from the field. These workshops offer great
opportunities for networking with other teachers, learning
field techniques and current research, plus are a great way
to discover and enjoy your national park.
• Installed a new automated weather station
• Presented poster at Southeastern Association
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA)
about our terrestrial salamander coverboard
project
• 46 site visits were made to our stream
salamander monitoring sites
• Approximately 290 volunteers provided
2,205 hours of service for citizen science
in 2007
• Joel Rudolph was selected as the George Fry
Chair, a summer position aimed at linking
citizen science with our summer camp
programs
• 871 specimens from 157 sites were
recorded in the ATBI database, giving
scientists a better idea of not only what type
of species are found in the park, but also
where and when these species occur
• Adopted the park's long-term Pond Breeding
Amphibian Survey as one of our new citizen
science projects
Citizen science at Tremont not only provides real and relevant data to park managers and scientists but, more
importantly, provides volunteers and students something that is often lacking but sorely needed—vital and authentic
experiences in the natural world. Tremont thanks the nearly 300 volunteers and hundreds of students that participated
in the various citizen science projects at Tremont.
D
rought was the major story in Walker Valley, and the
Southeast in general, for 2007. Rainfall was the lowest
ever recorded at Tremont. Stream levels were at their lowest
in recent memory, and water conservation measures became
mandatory for households and businesses alike. When
something is plentiful, we sometimes take it for granted.
The drought reminds us that water is indeed a precious
resource and is not limitless, even in a place that receives as
much rain as the Smokies.
Total rain: 36.4 inches (average is 55.8 inches)
Total snow: 4.1 inches (average is 7.7 inches)
Average
Low
Rain
Snow
January
31˚F
19˚F
3.0”
0”
Febrary
51˚F
26˚F
2.0”
3.6”
March
71˚F
42˚F
2.6”
0”
April
69˚F
42˚F
4.1”
0.5”
May
84˚F
54˚F
2.4”
0”
June
87˚F
61˚F
2.9”
0”
July
86˚F
64˚F
7.1”
0”
August
93˚F
67˚F
2.6”
0”
September
86˚F
59˚F
1.6”
0”
October
80˚F
51˚F
1.2”
0”
November
62˚F
35˚F
2.3”
0”
December
55˚F
34˚F
4.5”
0”
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
4
These workshops are being presented by Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Great Smoky Mountains
National Park with generous funding from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and an anonymous donor.
T
remont is proud to introduce you to two of our newest teacher/naturalists, Brian Ballenger
and Kim Wagner.
Brian was born and raised in Lancaster (Amish country), Pennsylvania. Brian earned his B.A.
in Environmental Planning at Bloomsburg University in 2007. While at Bloomsburg, Brian spent
time studying in England, patrolling the backcountry of Mount Katahdin, Maine, and developing
a youth leadership camp that emphasized white-tail deer management. In his free time, Brian
enjoys traveling, live music, reading and the great outdoors. Brian joined Tremont in the winter
of 2008, and is very excited to be in Appalachia.
Kim always thought she would be working in some sort of research after college. After
receiving a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Minnesota, she pursued that
goal in California. A short time spent catching juvenile salmon in the San Francisco area and
Kim realized that she might have a different passion after all. After a month working as an
environmental educator at the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in northeastern Georgia, Kim
knew she had found a new career. A three-month position became two years, with Kim becoming
the Assistant Director. A need to travel pushed her to Rhode Island. She was the assistant
coordinator for the W. Alton Jones Campus of the University of Rhode Island during the school
year and spent the summer as the day camp coordinator. Kim missed the south more than she
expected and couldn’t wait to get back. Working in the heart of the southern Appalachians at
Tremont is the perfect opportunity to teach what she loves and spend her free time hiking and
backpacking in her own back yard, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
Ice on a still river
pool,
Insects
disappearing,
Mountains are
calling me home.
Leaves turning red
and gold,
Birds disappearing,
Mountains are
calling me home.
New Faces at Tremont
GSMIT Archives
2007 Walker Valley Weather Summary
By Jason Love, Citizen Science Director
Average
High
Month
Frost on the
grasstops,
Chill in the air,
Mountains are
calling me home.
For more information and registration forms, go to our
Web site at www.gsmit.org.
GSMIT Archives
As the Earth Rotates
Mountains Are
Calling Me
Home
GSMIT Archives
• Used a $15,000 grant from Alcoa Foundation
to fund three Summer Youth Science
Leadership Interns, purchase science
equipment, and help fund a graduate student
to evaluate the impact of our research
internship program
Taking Science from Field and Forest to the Classroom; June 15-20, 2008
Advanced Smoky Mountains Science Teacher Institute; July 8-11, 2008
5
Logs crackling in
the hearth,
Friends gathered
around the table,
Mountains are
calling me home.
-Mickey Larkins
still …Connecting People and Nature
From the Executive Director, Ken Voorhis
J
ust about any publication that you pick up these days contains at least one “green” article—green buildings, green
design, green weddings, green celebrities, green vehicles, etc. Conversations about the weather now shift to discussion
about climate change or "global weirding" as I recently heard the phenomena of strange and erratic weather called. The
idea that children need to have connections with nature, dirt, and play is also getting a lot of ink. The connection
between all of these is that they draw attention to the idea that people ARE connected to nature, something that we at
Tremont have been teaching and trying to emphasize for some time.
Connecting people and nature means more than just getting people outside. It
means recognizing that people are a part of nature not apart from it. It means that
people need and are a part of places like Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It
means acting on the responsibility of that awareness by caring for the natural systems
that care for us. One of the interesting findings from our research on the impact of our
programs upon the students who experience them is the longer lasting shifts in
behaviors in the area of environmental stewardship. The work that we are doing is
important!
The following is a report of some of our accomplishments in 2007. As you review
these concrete accomplishments, I hope you will also imagine the wonder in children’s
eyes as they experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Much of what we
accomplish is too big for words.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute
at Tremont 2007
G
reat Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont continues to be an
important part of the park’s comprehensive Resource Education
program. Tremont provided over $1 million worth of educational services
to the park in 2007. Our in-depth residential environmental education
programs reached an all time high of 5694 people. As residential
participants are involved in programs of several days or more, our impact
is better translated into 21,199 user days and 175,952 program hours. In
addition to residential users we had contact with; 2519 people through
outreach activities, 686 through citizen science, and 10,766 through our
visitor center for a total of 19,675 people contacted. Attendance,
program income and sales were all exceptional in 2007.
Research has shown that in-depth experiences have a greater impact
than shorter term visits. Teachers, students and program participants as
well as formal evaluation continue to indicate that our programs are of
significant value and are important for increasing appreciation and
understanding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Staff and Board
School Programs
Our greatest resource is the people that do the work
to make all that happens at Tremont possible. We
continue to maintain and attract the best staff possible.
In 2007, we made several critical personnel transitions
successfully with Office Human Resources Manager,
Grounds and Facilities Assistant, and Senior Teacher/
Naturalist. The Tremont staff is a tremendously talented
and dedicated team of professionals, committed to
connecting people and nature in Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Volunteers also provided 2,336 hours of
service.
We also have a wonderfully qualified and committed
board of directors that continue to help us think big and
reach for a vision for the future that involves developing
our program, site and facilities to be a widely recognized
model of sustainable design, practice and instruction. In
2007, we were glad to elect four new and talented board
members: Jon Lawler, Sandy Martin, Ed Pershing, and
Jamie Woodson.
School programs continue to be our largest program
focus. Program staff have been working on an extensive
re-writing of our curriculum. Several new lessons have
been added; Stream Physics, Salamander Monitoring and
the Scientific Method, and an Air Quality program.
Adaptations and enhancements to other lessons have
been developed as well. A variety of visual aids like
maps with photos have also been developed to assist
teachers with our cooperative teaching model. The new
lessons and visual aids have been well received by
teachers. The new lesson guide will be produced in a
DVD version.
In 2007, 90 schools from 12 states brought over
4,000 students for residential experiences. We were able
to provide $28,365 in financial aid and scholarships,
which assisted 318 individuals. We also received
funding to provide assistance for several teachertraining workshops.
Efforts to increase the effectiveness of our
cooperative teaching model have been successful.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
Citizen Science
Our efforts in Citizen Science continue to grow and
produce valuable data and rich experiences for
participants. We believe that our Citizen Science
programs continue to be critical, not because we believe
that Tremont’s mission is to produce research results
(although the data and results we are producing is
valuable), but we understand that involving students in
field-based scientific research is an excellent vehicle for
engaging them. Tremont is creating citizens and
students that are more interested and equipped in the
area of science and develop within them a significant
understanding and appreciation for the park because of
this direct interaction. The following are some of the
significant successes with Citizen Science in 2007:
■■ Citizen Science Monograph based on the
symposium that Tremont hosted in 2003 was
published by the Association of Nature Center
Administrators (ANCA)
Teacher Escape Weekend, which is designed to prepare
teachers to bring their students to Tremont, had the
greatest attendance ever. We had to open another
weekend date to accommodate all of the interested
teachers. Incentives like a discounted school group fee,
as well as excellent and useful training opportunities,
were responsible for this success.
Other Programs/Initiatives
Evaluation
Successes and progress in other Tremont programs
included:
Our formal evaluation study of the impact of our
school program continues to show positive results. The
study has documented a significant increase in all of
our measured indices. Students leave Tremont with an
enhanced understanding of Great Smoky Mountains
National Park (GSMNP), a heightened interest in
learning, a deeper feeling of connection with nature, and
a greater willingness to act as good stewards of the
environment.
One of the most significant features of our
evaluation process was the 3-month survey. Previous
studies evaluating the effectiveness of environmental
6
education programs show inconclusive results regarding
retention of attitudes and knowledge after a period of
time. However, Tremont’s study shows that many of our
indexes and individual questions remain significantly
higher.
Three-month follow-up surveys reveal that increases
in students’ commitment to environmental stewardship,
as well as knowledge and awareness of GSMNP and
biological diversity, remain significantly higher. Students
continue to express significantly increased levels of
comfort in the outdoors, as well as a higher level of
attention to plants and animals in the surrounding
environment.
A paper on our study entitled “What difference does
it make? Assessing outcomes from participants in a
residential environmental education program” has been
submitted to the Journal of Environmental Education by
the research team who worked with us to develop the
system. An internal report of our findings will be
published by Tremont in 2008.
■■ For the seventh consecutive summer we hosted
three summer youth science leadership interns
through a grant from Alcoa Foundation
See Jason Love’s report on page 4 for Citizen Science
accomplishments.
■■ Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification
Program—This program was developed by Amber
Parker and is designed to provide in-depth
training in interpretation and natural history to
provide those who complete a series of classes
with certification. We are excited about the
potential of this exciting new program.
■■ Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP)—
The NLCP is underway and designed to certify
development projects that meet criteria for
eliminating exotic plants and using natives for
landscaping. Work to certify Norton Creek Estates
received from Tennessee Arts Commission (via Knoxville
Arts & Culture Alliance), Avent Cabin Fund, Blount
County, Cornerstone Foundation, Discover Life in
America, First Tennessee Bank, and REI. In-kind services
and donations also provided valued support as well.
in Gatlinburg is almost complete. We’ve produced
a beautiful certification award and the NLCP
manual is complete. NLCP was featured in Total
Landscape Magazine.
■■ The Tennessee Environmental Education
Association awarded Ken Voorhis its highest award
for distinguished service and a lifetime of
connecting people and nature.
Leadership
Tremont continues to be viewed as a leader in the
field and is often called upon to participate in meetings,
conferences, consults, and to serve on boards or advisory
groups. These opportunities allow us to share what we
have learned and developed at Tremont with others as
well as provide staff with valuable professional
development opportunities through interaction with other
organizations and professionals. In 2007, we were
involved with a wide variety of organizations ranging
from national ones like the Association of Nature Centers
Administrators to local and regional groups like the
Tennessee and Georgia Environmental Education
Associations.
■■ Arts Initiative—We continue to build on our efforts
to encourage the use of the arts to connect people
with nature and the national park. In 2007, we
were able to offer two residencies with puppetry
artist Hobey Ford for Discovery Camps I & II. We
had great attendance at our second Tremonthosted summer concert presented at the Great
Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend and
our annual Arts and Environment concert featuring
Bill Staines at the Palace Theater in Maryville,
Tennessee. We were also able to provide over
$3,000 in assistance to bring artists to Tremont to
lead programs that benefited seven school groups
and both Discovery Camps serving a total of 392
children and 56 teachers and youth leaders.
Campus and Facility Improvements
We continue to seek out ways to make improvements
to our campus to enhance our programs and make the
program experience the best and safest it can be. One of
the largest projects was the replacement of our sewage
treatment system that failed in May. Thanks to the
National Park Service we were able to make repairs and
replace the system with a limited amount of down time.
Some of the other major projects that we were able to
accomplish in 2007 include the following:
■■ Summer Camps—Summer programs were well
attended and received. There was increased
enrollment in Family Camp and record high
enrollment in Field Ecology Camp. We were also
able to host Robbinsville, North Carolina students
on-site twice for archeology work, including
members of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians.
Our summer intern program continues to be
improved under the leadership of Jeremy Lloyd.
This program provides four to six college students
each summer with training and experience in
leadership and environmental education.
■■ The creation of a shower area in the rear of the
activity center with outside access to the tent
platforms.
■■ New A.D.A. approved doors, fixtures, and partitions
in Cove Room restrooms.
■■ Legacy of Tremont—This group of Tremont
supporters and alumni was formed and held our
first Legacy of Tremont homecoming for Tremont
alumni in September. This friendraising and
fundraising initiative raised $13,825 to support
our programs. Legacy is launching a series of
hikes in 2008 and a family scavenger hunt in
March.
■■ New A.D.A. approved shower facility at Caylor
Lodge.
■■ Wrapped both vans with eye-catching graphics.
■■ Partitions were installed at all dorm shower areas.
■■ Replacement of the friendship circle roof.
■■ Repairs and improvements to staff quarters; new
gutters and fascia and soffitt, replacement HVAC
units and refrigerators.
Operations
We had an excellent year financially in 2007 with a
total income of $1,341,093. Our earned income
represented 78% and support income 22%. Support
income includes park designated funds from Friends of
the Smokies and Great Smoky Mountains Association
(GSMA), donated profits from our store from GSMA,
donations from many generous individuals and
foundations, endowment disbursements, and grants.
Staff once again did an excellent job of controlling
expenses and worked to make sure every dollar was
stretched as far as possible. Staff managed expenses for
a net revenue over expenditures that enabled us to
purchase needed equipment items for programs, and
complete several capital projects.
Because of a significant single gift, our endowment
has grown to well over $1 million. Grants were also
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
■■ Removed and replaced two 80-gallon water
heaters at dining hall.
■■ Installed three new grease traps in kitchen.
■■ New floor coverings in several areas of the activity
center.
Future Campus
The Environmental Assessment for a redesigned
campus is close to completion and we hope to have a
final decision on the preferred alternative early in 2008.
7
The Race to Save the Eastern Hemlock
By Michael Matzko, Teacher/Naturalist
I
n life everyone finds things, people, places that they
instantly connect with and can’t do without. I am lucky
because I have many of them. Sadly I, and many others,
are on the cusp of losing something we hold very dear.
The Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) a staple of Great
Smoky Mountains National Park, is in dire need of help.
This moisture-loving tree has been attacked by an invasive
non-native aphid-like insect called the Hemlock Woolly
Adelgid (Adelges tsugae). The HWA hails from northern
Japan and eastern Asia.
This insect has been in
the United States since
the late 1920s and in
the eastern U.S. since
the late 1950s. With no
natural predator the
HWA has devastated
the hemlock population
in many parts of the
Smokies from
Newfound Gap Road
to Anthony Creek.
The fate of this
Smokies staple lies in
the hands of the men
and women with the
National Park Service
(NPS). The vegetation
crew (or veg crew, as
they are called), have
worked tirelessly to manage this terrible threat. The
roadside hemlocks continue to persist with treatment such
as insecticidal soap sprayed from truck-mounted spray
units. When applied, the solution acts as
a means of suffocation to the tiny insects. Chemical
Will we be the generation that has to say,
“I remember when there were hemlocks?”
treatments like the insecticidal spray, while effective, are
time consuming and quite limited to roadsides and
surrounding parking areas. The spray must then be
re-applied every six months to a year.
The hemlock, sadly, grows not only by roadsides but
also throughout the park, especially near streams and
rivers. The Smokies have over 800 acres of old-growth
hemlock stands and 90,000 acres of younger stands. With
a focus on old-growth stands the NPS is controlling the
HWA with a systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) either by
soil drenching or injecting the insecticide directly into the
trunk. When treating hemlocks with soil drenching, the
duff layer is removed and the mixture of water and
imidacloprid is applied to the base of the trunk. The duff
layer is then replaced. The results of this chemical control
have proved dramatic. Trees with gray foliage have
bounced back and are able to produce new growth.
Having been part of a systemic drenching near Ramsey
Cascade Trail I know that this is very difficult work with
many problems. Some of these trees are difficult, at best,
to get to and with only four of us on the job we could only
do so much. Credit must go to Jesse Webster and the rest
of the veg crew for doing all that they can possibly do to
make this treatment work.
As in any crisis there comes a time for desperate
measures to be taken. That time came in 2002 when the
first HWA was
recorded within the
park boundaries. In
2002, the NPS began
releasing non-native
beetles to feed on the
HWA. The beetles
feed exclusively on
HWA including eggs,
larvae, and adults.
Through research,
park biologists
believe this may be
the hemlocks'
greatest hope for
survival. Many years
will need to pass to
see if, in fact, they
will actually do the
job.
Another group
that has championed the fight against the HWA is the
Friends of the Smokies who have raised over $1 million to
support the park's hemlock saving efforts.
So where does this leave us? Will we be the generation
that has to say, “I remember when there were hemlocks?”
Over the last year park visitors have noticed a significant
die off of hemlocks, especially visible near the Chimneys.
The death of the hemlock is more than the loss of tree—it
is a habitat for many migrating birds and many native
insects. The hemlock is also an important shade tree along
streams. The shade it provides is vital to maintaining cool
streams for native brook trout and macro invertebrates.
Aside from the biological reasons to save the hemlocks, it
is a downright beautiful tree to spend a few hours
underneath.
Ken Voorhis
My Heart is Broken
To learn more about the hemlock woolly adelgid
and treatments go to www.saveourhemlocks.org.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
8
Donations
From 11/10/07 to 2/1/08:
Financial
Contributions
Friends of Great Smoky
Mountains National
Park
Great Smoky Mountains
Association
Scholarship Fund
John Brockett
Gary & Pamela
Carpenter
E. Terry Cowles
David Hedden
Jeremy Lloyd
Jennifer S. Martin
Ralph & Marilyn Martin
Michael Matzko
Marcia McCarley
Vickie Parker
Linda Russell
Charlene Stewart
Gregory Turner
Kim Wagner
Katie Wilkinson
Endowment Fund
Thunderhead Perk
Bill Cobble
Samuel E. Crowe
Jennifer Love
Jason Love
Wilma Maples
Jaimie Matzko
Charles & Janice
Maynard
April Morris
Mark E. Smith
Toni Vann
William Vines
Ken Voorhis
...in memory of
michael dale
Thomas Blakely
Jennifer Dale
Edwin & Barbara Dale
…to honor George
Jones
Kent Jones
…In Memory of
Arthur & Margaret
Stupka
Gregg & Tracy Price
…to honor GlenN Rice
Rebecca Goodson
…to honor Bill
Cobble
James A. Haslam, II
Annual Campaign
Ora & June Ackerman
Cathy Ackermann
Duane & Cindy Allen
Grady & Dora Amann
Bob Anderson
Shirly Andrews
Pat Atkins
Daniel Awald
Gino & Kellie Bachman
Fred & Julianne Baker
Lee Barnes
Dennis & Jennifer
Bausman
Dennis Beck
Deborah Beck
Nancy Biddle
Tim & Janet Bigelow
Tommy Bird
Sid & JoNelda Blalock
Ernest & Patricia
Blankenship
Ramsey Blanks
Leonard Borg
C. H. Bozeman
Richard & Trudy Braun
Julie Brown
David Butts
Melissa Caldwell
Joseph & Amy Camp
Jerry & Jill Christian
Ed & Meredith Clebsch
Herbert Coleman
Susan Cooper
Richard & Susan
Crayden
Joshua Davis
Dr. Hal DeSelm
Hardy & Sarah DeYoung
Larry & Beth Dicus
John Dombroski
Doris Dowbiggin
Charles Downs
Joe Dreimiller
Don Dunning
Glenda Eastridge
Ed Edgerton
Billie Jean Edwards
Patti Edwards
Ginny Elliott
Darrel Ellis
Katherine Enos
Ruth Ewald
Harold Fee
Bill Ferguson
Joel Fink
Alex Fischer
Bernie Fox
Wayne Frey
Steve Fritts
Joe Garza
William Giles
C. Keith Goff
Bill Greenwood
John Greer
Rex Grindstaff
Brian & Angela
Groenhout
Mike Gross
Sandra Harmon
Jim Harmon
Michael Harvey
John Hasek
John “Buford” Hatcher
Roy & Patricia Heifner
Jim & Jan Heinrich
Chuck Hendricks
Mark & Mary Gay
Henegar
Ronald & Kathleen Hill
Ray & Carol Hils
Susan Hilton
Eric Hoeppner
Tom & Jamie Holmes
Kay Hultquist
Renee Hyatt
Mark Johns
Barbara Johnson
Eric Johnston
Richard & Susan Jonely
Barry & Colleen Jones
Jilah Kalil
Lee Kalvaitis
Edward Kenimer, Jr.
Joseph Posner
Erna Prickett
Dick Ray
Pamela Reed
Robert D. Reily
Sol Resnick
E. Lee Rice, Jr.
Bert & Jennie Ritchie
Bryan Roberson
Mike Roberson &
Arlene Frazier
Elizabeth Rogers
Patrick Rogers
Gary & Karyn Rolfe
Harold P. Roth
Millie Ruen
Randall & Pam Sale
Paul Sanders
Fred & Gail Schaefer
William Schneider
Ron & Susan Schott
James & Elizabeth
Schumacher
Louis Schweizer
Mary Seals
Marsha Sega
Peter Shea
Randolph Sim
Sarita Singh
Steve Smith
Karen Smith
Richard & Louann
Smith
James F. Smith, Jr.
Jon Snyder
Mark & Janet Snyder
Victoria Soderberg
Deborah Speigel
Melanie Spence
Shawn & Kristin Spindel
Jeff Spitzer
Dennis Spjut
Susan Springer
Mary Lou Sproles
Gayle Stachel
Judy Stanley
Jerry & Sharon Stiner
Art & Martha Stinson
Ronald Stob
Judy Stockton
Phil & Eleanor Straub
Ricky Lynn Summit
R. B. Summitt II
Don & Martha
Sundquist
Clifford & Ruth Kirk
Robert & Susan Klein
David & LeRona Kocher
Lillian Kraczek
Thomas Kulla-Abbott
Savas Kyriakidis
Julie Labhart
George & Geraldine
Largay
Jon & Toni Lawler
Bernie & Leila Levine
Neal & Pat Linhardt
Robert & Linda Lloyd
Wilbur & Jane Logan
Jim Long
Jim Maffei
David & Sandy Martin
Mike & Tracy Maslona
James Mason
Dominic & Ruth
Mattone
Char McComas
Vernon McCurry
Robert & Martha Ann
McDermott
Tom & Margo
McDonald
Laurie McDowell
Bruce McKay
Stu & Sarah McNiell
Gregory & Trista
McReynolds
Carl Middleton
Bonny Millard
Roger Miller
Sharon Miller-Pryse
John Mincey
Sandy Moore
Tom & Eva Murphy
Conley & Caroline
Murrell
Arthur & Emily Norville
Denny O’Neal
Robert & Mary Ellen
Ohr
Nancy Olsen
Amber Parker
Lynn Parnell
Bob & Janice Patterson
Joan Paul
Edward Pershing
Niels & Patricia Petersen
Linda Petrosky
Beth Pinkus
Mary Ann Plourde
Michael & Rebecca
Sutton
Don & Kathy Taylor
Gary Teper
Lois Thomas
Claudia Thomas
George & Marjorie
Totten
Wave Townes
Robin & Joe Ben Turner
Richardson Turner
Patricia Twilla
Terry & Marsha Uselton
Carl Van Hoozier, Jr.
Linda C. Vananda
Barry & Jeanie
Vanwinkle
Janice Vell
Arleen Vincent
Georgiana Vines
Judy Voght
Marigka Walker
Nancy Watrous
Joe & Connie Weaver
Eleanor K. Webb
Philip & Ann Weinrich
George & Barbara
Wenger
Thomas Wentworth
Wally Werner & Nan
Taylor
Marion Westerling
Kathy Wilbanks
Charles Wilder
Jim & Sally Williams
Priscilla Wilson
Eileen P. Wilson
Stephen Woody
Leyton & Beverly
Wright
Nicholas Young
Jerome & Rozanne
Zeiger
Designated Donations
Betty Voorhis
In-kind Donations
Kevin Clayton
Laura Dunn
Hugh Faust
Science Research & Other Volunteers
From 11/1/07 to 2/1/08:
Sandy Abel
Grady Amann
Jennifer Baker
Gwen Boyles
Debbie & Mitch
Brockman
Greg & Mary Capps
Alan Cheatham
Nancy Condon
Carol Cunningham
Tony Gilliland
Girl Scout Troup 376
Michelle Gruetzmacher
Mary Hand
Jim & Melba Harmon
Sandra Henry
Trine Jensen
Will Kilgore
Bonnie LeNair
Jeffy Link
Earl & Delores Maness
David Mauser
Hillary McApine
Sam McDonald
Davis, Kade, & Robyn
Parker
Julie Reggio
Bill Riegel
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
Taylor Rinehart
Susan Roberts
Christopher & Mary
Romines
St. Mary’s School
Gar, Keane, & Richard
Secrist
9
Alex, Bonnie, & Marsha
Sega
Tim Shoecraft
Dennis Spjut
Margot Spore
Bill Steiner
Summer Camp–No Child
Left Inside
Bryan Bowers
Concert at the
Palace Theater
By Jeremy Lloyd, Summer Camp Director
May 2nd, 8 p.m.
Looking Ahead
Visit www.gsmit.org, call 865-448-6709, or e-mail [email protected] for more information on any of our offerings!
April
Spring Photography Workshop
April 18–21
S
ummer will be here before you know it and with it comes summer camp!
Tremont’s summer programs will instill confidence, teach kids to work as a
team, and build leadership skills to all who participate.
Here’s a sampling of our summer offerings:
Discovery Camp is one of our longest running
programs for children ages 9 to 12. Together we explore
nature, learn about plants and birds, frogs and snakes,
survival skills and wilderness ethics. We swim in the river
every day, take hiking adventures in the mountains and
spend a night camping out in the woods.
This year Tremont invites Doug Elliott to both Discovery
Camps as Artist-in-Residence. Elliott will perform his
signature program “Woodslore and Wildwoods Wisdom,”
which is made up of stories and songs that celebrate
animals, plants, and people. He’ll tell you everything you
never thought you wanted to know about opossums in
Possomology. Likewise, groundhogs in Groundhogology.
He’ll lead a nature walk or two, telling tales on the trail
and extolling the virtues of observation to children. Elliott
is the author of four books, many articles in regional and
national magazines, and has recorded a number of awardwinning albums of stories and songs.
June 9–14 & June 23–28
Cost: $435. Ages 9-12.
Wilderness Adventure Camp is a 4-day/3-night
backcountry adventure for teenagers who might never have
backpacked before and want to test the waters. This is a
favorite for many campers who return year after year
before “graduating” to Teen High Adventure.
June 9–14 & June 23–28
Cost: $460. Ages 13-17.
Teen High Adventure is a 7-day/6-night trek will
include a day of whitewater rafting and an Alpine
Challenge ropes course. Teen High Adventure is our
premiere backpacking offering, designed to give each
participant a rewarding experience growing in the areas of
backcountry skills, nature appreciation, and personal
J
oin Tremont when we bring the music out of
the mountains and into downtown! Come to a
one-of-a-kind concert by autoharpist virtuoso
Bryan Bowers at the Palace Theater in
downtown Maryville, Tennessee.
"To call Bryan Bowers' performance simply a
'concert' would be inadequate if not
inaccurate,” said the Deseret News, “It could
better be described as an experience!" A wellknown artist on
the traditional
music circuit,
Bryan has a
dynamic
personality and
an uncanny
ability to
enchant a crowd
in any situation.
A singersongwriter and
storyteller, he
has recorded
eight albums. His latest, Bristlecone Pine,
features Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush. His song
“Berkeley Woman” was recorded by John
Denver. He is only one of four people ever
inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame.
Autoharp, you say? Yes, autoharp! For nearly
three decades, Bryan Bowers has been to the
autoharp what Earl Scruggs was to the fivestring banjo. His towering six-foot four-inch
frame can be wild and zany on stage while
playing a song like "Dixie," while five minutes
later he can have the same audience singing
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" in quiet
reverence and delight. His roots run deep in the
Appalachian Mountains, and we look forward to
celebrating the musical arts of our region with
him.
Purchase your tickets at $15 each for this
Friday night event by calling 865-448-6709.
development. Our backpack programs are often the first
camps to fill, so sign your teen up early!
July 14–24
Cost $875. Ages 13-17.
Field Ecology Adventure gives teenagers the
opportunity of working with and as real scientists. In the
past campers have conducted studies of salamanders,
dung beetles, migratory birds, reptiles, plants, bears, and
lots more. Climb a mountain and ford a river while doing
real science. No other camp quite like this one exists
anywhere else.
July 14–24
Cost $875. Ages 13-17.
NEW! Backcountry Ecological Expedition
Camp is similar in many ways to Field Ecology Adventure
and combines real science with backcountry travel and
living. Get ready for the wildest ride of your life.
June 9–14
Cost: $460. Ages 13-17.
Smoky Mountains Naturalist Expeditions
gives kids ages 11 to 13 the opportunity to immerse
themselves for 10 days studying amphibians, black bears,
forest ecology, primitive skills, and lots more. This is deep
immersion, in contrast with the windshield experience of
the average park visitor. Expedition Naturalists will get to
explore areas all over the park, interact with professional
land and wildlife managers, and gaze into the glowing
embers of an evening campfire after an afternoon spent
swimming in the Middle Prong.
July 14–24
Cost: $875. Ages 11-13.
Visit Tremont’s Web site to view samples of weekly summer activities for
most camps. These programs fill quickly, so sign your child up early to avoid
being put on a waiting list. We look forward to meeting you and spending the
summer with your child and teen!
The deadline for Tremont’s summer camp financial aid, including the Michael
Edwin Dale Scholarship for Wilderness Adventure Camp, is April 1, 2008. The
application can be found on our Web site at www.gsmit.org under programs, click
on Summer Camp Adventures. Call (865) 448-6709 or e-mail [email protected] for
more information.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
Partial funding for this concert is provided by Tennessee
Arts Commission and the Arts & Cultural Alliance of
Knoxville.
10
This is your chance to capture the wonder of sunrise,
sunset, wildflowers, and lavish landscapes! Nationally
recognized nature photographer Bill Lea will lead a
workshop emphasizing wildlife, landscape, and macro
photography. Bill tailors the program to the skill level and
interests of each individual participant with plenty of oneon-one instruction. Field sessions and lectures will cover
the use of light, composition, and equipment. This
workshop fills quickly, so register early!
Cost: $540
Legacy Spring Wildflower Hike
at Chimneys Picnic Area
April 19th, 10 a.m.–Noon
Join Amber Parker, Tremont’s education director, for a hike
on cove hardwood trail to marvel at the beauty of spring.
What a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning! Proceeds
from this Legacy Alumni hike help support Tremont’s
annual fund and is open to anyone interested in supporting
our mission of connecting people and nature.
Cost: $15. Pre-registration is required.
Spring Le Conte Overnight
April 19–21
Head to the top of the Smokies and spend the night at Le
Conte Lodge, the highest elevation lodge in the eastern
United States. The first evening will be spent at Tremont,
and we’ll head up the mountain the following morning.
Along the way, our education staff will share their
knowledge of natural history, high elevation ecology, and
science. While at the top, you will enjoy spectacular views,
hearty meals, and a cozy bed. We’ll return to civilization on
the last day. We suggest you sign-up with a friend, or be
prepared to bunk with a new one. Program lasts from
supper the first day to late lunch on the last day.
Cost: $365. Full amount is required for registration.
May
Spring Adult Backpack
May 16–18
Join our guides and experience the beauty of the Great
Smoky Mountains firsthand on a 3-day backpacking
adventure. We provide all the information, food, and gear
(except sleeping bag) for your excursion. This is a safe,
educational, and enjoyable way to learn about backpacking
in the Smokies. Participants must be in good physical
condition and be able to hike 5-8 miles a day in rugged,
mountainous terrain. Program lasts from Friday morning to
Sunday afternoon.
Cost: $245.
July
Spring Wonders Weekend: Nature Study
101
Smoky Mountains Family Camp
May 16–18
June 30–July 5
Over the past 39 years, Tremont has formulated a recipe for
a perfect spring weekend getaway. Take the beauty of the
Smoky Mountains, add birdsong, a dash of crisp air,
dedicated and talented staff and guest instructors, and…
voila! You have Spring Wonders Weekend. This Spring
Wonders Weekend will focus on the skills and tools used in
nature study. Spend the weekend learning observation
techniques, journaling, identification, collection, and
curation. This comprehensive and FUN approach to nature
study will prepare you to return to your home landscape,
ready to appreciate it all the more. Program lasts from
Friday supper to Sunday lunch. One hour of graduate credit
is available for an additional fee.
Cost: $220.
Spend your family vacation in the Smokies. Surround
yourself with the magic of the mountains as you hike
ridges, study wildlife, explore secret places, and take
afternoon dips in the Middle Prong. This week-long
adventure is designed for families that are ready to leave
their cares behind.
Cost: $1,000 for a family of four.
Naturalist Certification Program—Plants
July 7–9
Delve into the incredible diversity of plants found in the
Southern Appalachians! We’ll make it easy to learn
botanical terms, plant taxonomy, and plant identification.
Students will participate in several field classes during
which they will investigate particular plant communities,
learning the plants common to those communities.
Emphasis is given to plant distribution and communities
and practice with keys and field guides. You never knew
botany could be so fun!
Cost: $250. Southern Appalachian Ecology is a prerequisite
for this course.
Naturalist Certification Program—
Southern Appalachian Ecology
May 16–18
Learn about the ecology of the Southern Appalachian
Mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky
Mountains National Park, through discussions and field
trips. Topics will include: geological history; plant
community distribution; how aspect, elevation, and
moisture gradients affect distribution; and an overview of
plant communities with a focus on the major forest types.
Field trips will include visits to examples of many of these
forest types.
Cost: $250.
Naturalist Certification Program—
Interpretation: A Teachable Art
July 7–9
Interpretation: A Teachable Art provides rudimentary
knowledge regarding the theory and principles of
environmental interpretation, how to communicate
effectively, and how to develop meaningful interpretive
programs. Expect fun, hands-on activities and participatory
education as we progress from learning about good
communication to actually teaching.
Cost: $250
Naturalist Certification Program—Birds
of the Smokies
May 16–18
What could be better than a weekend of bird watching!
Discover the many bird species of the Southern
Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific
adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Emphasis will be given to general natural
history of each species, including but not limited to:
distribution, associations, reproduction, vocalizations,
status, conservation, research methods, etc. Fieldtrips will
take us to a variety of habitats, from low elevations to
high, in search of these remarkable creatures.
Cost: $250.
June
Naturalist Hiking Week
July 7–12
Each day, choose from two hike choices or a “day off
activity,” all lead by experienced educators who offer
insight into the Smokies. Hikes are moderate to strenuous
and 6-14 miles over rugged mountainous terrain. Day off
activities may include nature walks, ecology field trips,
tours of historic areas, or art classes. Participants must be
in good physical condition to participate in the hikes.
Evening activities include guest lecturers, musical
entertainment, night walks, and more! Program lasts from
Monday supper to Saturday lunch.
Cost: $370.
Bird Watching at Cades Cove
June 7, 7 a.m.–Noon
Join Amber Parker, Tremont's education director, for an
early morning of listening and watching the birds of Cades
Cove. Proceeds from this Legacy Alumni hike help support
Tremont’s annual fund and is open to anyone interested in
supporting our mission of connecting people and nature.
Cost: $15. Must register in advance.
Walker Valley Reflections — Spring 2008
11
STAFF
teacher/naturalists
Brian Ballenger
Mike Matzko
April Morris
Mary Silver
Kim Wagner
sr. teacher/naturalists
Josh Davis
Jeremy Lloyd
Jen Martin
education director
Amber Parker
food service
Cody Baker
Linda Hatcher
Toni Vann
Katie Wilkinson
Emma Lou Willison
Aaron Wilson
part-time naturalist
Gar Secrist
grounds & facilities
Sam Crowe
Ron Hood
school program director
Jennifer Love
assistant office manager
Julie Brown
PR/development
director
Meredith P. Goins
office/human resource
manager
Charlene Stewart
public relations
assistant
Kent Jones
executive director
Ken Voorhis
sales
Gary Carpenter
Linda Vananda
finance assistant
Mike Gross
citizen science director
Jason Love
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is operated in
cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This newsletter is printed on 100% post-recycled paper.
Newsletter design concept by Lisa Horstman. Designed by
Shelly Powell.
Program brochures are available by contacting our office:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
president
Dick Ray
vice president
Edward Pershing
treasurer
Wright Tisdale
past president
Fred Forster
E
Patrick Atkins
Kati Blalock
Alex Fischer
Jim Haslam
Maribel Koella
Jon Lawler
Sandy Martin
Jamie Woodson
emeritus directors
Cathy Ackermann
Patrick Roddy
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9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, TN 37882
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Knoxville, TN