December 2015 Discover Life in America Newsletter

Happy New Year!

We encourage you to make an important year end, tax-deductable gift to DLIA. Not only will you help insure our important work continues, you'll be supporting the most important conservation work happening in your own backyard.

• Biodiversity Days with the E.O. Wilson Foundation, March 4 and 5 at Duke University
• GSMNP Science Colloquium sponsored by DLIA, March 17 -Park Vista in Gatlinburg.
  The Annual Science Colloquium highlights the groundbreaking work of DLIA and all the scientific work going on in the Smokies with presentations from world renowned scientists.

• Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service, Bioblitz 2016, April 22 - GSMNP (NC side)

• Celebrating 100 Years of the National Park Service, Bioblitz 2016, May 22 - GSMNP (TN side)

• Fireflies at Norton Creek, June 3, 4, and 5 at Norton Creek Sanctuary outside Gatlinburg
  Why don't fireflies in the average backyard synchronize? What makes the fireflies in the park so special? These questions and more will be answered at a DLIA fundraising event that also features the firefly. With exclusive access to the property and a firefly expert on site, attendees will learn the answers to their questions while enjoying the amazing 'flashing' display firsthand.
• Biodiversity Days in the Smokies June 16 thru 18 - in GSMNP
  Biodiversity Days provides the platform for visitors to have a fresh outlook on various obscure species and their importance.

• TVA Wild Area Bioblitz, July 16 on a TVA Site to be determined.
  A BioBlitz is a short (usually one-day), intense team effort to discover as many different life forms as possible in one location. Teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as they can. Discover Life in America (DLIA) has partnered with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) along with regional scientists to put on this Bioblitz event.

• Biodiversity Hike to Mount LeConte Lodge, August 5 and 6 in GSMNP
  Ever wonder what it would be like to stay overnight at the highest elevation lodge in the Eastern United States? How about doing so with a guided hike up one of Mt. LeConte's most scenic trails? Join DLIA for all this and more on our annual Biodiversity Hike to Mt. Le Conte.

• Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball, Sunday, September 18 at the Knoxville Zoo
  If you've ever marveled at the depth, breadth, or beauty of wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you are invited to one of the region's premiere fundraising events that directly supports the conservation and science of our most beloved park. This family friendly evening encourages you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter and join the staff and board of DLIA (and a few surprise guests!) to celebrate the wondrous biodiversity in GSMNP.