BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Discover Life in America - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Discover Life in America X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://dlia.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Discover Life in America REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20200308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20201101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20210314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20211107T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20220313T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20221106T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20191004T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20191004T193000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20181218T222945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190828T221350Z UID:2744-1570206600-1570217400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball DESCRIPTION:Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball\nHave you ever marveled at the depth\, breadth\, and beauty of wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then we invite you to our ninth annual Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball\, one of the region’s premier fundraising events. We invite you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter at this family-friendly masquerade and to eat\, drink and be merry. All proceeds help DLiA support research and conservation in our most beloved Park! So come one\, come all\, to the Salamander Ball! \nMusical guest Bill Mize\n“Guitars pine for the fingers of Bill Mize\, who makes them weep\, sing and roll\naround like a cat at his feet. Thumpin’ good acoustic majesty.”– WDVX Knoxville \nThis year we are excited to feature a performance by local musician Bill Mize! Bill is a past winner of the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition\, and received a GRAMMY Award for his collaboration with musician and storyteller David Holt on the recording Stellaluna. Popular acoustic guitar compilations “The Windham Hill Guitar Sampler and “Masters of the Acoustic Guitar” by Narada Records include his music. In 2009\, Bill’s music appeared in the Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” and will again be heard in the upcoming Ken Burns documentary ”Country Music.” Joining Bill on a few tunes will be Beth Bramhall on accordion adding her sublime stylings to Bill’s music. Find out more at billmize.com. \nHonoring Jimmy Groton\nJimmy is a Wetland Ecologist and Environmental Scientist at EnSafe. Jimmy’s tireless work in regional conservation is legendary! He has worn many hats over the years in the name of protecting land and species. Much of his work has been through Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning. \nDetails\nGeneral information: \n\nFun for the whole family\nDress in your best masquerade attire (optional) to celebrate your favorite Smokies critter\nFree zoo admission with ticket purchase (details below)\nHors d’oeuvres plus wine and non-alcoholic drinks\nLocal beer provided by Elkmont Exchange\n\nTiming: Friday\, October 4th\, 2019 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM \nLocation: Zoo Knoxville (map)\, under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event. \nParking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots. \nFood and drink: Ticket purchase includes food (vegetarian options included) and drinks (beer by Elkmont Exchange\, wine\, and non-alcoholic beverages). \nDress code: There is no dress code! Join us in your finest masquerade attire to celebrate our favorite Smokies critter\, or in your favorite hiking attire; just join us! \nSilent auction: The Ball includes an extensive silent auction full of biodiversity-themed items and exciting experiences (guided hikes\, hotels stays\, adventure packages\, etc.). All proceeds help DLiA fulfill its mission! \nKids + science: We’ll have science tables where kids (and adults\, too!) can talk to a scientist and learn about the critters of the Smokies! There will be kids activities at each table\, face painting\, and a scavenger hunt. We’ll also have some animal ambassadors from the zoo to touch and learn about! \nFree zoo admission: Your ticket purchase includes free admission to Zoo Knoxville on Friday October 4th (the day of the event). Note that the zoo closes at 4:00 PM. We recommend that you visit the zoo from 2:00ish to 4:00 PM\, then head over to the Salamander Ball at 4:30 PM. \nTickets and tables:  \n\nTickets: $60 earlybird special or $75 after September 2\nTables (bundle of 10 tickets): $600 earlybird special or $700 after September 2\nKids 12 and under: FREE\nAll proceeds go directly to Discover Life in America\n\nSponsorships: Sponsorships are a great way to show your support for biodiversity conservation work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Todd at todd@dlia.org or (865) 430-4757. \nHave questions? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org \nThanks to our generous sponsors!\n[slideshow_deploy id=’3304′]\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \nPURCHASE TICKETS\n  \nFeaturing GRAMMY Award winning guitarist Bill Mize \nThis year’s Conservation Hero\, Jimmy Groton URL:https://dlia.org/event/salamander-ball-2019/ LOCATION:Zoo Knoxville\, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37914\, United States CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser,Kid Friendly,Science ORGANIZER;CN="Discover Life in America":MAILTO:info@dlia.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20191018T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20191018T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20190201T003319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T004948Z UID:3002-1571403600-1571410800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Lichens DESCRIPTION:Lichens of the Smokies revealed\nJames Lendemer\, Assistant Curator\, New York Botanical Garden\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-lichens/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200312T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200312T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20191025T143621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220921T141956Z UID:3442-1584003600-1584028800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium DESCRIPTION:Learn about research taking place in the Smokies from the scientists working there at the annual Park Science Colloquium. This event is free and it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the Smokies and chat with regional scientists about our local national park. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent details\n\n\n\nGeneral information: The Park Science Colloquium comprises over a dozen talks by scientists about work being conducted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding region. \n\n\n\nTiming: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday\, March 12\, 2020 \n\n\n\nLocation: The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg\, TN (map) \n\n\n\nFood and drink: Coffee will be provided and there will be a one-hour lunch break. The Park Vista has a restaurant and there are lots of food choices closeby in Gatlinburg. \n\n\n\nSchedule and abstracts: \n\n\n\nClick for full program with abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\n2020 schedule and abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\nRegistration: This is a free event and open to the public\, but we kindly as that you register so that we can accommodate attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now (FREE)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInformation for presenters\n\n\n\nSubmit a talk or poster\n\n\n\nCall for submissions: We welcome you to submit a presentation or poster about your research that is either actively taking place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or that is of significance to the Smokies\, and that is at a stage in analysis where a full picture of the research can be presented. Note: due to time constraints\, we may not be able to fit all submitted talks. \n\n\n\nSubmitting a presentation or poster: To submit your work for consideration in the Colloquium\, please email your title and author information to Will (will@dlia.org) and Paul (paul_super@nps.gov) by Friday\, January 31. Submitters will be notified by Friday\, February 7 as to their acceptance in the Colloquium. Accepted presenters will be asked to submit an abstract (250 words max) to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.gov by Friday\, February 21. \n\n\n\nDeadlines\n\n\n\nFriday\, Jan 31Deadline to submit the title and author information for your presentation or poster to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.govFriday\, Feb 7Submitters will be notified of their acceptanceFriday\, Feb 21Deadline to submit your abstract to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.govWednesday\, March 11Recommended: Save time by uploading your presentation to Dropbox at this link by this date\n\n\n\nHelpful information\n\n\n\nTime slots: Presentation slots will be 15-20 minutes (including time for questions)\, depending on the number of abstract submissions we receive. We will send you a finalized schedule close to the event. A podium with microphone will be provided and you won’t be able to see “presenter view” on your presentation (sorry!). \n\n\n\nPresentation format: Talks should be PowerPoint (PPT or PPTX) or PDF. Presentations set to wide-format (16:9) will make the best use of our wide screen. Please let us know if you require a different file format or would like to include a video with sound and we will try to accommodate. FYI\, presentations will be displayed from a Windows computer via Microsoft Office 365. \n\n\n\nPresentation content: Please note that many in the audience will have advanced degrees\, but few will have advanced degrees in your topic\, so plan to provide a bit of explanation of technical jargon and stay away from acronyms. \n\n\n\nPresentation upload: Speakers may upload their presentations to this Dropbox folder (preferred\, and preferably by Wednesday\, March 11) or bring them on a USB flash drive the morning of the event. Like to make last-minute changes to your presentation? No problem! You may upload multiple versions of your presentation to the Dropbox link (up to the morning of the colloquium) and we’ll use the latest at the colloquium. Note: this is just a time-saving measure; presentations will not be made public without your consent. \n\n\n\n Upload your presentation here\n\n\n\nPosters: Posters may also be presented at the Colloquium. Please see submission instructions above. Posters can be any size under 48″ wide by 48″ high. We’ll provide a stand and fasteners. \n\n\n\nSmokies Science Teacher Workshop\n\n\n\n During the Science Colloquium\, we will be holding a free workshop for science teachers (grades 5-8). The teacher workshop will be held concurrently with the Colloquium from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Park Vista\, but teachers are encouraged to attend the entire Colloquium to learn about the science taking place in the Smokies. The workshop will include an iNaturalist “field session” and a data analysis activity with iNat data. Please download the iNaturalist app (App Store\, Google Play) to your phone or other mobile device and create an account prior to attending the workshop. Workshop space is limited. Email julie@dlia.org by February 28th to RSVP. \n\n\n\nWorkshop materials\n\n\n\nPlease download iNaturalist to your phone or other mobile device beforehand: (App Store\, Google Play)Additional materials and resources will be posted here closer to the workshop URL:https://dlia.org/event/park-science-colloquium-2020/ LOCATION:The Park Vista\, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/talks-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200601T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200601T210000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20200522T122506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200601T221036Z UID:3897-1591041600-1591045200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual Fireflies Event DESCRIPTION:Witness the magic of the Smokies fireflies from the comfort of your own home! We are collaborating with firefly photographer Radim Schreiber to present a Virtual Fireflies Event. Tune in Monday\, June 1 at 8 pm ET on YouTube. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTUNE IN ON YouTube\n\n\n\nDONATE NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it? The event will include a short presentation about fireflies by our Director of Science and Research\, Dr. Will Kuhn\, followed by beautiful firefly footage by firefly photographer and cinematographer Radim Schreiber (FireflyExperience.org). The display will include the world-famous synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus)\, as well as blue ghosts (Phausis reticulata) and other firefly species native to the Smokies region\, all set to relaxing sounds of nature. Knoxville radio journalist and DLiA board member Chrissy Keuper will give a special introduction. Kuhn and other DLiA staff will be answering questions in the comments section during the event. \n\n\n\nThis is a free event\, however\, we do suggest a $5 donation to help DLiA continue its biodiversity work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Click the “Set Reminder” bell to get a notification before the show starts and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! \n\n\n\nWant to see the fireflies in person? Mark your calendar for the 2021 Fireflies Event at Norton Creek. Join us for an evening of fireflies! URL:https://dlia.org/event/virtual-fireflies-event/ CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/thumbnail-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200822T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200922T235900 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20191025T145437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T121029Z UID:3465-1598090400-1600819140@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual BioBlitz @ Osceola Island DESCRIPTION:Virtual BioBlitz @ Osceola Island\n\n\n\nJoin DLiA and the Tennessee Valley Authority for this free\, family-friendly virtual event where you can be a citizen scientist and learn about the natural wonders found at TVA’s wild lands! \n\n\n\nUPDATE: This event has officially ended BUT you should totally check out Osceola Island\, anyway! It’s beautiful and full of neat biodiversity. You can still help us to catalog the animals and plants there by posting observations of the organisms you encounter to our iNaturalist project for the site. Happy hunting! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is this event?\n\n\n\nIt’s a bioblitz on TVA’s wild lands\, but virtual! \n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz? It’s an effort to find and document as many species as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a citizen scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the animals\, plants and other organisms that live around you! \n\n\n\nHere’s how to participate:\n\n\n\n(1) WATCH THE VIDEO\n\n\n\nWe’ll launch the event via YouTube on Saturday\, August 22nd at 10 am EDT. Watch our video introduction to Osceola Island and see some of the neat flora and fauna that live there. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2) VISIT OSCEOLA ISLAND\n\n\n\nFor the next 30 days (from August 22nd to September 22nd)\, we challenge you to visit beautiful Osceola Island. This beautiful site is located just below South Holston Dam\, south of Bristol\, TN in Sullivan County. The focus of our scavenger hunt (below) will be the Osceola Island Trail\, a 1.8-mile loop\, accessible via a footbridge. Park at the Osceola Island Day Use Area. \n\n\n\n\nOsceola Island parking (Google Maps)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(3) COMPLETE THE SCAVENGER HUNT\n\n\n\nAt Osceola Island\, look for these plants\, animals\, and other groups of organisms and post your observations of them to the free mobile app\, iNaturalist. \n\n\n\nThe scavenger hunt challenge: Make iNaturalist observations of organisms that you find at Osceola Island. The challenge is to observe a variety of species: find representatives from at least 10 of these categories. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrintable version of this checklist with instructions: PDF \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(4) WE SEND YOU A THANK YOU GIFT!\n\n\n\n\nFill out this short form when you complete the scavenger hunt and we’ll send you a TVA BioBlitz-themed neck buff as a thank you gift! \n\n\n\n\nForm for thank you gift (Google Forms)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout iNaturalist\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\niNaturalist is a really useful\, free tool for taking photos of lifeforms (animals\, plants\, fungi\, etc.)\, identifying them\, and making species observations. These observations help us learn about the world’s biodiversity. \n\n\n\nGetting started with iNaturalist\n\n\n\nDownload the free iNaturalist app to your Apple or Android smartphone. You can also visit iNaturalist.org from your web browser. Follow the prompts in the app to create a new iNaturalist account.Find a cool bug\, plant\, or other organism. Open the app and tap OBSERVE or the (+) sign to take a photo of your organism (or choose an existing photo from your camera roll).Tap WHAT DID YOU SEE? to identify your organism.Make sure your location and date are recorded.Tap SUBMIT or the check-mark icon to submit your observation to iNaturalist.Repeat! See how many different organisms you can observe around you!\n\n\n\nFor more tips and tricks for using iNaturalist\, check out their getting started page: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat life have we found at Osceola Island?\n\n\n\nHere are the Osceola Island species that have been documented on iNaturalist so far\, but there are many more waiting to be found! You can help us expand this list by adding your own observations! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the full Osceola Island project page on iNaturalist to see more. \n\n\n\nFeatured in YouTube video\n\n\n\nShrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum) – This small\, perennial shrub is native to eastern North America. It has beautiful yellow-petaled flowers with sprays of stamens\, giving them a puffy\, rounded appearance. This easy-going native makes a great yard plant: it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. More infoGreat Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – The largest heron in North America\, this common\, majestic bird is often found around freshwater and coastal habitats. It feeds primarily on fish\, but will also munch on amphibians\, small reptiles\, insects\, and small mammals. More infoWild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – This small pale-purple wildflower is great for attracting butterflies\, bees and other pollinating insects. In fact\, its genus (Monarda) is fittingly called the beebalms. It is a member of the mint family and as such\, it’s leaves have a delightfully minty smell! Blooming in mid- to late summer\, it can be found in open glades and along trails and roadways. More infoLichens (many species) – Lichens are fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with certain algae and bacteria. Each side in this mutually beneficial relationship gets something: the algae and bacteria make food from light (photosynthesis) and share that with the fungi\, and the fungi provides a substrate and protection for its food-making partner. Lichens are everywhere–especially on trees and covering rocks–but they often go unnoticed. Check out this video about lichens from our iScience program.Witch’s Hat (Hygrocybe conica) – This beautiful red-orange mushroom bruises black when poked and prodded. We found many of these at Osceola Island in early August\, which is not surprising as this species can be gregarious (forming large clusters). More infoWhite-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – This medium-large mammal needs no introduction: the white-tailed deer is common throughout North America\, particularly in the Eastern US. It feeds on a wide variety of plant life and is a surprisingly good swimmer. More infoChristmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – This common fern is so named for its evergreen fronds that shine elegantly green among a sea of brown vegetation at Christmas time. It is one of a number of fern species found at Osceola Island. More infoBlack Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus) – It is typical for this large snake to reach 6 feet in length. They are excellent climbers and are happy to seek out shelter in tree cavities. Their wide-ranging diet includes rats and other small mammals\, birds\, frogs\, and lizards. More infoMilkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars (Euchaetes egle) – This moth species has a brightly colored caterpillar that is unusually gregarious (social) for most of it’s life as a larva. By forming brightly colored groups\, they warn predators not to eat them\, because like other tussock moth caterpillars they have hollow hairs that can “sting” anyone who grabs them. This species feeds on milkweed\, like monarch butterfly caterpillars\, feeding on several milkweed (Asclepias) and dogbane (Apocynum) species. More info\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nMap link to Osceola IslandiNaturalist project at Osceola IslandList of all our BioBlitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-osceola-island/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/trotter-bluff-7-800x533-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201010T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201110T235900 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20191025T145348Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201014T162226Z UID:3464-1602324000-1605052740@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual BioBlitz @ Johnson Ridge Trail DESCRIPTION:Virtual BioBlitz @ Johnson Ridge Trail\n\n\n\nJoin DLiA and the Tennessee Valley Authority for a free\, family-friendly virtual event where you can be a citizen scientist and learn about the natural wonders found at TVA’s wild lands! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\nIt’s a bioblitz on TVA’s trails\, but virtual! \n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz? It’s an effort to find and document as many species as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a citizen scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the animals\, plants and other organisms that live around you! \n\n\n\nWhere is this taking place? This is a virtual event that you can do at your own pace. Watch the video below then visit Johnson Ridge Trail near Bean Station\, TN or any of the other 10 qualifying TVA trails in East Tennessee and Northern Alabama to complete a scavenger hunt and receive a fun thank you gift! \n\n\n\nHere’s how to participate:\n\n\n\n(1) WATCH THE VIDEO\n\n\n\nWe’ll launch the event via YouTube on Saturday\, October 10th at 10 am EDT. Watch our video introduction to Johnson Ridge Trail and see some of the neat flora and fauna that live there. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2) VISIT ANY QUALIFYING TVA TRAIL\n\n\n\nFrom October 10 to November 10\, 2020\, we challenge you to visit beautiful Johnson Ridge Trail near Bean Station\, TN or any of the other TVA trails listed below. There are 11 TVA trails to choose from: 9 in east Tennessee and 2 in northern Alabama. Which one is closest to you? \n\n\n\n\n\n\n TrailLocationStateDirectionsTrail mapiNat project\n\n\n\n\n Johnson Ridge TrailCherokee LakeTennessee\n\n\n Hall Bend TrailTellico DamTennessee\n\n\n Little Cedar Mountain TrailNickajack LakeTennessee\n\n\n Marbut Bend TrailWheeler LakeAlabama\n\n\n Melton Hill Dam TrailMelton Hill DamTennessee\n\n\n Muscle Shoals Reservation TrailsWilson DamAlabama\n\n\n Osceola Island TrailSouth Fork Holston RiverTennessee\n\n\n Songbird TrailNorris DamTennessee\n\n\n Trotter Bluff TrailDouglas DamTennessee\n\n\n Whites Creek TrailWatts Bar LakeTennessee\n\n\n Worthington Cemetery TrailMelton Hill LakeTennessee\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(3) COMPLETE THE SCAVENGER HUNT\n\n\n\nLook for these plants\, animals\, and other groups of organisms\, snap photos of them with your mobile device and post your observations to the free iNaturalist app. \n\n\n\nThe scavenger hunt challenge: Make iNaturalist observations of organisms that you find along your TVA trail of choice. The challenge is to observe a variety of organisms: find representatives from at least 10 of these categories: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrintable version of this checklist with instructions: PDF \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(4) WE SEND YOU A THANK YOU GIFT!\n\n\n\n\nFill out this short form when you complete the scavenger hunt and we’ll send you a TVA BioBlitz-themed neck buff as a thank you gift! \n\n\n\n\nForm for thank you gift\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout iNaturalist\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\niNaturalist is a really useful\, free tool for taking photos of lifeforms (animals\, plants\, fungi\, etc.)\, identifying them\, and making species observations. These observations help us learn about the world’s biodiversity. \n\n\n\nGetting started with iNaturalist\n\n\n\nDownload the free iNaturalist app to your Apple or Android smartphone. You can also visit iNaturalist.org from your web browser. Follow the prompts in the app to create a new iNaturalist account.Find a cool bug\, plant\, or other organism. Open the app and tap OBSERVE or the (+) sign to take a photo of your organism (or choose an existing photo from your camera roll).Tap WHAT DID YOU SEE? to identify your organism.Make sure your location and date are recorded.Tap SUBMIT or the check-mark icon to submit your observation to iNaturalist.Repeat! See how many different organisms you can observe around you!\n\n\n\nFor more tips and tricks for using iNaturalist\, check out their getting started page: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat have people spotted at Johnson Ridge Trail\, so far?\n\n\n\nPeople like you have observed more than 130 species of plants\, insects\, spiders\, fungi\, and other kinds of organisms at Johnson Ridge Trail so far\, but there’s plenty more to find! You can help us expand this list by adding your own observations in iNaturalist. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the full Johnson Ridge Trail project page on iNaturalist to see more. \n\n\n\nWhat’s been found at another TVA trail? Visit this iNaturalist umbrella project to find out! \n\n\n\nFeatured species\n\n\n\n[coming soon!]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nMap link to Johnson Ridge Trail parking areaiNaturalist project at Johnson Ridge TrailList of all our BioBlitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-johnson-ridge/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/johnson-ridge-banner-800x533-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210521T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210521T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210217T152406Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210217T155607Z UID:4539-1621602000-1621609200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Butterflies DESCRIPTION:Butterflies of Cades Cove\n\n\n\nWarren Bielenberg\n\n\n\nLearn about the variety and natural history of the many butterfly species living in Cades Cove from Warren Bielenberg\, who has surveyed them for years. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-9/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20190619_151018_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210603T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210606T230000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20200601T191246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210527T204115Z UID:3916-1622746800-1623020400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Fireflies Event at Norton Creek 2021 DESCRIPTION:Join DLiA for our annual firefly-centered fundraising event at Norton Creek. Witness the magic of the Smokies fireflies from a beautiful private setting. This is an evening you won’t forget! All proceeds help Discover Life in America carry out its mission to understand and conserve biodiversity in the Smokies. \n\n\n\nNOTE: This is a private fundraising event\, held at a private reserve adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This event is not associated with the Park or its synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont. \n\n\n\nFour nights to choose from:\n\n\n\nThursday\, June 3\, 2021 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm SOLD OUT!Friday\, June 4\, 2021 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm SOLD OUT!Saturday\, June 5\, 2021 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm SOLD OUT!Sunday\, June 6\, 2021 – 7:00 to 11:00 pm SOLD OUT!\n\n\n\nUPDATE: We are officially sold out of tickets for this event. Please use the waiting list form (button below) if you’re still interested and we will contact you IF we have cancellations for the night of your choice. We’ll post the dates for next year’s event sometime in June and tickets will become available starting January 2nd 2022\, so stay tuned. Thanks for your interest and support! \n\n\n\n\n\nWaiting list (all nights) \nCheck out our Virtual Fireflies Event\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral information\n\n\n\nWe’ll tell you all about the synchronous fireflies and other firefly species in the Smokies\, and we’ll answer your burning firefly questions This is a rain or shine event (see FAQ below) Sorry but pets are not allowed at this event\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nThere will be light walking on paved and gravel surfacesTicketholders will receive an email packet with directions and more as the event approachesPlease purchase tickets early. They’re limited and usually sell out\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\n\nThe event will be held at Norton Creek Preserve\, a 3000-acre tract of land adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, accessible via the Spur (HWY 321/441) near Gatlinburg\, TN. Ticket holders will be sent detailed directions as the event approaches. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFood & drink\n\n\n\nTicket purchase includes food (heavy hors d’oeuvres) by Whole Earth Grocery\, including vegetarian options\, as well as beer\, wine\, sodas and tea. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSilent auction\n\n\n\nDon’t miss our firefly-related treasures including original firefly artwork and photography! Cash\, check and card are accepted. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\nFireflies Event tickets are $225 per person and are open to anyone 10 years of age or older (children under 10 are not allowed). Each ticket is for a single night of the event (Thursday\, Friday\, Saturday\, or Sunday). Your ticket purchase helps DLiA carry out its mission! \n\n\n\nIMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING COVID-19: Right now\, we’re planning for this to be a partially indoor event as we have done pre-2020. In early May\, we’ll determine if we need to adapt the event to be socially distanced and outdoor-only\, depending on CDC guidance at that time. We will update ticketholders when we make that determination and post additional information here. \n\n\n\n\nWaiting list (all nights) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCancellation policy\n\n\n\nFull payment is due at sign up. We will be happy to refund your full payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot. \n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nNeed help purchasing tickets? Please first read our FAQ below for answers to common questions\, then ask Todd if you still need help: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757. \n\n\n\nFAQ\n\n\n\nQ. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? \n\n\n\nA. No\, it is not. Discover Life in America is a non-profit partner of the Park; however\, this is a private fundraising event that is not associated with the Park’s lottery for synchronous firefly viewing at Elkmont. That is a totally separate event and we cannot answer questions about the lottery\, dates for the lottery\, or anything else related to it. Information about the lottery can be found at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm. \n\n\n\nQ. $225 per person seems expensive. Is this event really worth it? \n\n\n\nA. We certainly think so! For the price of $225 you get a lot of value and you support the work of Discover Life in America! There’ll be delicious food\, made from scratch by our friends at Whole Earth Grocery\, and yummy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You’ll get an exclusive look at the private venue for the event\, a gorgeous house made from rough-hewn hemlocks and decorated with birch bark\, which is set on a pastoral hilltop right next to the national park. You’ll have one-on-one time with an entomologist who will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the 19 species of fireflies that live in the Smokies. And of course you’ll get to see the magical display of the synchronous fireflies\, but not among a crowd in the national park. Rather\, you’ll see them in a leisurely\, small-group setting with guides to point them out and answer all your questions. We are positive that you will find the Fireflies Event to be an illuminating experience! \n\n\n\nQ. How do you know the synchronous fireflies will be active? \n\n\n\nA. Synchronous fireflies in the Smokies region typically reach their peak activity around the end of May to middle of June; however\, this can vary from year to year based on temperature and weather. The Park uses temperature data to plan the dates of their lottery system\, typically releasing those dates around late April. We\, however\, must book the venue for our Fireflies Event a year in advance\, so we carefully select a date that falls within the peak season for synchronous firefly activity from previous years. In the seven years that we’ve been doing this event\, we’ve never been disappointed. \n\n\n\nQ. I can’t find the exact location of this event on your website. Why is that? \n\n\n\nA. As the synchronous fireflies have become extremely popular in the Smokies\, we don’t post our event location for fear that the public will trespass on the private property of our generous hosts and trample pristine firefly habitat. Rest assured though: we will contact all ticket holders with detailed directions to the event and other information that you’ll need to know for this once-in-a-lifetime evening. \n\n\n\nQ. (Close to the event) Rain may be forecast during the event. Will it be canceled? \n\n\n\nA. Nope. The Smokies region gets lots of rain\, but it has not affected our firefly viewing. The first part of the event takes place inside\, but bring a light rain jacket in case we get a little rain during viewing\, which takes place outside but under a protective forest canopy. One night last year it was pouring rain during our firefly presentation\, but by viewing time the rain had stopped and the fireflies were spectacular. It’s going to be great! \n\n\n\nQ. In the description for this event\, you mention “other glowing critters.” What are you talking about? \n\n\n\nA. There is a veritable menagerie of glowing critters to see at the Fireflies Event! Apart from the ever-popular synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus)\, and the rising stars that are the blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata)\, we’ve seen railroad worms (Phengodes spp.)\, which are another type of beetle with glowing larvae and adult females\, and also fungus gnat larvae (a.k.a. foxfire flies\, Orfelia fultoni)\, which glow faintly blue from seeps on the hillside. We typically see the adults of other firefly species during viewing while we wait for the synchronous and blue ghost fireflies to become active (there are nine other firefly species in the region that glow)\, and we find the glowing larvae and pupae of a number of these species. \n\n\n\nQ. Where should I stay during the event? \n\n\n\nA. Although lodging is not included as part of the Fireflies Event\, there are great hotel options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They are about equidistant from the venue. \n\n\n\nQ. Are kids allowed at this event? \n\n\n\nA. Children 10 years of age or older may attend this event with ticket purchase. We do not allow children under 10 years of age to attend this event. \n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nThanks to the following generous sponsors for supporting the 2021 Fireflies Event at Norton Creek and Virtual Fireflies Event! \n\n\n[slideshow_deploy id=’4599′] URL:https://dlia.org/event/fireflies-2021/ CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Fundraiser,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fireflies-DSC_2613.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210618T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210618T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210611T145044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210611T145055Z UID:4558-1624021200-1624028400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Arthropods DESCRIPTION:Litter Arthropods of High Appalachia\n\n\n\nMike Caterino\, Clemson University Arthropod Collection\n\n\n\nThere are tons of tiny creatures dwelling in the soil and leaf litter in high elevation spruce-fir forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These insects\, millipedes\, pseudoscorpions\, and other arthropods are poorly studied but serve an important role in these mountain ecosystems. Learn about these tiny\, fascinating creatures and the new discoveries being made every day! \n\n\n\nHere are some examples of High Appalachian arthropods in Flickr and iNaturalist. Caterino Lab page. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. \n\n\n\nPhoto credit: Mike Caterino via Flickr URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-tbd-2/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/pseudoscorpion-Mike-Caterino.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210626T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210627T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210601T203630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210625T142458Z UID:4638-1624698000-1624809600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz at Abrams Creek DESCRIPTION:Bioblitz at Abrams Creek \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelp DLiA sample pollinators and other insects in an under-sampled region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This event is free\, but spaces are limited. No previous experience needed\, although expertise is welcome! \n\n\n\nSorry\, registration is now closed for this event\, but check out our other bioblitzes coming up soon! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurpose\n\n\n\nWe are planning a bioblitz to inventory life in a relatively under-sampled part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We plan to sample for pollinators and other insects using various trapping and collecting techniques. We will also catalog other life we encounter by photographing organisms and posting them to iNaturalist\, so they can be identified and viewed publicly. \n\n\n\nThis event is part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory\, an ongoing effort managed by DLiA to catalog every species living in the Smokies. Results for this bioblitz will be reported to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and will help the park better understand and protect the rich natural resources of the Smokies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat will we be doing?\n\n\n\nSaturday\n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, we will spend the day collecting insects using various trapping methods and also hand-collecting insects around the Abrams Creek area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We will also document other organisms\, such as plants\, lichens\, birds\, and mammals using iNaturalist. This will be a full day of sampling and may involve hiking up to several miles along marked trails. \n\n\n\nSunday\n\n\n\nOn Sunday\, we’ll work together at Abram Creek Ranger Station to process the samples that we collected on Saturday. This will include pinning\, labeling and roughly sorting insects. It will be a great opportunity to learn how to curate and identify insects and it’ll be fun to see what we caught on Saturday! \n\n\n\nThings to know\n\n\n\nRegistration is required to participateNo prior experience is needed and children 10 and older are welcome to participatePrior experience is welcome though\, particularly experience in collecting and identifying insects or other organismsLunch will be provided to all registered participants on Saturday and SundayWe are not able to provide overnight accommodations for participants\, however\, we strongly encourage you to attend both Saturday and Sunday’s activitiesWe will be conducting research under an NPS research permit and all participants MUST adhere to the rules and regulations therein\, mainly that collecting specimens must be limited to the scope of this project and done under the supervision of bioblitz leadershipThere is no cell coverage at Abrams Creek\, so please plan accordinglyMore information including specifics about meeting time and place will be emailed to participants closer to the event\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the event\n\n\n\nDownload iNaturalist to your phone (it’s free!)Follow prompts in the app to create an iNaturalist accountPractice making a few observations of plants\, insects\, and other organisms around you using iNaturalistBring water and some snacks (lunch will be provided)Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org \n\n\n\nFunding\n\n\n\nThis event is funded by a generous grant from the Tallassee Fund (grant number #65683). URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-at-abrams-creek/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/20210510_112320_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210716T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210716T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210217T160241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210308T145630Z UID:4552-1626440400-1626447600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Birds DESCRIPTION:Birds of the Smokies\n\n\n\nKeith Watson\, local bird expert\n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-tbd/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20200615_130811_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210717T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210717T120000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210316T164615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210625T143558Z UID:4640-1626508800-1626523200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz @ Cave Mountain Trail DESCRIPTION:Bioblitz @ Cave Mountain Trail \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree\, family friendly opportunity to learn about local animals and plants while contributing to science. Join Discover Life in America and the Tennessee Valley Authority at the Cave Mountain Small Wild Area on the south side of Guntersville Dam for a bioblitz of the Cave Mountain Trail. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz?\n\n\n\nDuring a bioblitz\, volunteers help us find as many kinds of animals\, plants and other organisms as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a community scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the local flora and fauna living around you! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat will we be doing?\n\n\n\nWalking the Cave Mountain Trail (a moderate 1.5 mile loop)\, looking for bugs\, flowers\, and anything else we can find. We’ll photograph them with our phones and post pictures to our iNaturalist project. It’ll be a fun morning of outdoor time in a gorgeous natural space and we’ll have several experts on hand to guide small groups around the trail and point out interesting facts about the organisms we see. \n\n\n\nAfterward you can see what kind of organisms we found by visiting the Cave Mountain iNaturalist project\, which will be up indefinitely. We encourage you to revisit the site later and post what you find! Making iNaturalist observations helps TVA know what’s out there so they can better manage and protect these public lands. \n\n\n\nFREE REGISTRATION\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the event\n\n\n\nDownload iNaturalist to your phone (it’s free!)Follow prompts in the app to create an iNaturalist accountBring water and some snacks (we’ll also provide water)Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere and when to meet?\n\n\n\nMeet in the gravel parking area for Cave Mountain Small Wild Area\, located on the north side of Snow Point Road/HWY 50 at 8 AM on Saturday\, July 17. Cave Mountain SWA is on the south side of the Guntersville Dam near Guntersville\, Alabama. \n\n\n\n\nDirections to meeting spot\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelpful links\n\n\n\nCave Mountain iNaturalist projectCave Mountain Trail map (PDF)List of all our bioblitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-cave-mountain-trail/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210428_114806_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210731T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210731T120000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210316T165245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210524T195142Z UID:4642-1627718400-1627732800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz @ East Lakeshore Trail DESCRIPTION:Bioblitz @ East Lakeshore Trail \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree\, family friendly opportunity to learn about local animals and plants while contributing to science. Join Discover Life in America and the Tennessee Valley Authority at the East Lakeshore Trail on Tellico Lake in Tennessee. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz?\n\n\n\nDuring a bioblitz\, volunteers help us find as many kinds of animals\, plants and other organisms as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a community scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the local flora and fauna living around you! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat will we be doing?\n\n\n\nWalking a couple of sections of the East Lakeshore Trail\, looking for bugs\, flowers\, and anything else we can find. We’ll photograph them with our phones and post pictures to our iNaturalist project. It’ll be a fun morning of outdoor time in a gorgeous natural space and we’ll have several experts on hand to guide small groups around the trail and point out interesting facts about the organisms we see. \n\n\n\nAfterward you can see what kind of organisms we found by visiting the East Lakeshore Trail iNaturalist project\, which will be up indefinitely. We encourage you to revisit any part of the 28.8-mile East Lakeshore Trail and post what you find! Making iNaturalist observations helps TVA know what’s out there so they can better manage and protect these public lands. \n\n\n\nFREE REGISTRATION\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the event\n\n\n\nDownload iNaturalist to your phone (it’s free!)Follow prompts in the app to create an iNaturalist accountBring water and some snacks (we’ll also provide water)Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere and when to meet?\n\n\n\nMeet in the Mizell Trailhead and Parking Area at 8 AM on Saturday\, July 31. \n\n\n\nThe East Lakeshore Trail extends 28.8 miles and is divided into several sections. We’ll focus on the Canal and Baker Hollow Branches of the East Lakeshore Trail\, which span 4.5 miles total. We’ll take our time looking for fun flora and fauna and may not cover that full distance. \n\n\n\n\nDirections to meeting spot\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelpful links\n\n\n\nEast Lakeshore iNaturalist projectTVA’s East Lakeshore Trail information pageList of all our bioblitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-east-lakeshore-trail/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210512_114649_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210820T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210820T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210217T161623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210217T162424Z UID:4556-1629464400-1629471600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Water Bears DESCRIPTION:Water bears of the Smokies\n\n\n\nPaul Bartels\, Warren Wilson College\n\n\n\nWater bears\, also called tardigrades or moss piglets\, are microscopic creatures that live on moss and in aquatic environments. These tiny creatures have captured the imagination of the world because they are practically indestructible. Learn about water bears from Dr. Paul Bartels\, who has studies them in the Smokies for years and even named several new water bear species. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. \n\n\n\nPhoto credit: Kevin FitzPatrick URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-water-bears/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/W_DSC_1141.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210911T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210911T120000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20191025T145256Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210812T153455Z UID:3463-1631347200-1631361600@dlia.org SUMMARY:BioBlitz @ Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge DESCRIPTION:BioBlitz @ Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge\n\n\n\nJoin DLiA\, the USFWS and the Tennessee Valley Authority for this free\, family-friendly event where you can be a citizen scientist and learn about the natural wonders found at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge near Springville\, TN! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat will we do?\n\n\n\nA BioBlitz is an effort to document all the plants\, animals\, and other lifeforms that live in a place. DLiA partners with TVA to conduct a series of fun and educational BioBlitzes that help us better understand all the biodiversity on public lands. \n\n\n\nThe goal of this event is to catalog as many species (plants\, insects\, birds\, fungi\, everything) as we can around the Visitor Center and Britton Ford Trail area of TNWR. When we find a new organism\, we’ll document it by taking a photo (or recording a sound) with our smartphones and posting it to iNaturalist\, a cool community science app. \n\n\n\nWe’ll have experts on-hand to lead participants and to talk about the biology of the organisms that we encounter. This is a fun and easy way to help gather real scientific data and to learn about all the cool creatures that live all around us! \n\n\n\nCan’t make it to the event? We still need you help! You can contribute before and after the BioBlitz by making observations around the TNWR project area (or any of our other BioBlitz sites) in iNaturalist. Your observations will automatically be added to our iNaturalist project\, helping us learn more about what species occur at this site\, where they occur\, and when they are active. It’s that easy! Thanks in advance! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the event\n\n\n\nDownload iNaturalist to your phone (it’s free!)Follow prompts in the app to create an iNaturalist accountBring a mask – participants will be required to wear masks at all timesBring water and some snacks (we’ll also provide water to refill your water bottle)Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDetails\n\n\n\nTiming: Saturday\, September 11\, 2021 from 8:00 AM to noon CT \n\n\n\nNOTE: This event was rescheduled twice due to COVID\, but we are hopeful that the September date will be a go. Previous dates were May 16\, 2020 and May 22\, 2021. \n\n\n\nLocation: We’ll focus our efforts around the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center and the nearby Britton Ford Hiking Trail (east on Wildlife Dr)\, both within TNWR’s Big Sandy Unit. \n\n\n\nWHERE TO MEET: Meet in the parking lot of the TNWR Headquarters and Visitor Center\, located at 1371 Wildlife Drive\, Springville\, TN. \n\n\n\nMeeting location (Google Maps)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther things to know: \n\n\n\nWe’ll have extra masks if you need one but please bring your own if possiblePorta-potties will be provided on siteThere will be some walking on paved and trail surfaces\n\n\n\nRegistration: This is a free event\, but we do ask that you register using the button above. \n\n\n\nRequirements: No experience necessary. Adults and children 10 and up are welcome to participate! Please download the iNaturalist app to your smart device beforehand and follow the prompts to create an iNaturalist account (App Store \, Google Play ). \n\n\n\nHave questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865) 430-4757 \n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nMap link to meeting location: https://goo.gl/maps/AzD4DwEjMYTw3YXy7iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/bioblitz-tn-natl-wildlife-refuge-dlia-tvaList of all our previous BioBlitzes: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/dlia-bioblitzes-with-tva Visit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project there: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/discover-life-in-america-atbi Learn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8): https://dlia.org/iscience URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-tnwr/ LOCATION:TNWR Headquarters and Visitor Center\, 1371 Wildlife Drive\, Springville\, Tennessee\, United States CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/TB-BioBlitz-22-800x533-.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210917T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210917T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210217T162241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210217T162428Z UID:4557-1631883600-1631890800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Elk DESCRIPTION:Elk of the Smokies\n\n\n\nJoseph Yarkovich\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park\n\n\n\nElk are native to the eastern US but were lost in the region due to overhunting. They were reintroduced into the park in 2002 and since then\, their numbers have continued to climb. Learn about these incredible animals from Joseph Yarkovich\, who studies them in the Smokies. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. \n\n\n\nPhoto credit: Garrett Hargiss URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-elk/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/W_Elk-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211015T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211015T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20210217T154351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210611T144233Z UID:4542-1634302800-1634310000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Herbarium DESCRIPTION:The Smokies Herbarium\n\n\n\nJanie Bitner\, volunteer in the Natural History Collection at Great Smoky Mountains National Park \n\n\n\nThe park’s herbarium houses thousands of plant specimens and other flora from around the park\, from common trees to rare and endangered plants. Janie has been volunteering in the herbarium for decades now and she’ll tell you all about it! Here is a preview. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free virtual event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Sugarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-10/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/trout_lily_keepbig.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220520T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20220315T151109Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T151518Z UID:5567-1653051600-1653058800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Beetles DESCRIPTION:Beetles of the Smokies\n\n\n\nVictoria Bayless\, Curator\, Louisiana State Arthropod Museum \n\n\n\nGreat Smoky Mountains National Park contains over 2\,600 known beetle species. Victoria Bayless had a hand in discovering many of them through her work with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI). Learn about the incredible diversity of beetles in the Smokies and why they’re so important and awesome! \n\n\n\nVisit our main Science at Sugarlands page to for more information\, registration for this free virtual talk\, and recordings of past Science at Sugarlands presentations. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-beetles/ CATEGORIES:Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rhopalophora-beetle-20210706_102556-Will-Kuhn.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20220315T152940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T153410Z UID:5571-1655470800-1655478000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Safe Passage DESCRIPTION:Safe Passage: helping wildlife cross the I-40 Pigeon River Gorge\n\n\n\nJeff Hunter\, National Parks Conservation Association\n\n\n\nSafe Passage is a coalition of folks working to create safe crossings for wildlife to cross Interstate 40 and other roadways in the Smokies area. It’s also the subject of a book from Great Smoky Mountains Association\, called ‘A Search for Safe Passage‘. Learn about this project\, how it started\, and how it’s going from Jeff Hunter\, project manager at NPCA and Safe Passage Facilitator. \n\n\n\nVisit our main Science at Sugarlands page to for more information\, registration for this free virtual talk\, and recordings of past Science at Sugarlands presentations. \n\n\n\n// A Search for Safe Passage book cover image borrowed from smokiessafepassage.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-safe-passage/ CATEGORIES:Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/safe-passage-book-jacket-768x580-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220819T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220819T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20220315T184426Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T184443Z UID:5578-1660914000-1660921200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Nematodes DESCRIPTION:The fascinating world of nematodes\n\n\n\nTom Powers\, University of Nebraska-Lincoln\n\n\n\nLargely unseen\, nematodes–also called round worms–are tiny creatures and they’re everywhere! Some help recycle nutrients in the soil and water\, some are predators\, and others are parasites of animals\, plants and other living things. Together\, they serve many important roles in keeping our ecosystem functioning. Tom Powers will talk about his work studying these cryptic\, fascinating creatures in the Smokies. \n\n\n\nVisit our main Science at Sugarlands page to for more information\, registration for this free virtual talk\, and recordings of past Science at Sugarlands presentations. \n\n\n\n// Cover photo: A nematode under the microscope. Photo by DLiA URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-nematodes/ CATEGORIES:Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/nematode1-smz1x8x.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220916T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220916T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20220315T181405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T181410Z UID:5579-1663333200-1663340400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage DESCRIPTION:The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage: 72 years of public education in the Smokies\n\n\n\nJoey Shaw\, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga\n\n\n\nThe Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event that draws in thousands of nature enthusiasts (“pilgrims”) to the area to attend expert-guided nature walks\, hikes\, and informational sessions celebrating the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Joey Shaw\, who tirelessly organizes the event every year\, will talk about the past\, present and future of the 72-year-old pilgrimage. \n\n\n\nVisit our main Science at Sugarlands page to for more information\, registration for this free virtual talk\, and recordings of past Science at Sugarlands presentations. \n\n\n\n// Cover photo: trout lily and spring beauty by Will Kuhn URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-spring-wildflower-pilgrimage/ CATEGORIES:Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/trout_lily_keepbig.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221021T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221021T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20220315T180213Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T180219Z UID:5580-1666357200-1666364400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Monarchs DESCRIPTION:Tremont’s monarch monitoring program in Cades Cove\n\n\n\nErin Canter\, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont\n\n\n\nErin Canter\, manager of science literacy and research at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont\, will talk about Tremont’s community science program to tag and monitor monarch butterflies as they develop and migrate through the Smokies. \n\n\n\nVisit our main Science at Sugarlands page to for more information\, registration for this free virtual talk\, and recordings of past Science at Sugarlands presentations. \n\n\n\n// Cover photo: monarch butterfly on Queen Anne’s lace by Will Kuhn URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-monarchs/ CATEGORIES:Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20210910_102404_-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230302T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230302T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20221121T172030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230301T155742Z UID:6119-1677747600-1677772800@dlia.org SUMMARY:GSMNP Science Colloquium 2023 DESCRIPTION:2023 Park Science Colloquium \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTune into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2023 Science Colloquium\, presented by GSMNP and DLiA! Learn about a wide variety of scientific topics\, from natural history to weather and fire to geology and more\, from researchers currently working in the Smokies. Registration is free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom \n\n\n\nRegistration: Registration is free! Just follow the link below. You’ll receive a Zoom link over email that you can use to view the Colloquium on March 2nd. The audience will also be able to ask questions of the speakers following their talks. Speakers DO NOT need to register and will receive Zoom link via email. \n\n\n\n\nFree registration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule and abstracts: The following schedule for 2023 is still in flux\, so talks may still get switched around. Abstracts are available at the link below. Check back here for the latest updates. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023 schedule & abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\n2022 recorded talks (YouTube)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInformation for presenters\n\n\n\nSubmit a talk\n\n\n\nCall for submissions: We welcome you to submit a presentation about your research that is either actively taking place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or that is of significance to the Smokies\, and that is at a stage in analysis where a full picture of the research can be presented. Note: due to time constraints\, we may not be able to fit all submitted talks. Paul Super will be contacting potential presenters via email about submitting a presentation. \n\n\n\nImportant dates\n\n\n\n\nDecember 15\, 2022 – deadline to indicate intent to present. Send tentative title and presenter name to Paul Super (Paul_Super@nps.gov)\n\n\n\nFebruary 3\, 2023 – deadline to submit abstract\, final title\, and presenter/co-author names and affiliations to Paul Super\n\n\n\nWeek of February 13\, 2023 – presenters will receive a Zoom Webinar invitation via email; meeting registration will be available here for non-presenter attendees\n\n\n\n\nHelpful information\n\n\n\nConference format: The Colloquium will be held virtually via Zoom’s Webinar platform. Presenters will be set as “panelists” on the Webinar\, meaning that they can do most of the normal functions of a Zoom Meeting (share video\, audio\, and screen). Audience members will be able to ask questions and we will help manage questions. We’ll send presenters more information about what to expect closer to the colloquium. \n\n\n\nTime slots: Presentation slots will be 12-20 minutes (including time for questions). We will send you a finalized schedule close to the event and will provide more details about the Q&A after each talk. \n\n\n\nPresentation format: Slide decks can be in any format (speakers will share their screen via Zoom)\, however we recommend PowerPoint\, PDF\, Google Slides or Keynote in wide-format (16:9). \n\n\n\nKnow your audience: Please note that many in the audience will have advanced degrees\, but few will have advanced degrees in your topic\, so plan to provide a bit of explanation of technical jargon and stay away from acronyms. \n\n\n\nRecording presentations: We plan to record presentations and upload them publicly to our YouTube channel as we’ve done the past few years (view last year’s recordings). Please let Paul Super know if you DO NOT want your presentation to be recorded. URL:https://dlia.org/event/colloquium-2023/ CATEGORIES:25th Anniversary,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/orange-shelf-fungi-Alex-Hughes_-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20230926T183413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T143040Z UID:7267-1697101200-1697122800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Rocky Top BioBlitz DESCRIPTION:Join us on the University of TN campus for the Rocky Top BioBlitz—a biological survey focused on identifying as many species as possible in a defined area over a short period of time—from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday\, October 12. Look for our tent outside Ayres Hall. \n\n\n\nDuring the Rocky Top BioBlitz\, participants will walk around campus looking for any kind of life: birds\, insects\, plants\, and even fungi. They will document what they find by taking pictures and uploading them to an app called iNaturalist. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMake sure to download the iNaturalist app before the event! \n\n\n\n\nGet the iNaturalist app.\n\n\n\nDownload the app. Log in. Try it out. \n\n\n\n\nANDROID\n\n\n\niOS URL:https://dlia.org/event/rocky-top-bioblitz/ LOCATION:University of TN- in front of Ayres Hall\, 1403 Circle Dr\, Knoxville\, Tennessee\, 37916\, United States CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231013T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231014T120000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20230926T192133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T155442Z UID:7281-1697220000-1697284800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Cane Creek Canyon BioBlitz DESCRIPTION:Land Trust of North Alabama will host a Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve BioBlitz conducted by Discover Life in America (DLiA)\, a nonprofit organization out of Tennessee that specializes in biodiversity inventory and conservation\, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.  \n\n\n\nA BioBlitz is a citizen science event where participants learn about the plants and animals in a specific place as they look for and document them for research purposes\, and we’d like to invite you to be a part of ours!  This event is for both newbies and experts as well as amateurs and professionals in the various fields of natural science. \n\n\n\nParticipants will move through the southern part of the preserve using the iNaturalist app to document observed flora and fauna. There will also be short presentations on a variety of natural science topics conducted by DLiA as well as the Land Trust\, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve regulars\, and possibly students and faculty from University of North Alabama. These same people will serve as subject matter experts as participants document their findings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Website\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve – 251 Loop Rd\, Tuscumbia\, AL 35674 \n\n\n\nWhat to Wear/Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather. This is a rain or shine event\, though thunderstorms will cause cancelation. Set up your iNaturalist account in advance. Please note\, there is limited (or no) cell service at the preserve. \n\n\n\nRegistration: Please register to join the bioblitz. You can sign up to attend one or both days. Please register for each day you plan to participate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFriday\, October 13 from 6-10:00 PM \n\n\n\n\nSign-up\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSaturday\, October 14 from 8 AM – 12 PM \n\n\n\n\nSign-up URL:https://dlia.org/event/cane-creek-canyon-bioblitz/ LOCATION:Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve\, 251 Loop Rd\, Tuscumbia\, 35674\, United States CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer ORGANIZER;CN="Land Trust of North Alabama":MAILTO:questions@landtrustnal.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151723 CREATED:20240119T160551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T160712Z UID:7634-1709802000-1709827200@dlia.org SUMMARY:GSMNP Science Colloquium 2024 DESCRIPTION:Tune into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2024 Science Colloquium\, presented by GSMNP and DLiA! Learn about a wide variety of scientific topics\, new species of cave spiders and dusky salamanders\, to wetlands along the Foothills Parkway\, strategic use of social media to reduce overcrowding\, and lots more\, all from researchers working in the Smokies. All are welcome! Registration is free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nRecorded talks from the 2024 Colloquium are now up on YouTube! You can find them>>> here <<< \n\n\n\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom \n\n\n\nRegistration: Registration is free! Just follow the link below. You’ll receive a Zoom link over email that you can use to view the Colloquium on March 7th. The audience will also be able to ask questions of the speakers following their talks. Speakers DO NOT need to register and will receive Zoom link via email. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule and abstracts: The schedule below and the linked PDF will be updated with any changes to talk times or talk information. Check back for the most up-to-date version. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2024 Schedule & Abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\n2023 recorded talks (YouTube)\n\n\n\n2022 recorded talks (YouTube)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInformation for presenters\n\n\n\nSubmit a talk\n\n\n\nCall for submissions: We welcome you to submit a presentation about your research that is either actively taking place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or that is of significance to the Smokies\, and that is at a stage in analysis where a full picture of the research can be presented. Note: due to time constraints\, we may not be able to fit all submitted talks. Paul Super will be contacting potential presenters via email about submitting a presentation. \n\n\n\nImportant dates\n\n\n\n\nFriday\, February 2nd – deadline to submit talk information to Paul Super (paul_super@nps.gov): (1) final title\, (2) abstract\, and (3) names and affiliations of the presenter and co-authors\n\n\n\nWeek of February 5th – presenters will receive a tentative schedule and can OK their timeslot before the schedule is posted on this page\n\n\n\nWeek of February 19th – presenters will receive a Zoom Webinar invitation via email; meeting registration will be available here for non-presenter attendees\n\n\n\n\nHelpful information\n\n\n\nConference format: The Colloquium will be held virtually via Zoom’s Webinar platform. Presenters will be set as “panelists” on the Webinar\, meaning that they can do most of the normal functions of a Zoom Meeting (share video\, audio\, and screen). Audience members will be able to ask questions and we will help manage questions. We’ll send presenters more information about what to expect closer to the colloquium. \n\n\n\nTime slots: Presentation slots will be around 20 minutes (including time for questions). We will send you a finalized schedule close to the event and will provide more details about the Q&A after each talk. \n\n\n\nPresentation format: Slide decks can be in any format (speakers will share their screen via Zoom)\, however we recommend PowerPoint\, PDF\, Google Slides or Keynote in wide-format (16:9). \n\n\n\nKnow your audience: Please note that many in the audience will have advanced degrees\, but few will have advanced degrees in your topic\, so plan to provide a bit of explanation of technical jargon and stay away from acronyms. \n\n\n\nRecording presentations: We plan to record presentations and upload them publicly to our YouTube channel as we’ve done the past few years (view last year’s recordings). Please let Paul Super know if you DO NOT want your presentation to be recorded. URL:https://dlia.org/event/colloquium-2024/ CATEGORIES:Education,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/colloquium-2024-featured-image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T150000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151724 CREATED:20240313T205949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240319T175330Z UID:7869-1713261600-1713279600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Moss and Bryophyte 'Blitz DESCRIPTION:Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us to learn about and survey moss and bryophytes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This is a community science event that is open to all ages and skill levels. Volunteers will help DLiA staff to record moss and other non-vascular plants using the iNaturalist app! We will cover about 3-4 miles on a moderate trail in GSMNP. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Email our volunteer coordinator\, Jaimie Matzko\, jaimie@dlia.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet the iNaturalist app.\n\n\n\nDownload the app. Log in. Try it out. \n\n\n\n\nANDROID\n\n\n\niOS URL:https://dlia.org/event/moss-and-bryophyte-blitz/ CATEGORIES:Fun,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240423T160000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151724 CREATED:20220509T143611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240329T192640Z UID:5680-1713700800-1713888000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smokies Eco-Adventure: April 21-23 DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendar for an immersive Smokies experience like none other! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. DLiA and partner A Walk in the Woods bring you an exclusive 3-day\, 2-night adventure\, with expert-led nature hikes\, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting\, mouth-watering\, local food and drink\, and much more. All proceeds from this fundraising event will help DLiA discover and conserve the rich biodiversity of the Smokies. \n\n\n\nA Walk in the Woods has generously provided access to Camp Atagahi\, their staff\, and their Smokies expertise to make this event really shine! \n\n\n\nDLiA’s Will\, Jaimie\, and Todd will be your guides for the duration of the Eco-Adventure. They’re excited to be your gracious hosts and share their expert knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Smokies! \n\n\n\nThe Great Smokies Eco-Adventure is a truly unique experience! \n\n\n\n\nGuided hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to learn about local flora and fauna\, including wildflowers and other plants\, pollinators and insects\, fungi and more!\n\n\n\nHike on a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT)\n\n\n\nMorning bird-watching at camp\n\n\n\nGuided night hike to look for nocturnal creatures\, using a bat detector and UV flashlights.\n\n\n\nEvening campfires to share stories and s’mores\n\n\n\nFreshly prepared meals\, including beer and wine.\n\n\n\nLuxury Camping Accommodations\, including spacious tents with cots and mattress\n\n\n\nEnjoy hot showers after a day on the trail\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\nYo\n\n\n\nCamp Atagahi\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Great Smokies Eco-Adventure is co-hosted by Discover Life in America and A Walk in the Woods. As an award-winning\, locally owned and operated tour guide company\, A Walk in the Woods has been helping people get the most out of their Smoky Mountains experience for over 23 years\, serving over 100\,000 visitors along the way! \n\n\n\nAll meals are included with your ticket price\, prepared on site with local produce\, cheeses\, and other ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Beer and wine are also provided as well as soft drinks of your choice. (We’ll inquire about your dietary restrictions and beverage choices close to the event.) \n\n\n\n\n\nCamp Atagahi is A Walk in the Woods’ premiere off-grid camping facility located in a small valley just north of the National Park boundary between Pitman Center and Cosby\, Tennessee. It features a well-stocked off-grid commercial kitchen and excellent bathroom facility with running water\, flush toilets\, and hot showers. Guests are lulled to sleep at night by the babbling creek that flows through camp. Tents are spacious\, mounted on wooden platforms\, and feature a covered “front porch” area where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine\, listening to the sounds of nature. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nGuided Hikes in the Smokies\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Great Smokies Eco-Adventure in April features guided hikes during peak wildflower season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (a short drive from Camp Atagahi). We’ll keep it slow and easy-going\, with lots of stops to admire and talk about the Smokies’ incredible biodiversity\, including native trees\, pollinating insects\, birds\, and more. We’ll also share our expert knowledge of the cultural history of the landscape. \n\n\n\nOur one-of-a-kind hikes will leave you with a new appreciation for the incredible variety of life in the Smokies region and they’re really fun\, too! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEco-Adventure Itinerary \n\n\n\nSunday\, April 21: Guests will meet in GSMNP at noon and enjoy light snacks and introductions. We’ll go on guided hike led by DLiA staff on the Twin Creeks Trail (Total trail mileage under 2 miles)  In the late afternoon\, we’ll get load up our gear and get transported to A Walk in the Woods’ private off-grid camp located near Cosby and settle into our not-too-rustic glamping accommodations. We’ll have drinks and a wholesome dinner. We’ll finish off with s’mores around a campfire.  \n\n\n\nMonday\, April 22:  We’ll have locally-sourced coffee and a hot breakfast at camp and pack sack lunches. We’ll then head to the Greenbrier area in GSMNP on our hike to Fern Branch Falls on the Porter’s Creek trail. This hike is 4 miles round-trip and is considered moderate. We’ll arrive back at camp by late afternoon and enjoy southern fixins’ around the campfire. If you’re up for it\, we’ll go for a night hike at the camp to look for nocturnal critters.  \n\n\n\nTuesday\, April 23: We’ll start with a hot breakfast\, pack sack lunches\, and pack up our gear.  If the conditions and views are favorable\, we head up to the high elevations in the park for a hike along the infamous Appalachian Trail. We’ll finish up around 4 pm. We’ll say our goodbyes and guests will depart. \n\n\n\n Please note: The itinerary may change due to weather conditions\, park closures or at the discretion of DLIA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets: $950 per person\n\n\n\nYour ticket purchase supports Discover Life in America (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization)\, helping us continue our work as a partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tickets are $950 per person\, which includes accommodations\, food and alcohol\, as well as expert-guided nature hikes. \n\n\n\nPricing is based on double occupancy of tents\, so if you are traveling alone\, you may be assigned to share a tent with someone of the same gender. \n\n\n\nREGISTRATION CLOSES: April 1\, 2024 \n\n\n\nCANCELLATION POLICY: Full payment is due upon ticket purchase. If you decide to cancel your spot\, we will refund your ticket only if we are able to sell your ticket. No refunds will be given after registration closes on April 1st.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat will your ticket purchase support\n\n\n\n\nBiodiversity research in the Smokies\n\n\n\nOur biology interships…\n\n\n\n…and photo/videography internships\n\n\n\nBiodiversity education\n\n\n\nPublic engagement through community science\n\n\n\nConservation of creatures great and small in the Smokies\n\n\n\n\nSpecifically\, you’ll help support\n\n\n\n\nresearch with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory\, aimed at cataloging\, understanding\, and ultimately conserving the 21\,000+ species that call the Smokies home\n\n\n\nour world-class summer internship program\, where we train the next generation of scientists and nature advocates through an immersive experience in the Smokies\n\n\n\nour educational programming in and around Great Smoky Mountains NP\, fostering nature literacy among our community ( iScience and Smokies Most Wanted)\n\n\n\nand much more!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nELECTRICITY AND CELL SERVICE: There is no electricity at Camp Atagahi other than a battery back that you may use to charge your phone. There is little to no cell reception at the Camp and in the National Park. Please plan accordingly. If you use a CPAP machine to sleep\, you may consider purchasing an appropriate battery pack to power that device during the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFAQs\n\n\n\nQ. What is the expected weather? \n\n\n\nApril in the Smokies is usually mild\, with daytime temperatures reaching the 50s and 60s\, and nighttime sometimes approaching the freezing mark. It’s best to wear layers that you can shed if it’s warm or pile on for those cool nights. But this of course varies from year to year. The region does receive lots of rain (which fuels the growth of all those wildflowers)\, so be sure to pack a rain jacket or poncho. \n\n\n\nQ. How many people will be in attendance? \n\n\n\nSpace is limited to 15 attendees at the eco-camp where we’ll be staying (2 people per tent with 10 tents). This is a nice group size that permits lots of one-on-one interaction with your guides. \n\n\n\nQ. If don’t consider myself a serious hiker\, will I be able to keep up? \n\n\n\nOur hikes are very much tailored to the abilities and interests of the group and generally follow a leisurely pace as we stop and look at insects\, mushrooms\, and lots of other sights to see. As long as you are able to walk around 4 miles over several hours\, you should be fine. \n\n\n\nQ. If I come to the Eco-Adventure alone\, will I have to share a tent? \n\n\n\nThe ticket price for this event is based on double occupancy\, so expect that singletons may be paired with another same-gender singleton. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet a fellow nature lover and future friend! \n\n\n\nQ. What is included in the ticket price? \n\n\n\nThe ticket price includes all accommodations\, food (including vegetarian and vegan options)\, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages\, and expert-led hikes from noon Sunday through Tuesday afternoon. \n\n\n\nQ. What do I need to bring? \n\n\n\nPlease bring a sleeping bag\, towel\, day pack and wear sturdy hiking shoes\, rain gear and cool weather clothing. Also\, please bring a well-fitting face mask. Tents\, cots\, sleeping pads\, and other basics are all provided. You can find a full list of required and recommended items above on this page. Attendees will receive additional information via email prior to the event. \n\n\n\nQ. Will there be electricity or cell service at the camp? \n\n\n\nCamp Atagahi does not have grid electricity\, however\, we will provide a battery back that you can use to charge your cell phone and other small electronics. There is little to no cell signal in the area. The Eco-Adventure is a great chance to step away from the busy world and enjoy some screen-free time in nature! \n\n\n\nQ. If I have any other questions\, who should I contact? \n\n\n\nPlease contact DLiA’s Biodiversity Program Specialist\, Jaimie Matzko\, at jaimie@dlia.org and she’ll be happy to answer your questions about the Eco-Adventure. You can also visit dlia.org to learn more about DLiA’s work in the Smokies. URL:https://dlia.org/event/spring-adventure-2024/ CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Great-smokies-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T130000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151724 CREATED:20240319T173425Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T141018Z UID:7912-1714809600-1714827600@dlia.org SUMMARY:High Elevation Pollinator 'Blitz DESCRIPTION:Questions? Email our volunteer coordinator\, Jaimie Matzko\, jaimie@dlia.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet the iNaturalist app.\n\n\n\nDownload the app. Log in. Try it out. \n\n\n\n\nANDROID\n\n\n\niOS URL:https://dlia.org/event/high-elevation-pollinator-blitz/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240624T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240624T230000 DTSTAMP:20260411T151724 CREATED:20240319T163627Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240411T180118Z UID:7898-1719255600-1719270000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Cades Cove Firefly Survey DESCRIPTION:Join us to survey fireflies in Cades Cove on June 24th from 7pm to 11pm EST\, meeting at the Cades Cove Ranger Station. There are 19 species of fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Volunteers will assist DLiA staff document firefly species in Cades Cove for the Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. \n\n\n\nThis event will require volunteers to walk/hike through the fields in Cades Cove\, after dark. No flashlights will be used when documenting and recording activity. No prior experience is required and families are welcome\, although this volunteer activity is not recommended for children under the age of 14. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Email our volunteer coordinator\, Jaimie Matzko\, jaimie@dlia.org \n\n\n\nRegistration is now full! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet the iNaturalist app.\n\n\n\nDownload the app. Log in. Try it out. \n\n\n\n\nANDROID\n\n\n\niOS URL:https://dlia.org/event/cades-cove-firefly-survey/ CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR