BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Discover Life in America - ECPv6.15.18//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: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 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:20210603T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210606T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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/New_York:20210829T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210831T170000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20201221T182947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210528T210015Z UID:4441-1630238400-1630429200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smokies Eco-Adventure DESCRIPTION:Experience the Smokies like never before! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. DLiA is partnering with A Walk in the Woods to bring you this exclusive 3-day\, 2-night adventure that will include guided hikes and nature walks\, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting\, great 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\n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain new insight into the rich biodiversity of the Smokies from experts in local flora and fauna! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSavor delicious local food & drink! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy s’mores around the campfire with live music by Elza Gate! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurl up with a book\, surrounded by natural wondersComfy glamping accomodationsSerene naturescapes + wine!S’mores by the campfireEnjoy fresh delights from our off-grid camp kitchenOff-grid\, but with hot showers!\n\n\n\nTentative schedule\n\n\n\nThe 2-night adventure begins at noon Sunday\, August 29th and will last and will conclude on the evening of Tuesday\, August 31st. Here’s a look at what’s in store. \n\n\n\nDAY 1 (SUNDAY\, AUG 29) Guests will meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center at noon\, and enjoy light snacks and a guided insect hike led by DLiA’s resident entomologist\, Will Kuhn. In the late afternoon\, we’ll head to A Walk in the Woods’ private off-the-grid camp located near Cosby and settle into our luxurious glamping accommodations. We’ll enjoy a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres\, serenaded by local bluegrass duet\, Elza Gate. We’ll finish off with s’mores around a campfire. \n\n\n\nDAY 2 (MONDAY\, AUG 30) We’ll have fresh coffee and an early breakfast at camp made with local ingredients and pack our sack lunches. Guests will then have a choice of day hikes: for the adventurous\, an exclusive guided hike through old-growth forest to see some of the largest trees in the southern US (moderate difficulty\, but gorgeous)\, or guests may choose an easier guided waterfall/swimming hole hike. We’ll arrive back at camp in early evening and enjoy southern fixins around the campfire. \n\n\n\nDAY 3 (TUESDAY\, AUG 31) We’ll start with a pancake breakfast\, pack sack lunches\, and pack up our gear. Guests will again have a choice between two day hikes: a more strenuous guided through-hike along Gabes Mountain Trail (8 miles) or an easier hike in the Cosby area of the Park. We’ll plan to arrive back at Sugarlands Visitor Center around 5PM where we’ll say our goodbyes and guests will depart. \n\n\n\nYour hosts\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\nA Walk in the Woods has generously provided their camp\, staff\, and Smokies expertise to make this new and exciting fundraising event possible and we are so excited to work with them! \n\n\n\nTickets: $950 per person\n\n\n\nAll proceeds from this event will help DLiA continue its work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tickets are $950 per person\, which includes your travel\, accommodation\, food\, and alcohol during the event (details below). \n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat does your ticket purchase support?\n\n\n\nBiodiversity research in the SmokiesOur biology interships……and photo/videography internshipsBiodiversity educationPublic engagement through citizen scienceConservation of creatures great and small in the Smokies\n\n\n\nSpecifically\, your support will fund \n\n\n\nour continuing research work with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory\, aimed cataloging\, understanding\, and ultimately conserving the remarkable diversity of life in the Smokiesour world-class summer internship program\, where we train the next generation of conservationists through an immersive experience in the Smokiesour educational programming in and around Great Smoky Mountains NP\, fostering nature literacy among our community (Science @ Sugarlands\, iScience\, Species SnapIt & MapIt)and much more!\n\n\n\nTravel (included during event)\n\n\n\nTicket purchase includes private bus transportation during the event. Guests must arrange their own travel to and from the meeting place (Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park) before and after the event. \n\n\n\nFood & drink (included)\n\n\n\nFood (including vegan options) and drinks (including beer and wine) are included. Guests should plan to eat lunch before arriving on Sunday (light snacks will be provided). Please specify any dietary restrictions during ticket purchase and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. \n\n\n\nAccommodations (included)\n\n\n\nThis is a “glamping” (glamorous camping) event and accommodations are rustic\, but comfortable. The camp is off-the-grid\, but it has many of the amenities of home\, including hot showers and running water\, a well-stocked camp kitchen\, and a battery pack for lighting and to charge your phone as needed. You’ll sleep in a large 2-person tent with a comfy cot. Pricing is based on double occupancy. \n\n\n\nWhat to bring\n\n\n\n\n\nRequired\n\n\n\nsleeping bag towelday packhiking shoes/bootsrain jacketwater bottlecool weather clothing and jacket\n\n\n\n\n\nRecommended\n\n\n\ntravel pillowflashlight or headlamp with fresh batteriesinsect repellentsunscreentoiletries\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere & when to meet?\n\n\n\nMeet at Sugarlands Visitor Center\, Bus parking lot (closest to Little River Road) at noon on Sunday. We will send out instructions and follow-up information to ticket holders as the event approaches. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCancellation Policy\n\n\n\nFull payment is due at sign up. If you decide to cancel your spot\, we are happy to refund your full payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot before the event. URL:https://dlia.org/event/eco-adventure-2021/ CATEGORIES:Education,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/glamping-graphic-wide-banner1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210911T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210911T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20211023T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211023T220000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20210421T173721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211019T222909Z UID:4662-1635012000-1635026400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Salamander Ball 2021 DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Parkway Drive-In Theatre in Maryville for our annual salamander bash\, featuring live music\, screening of freshwater nature films\, silent auction of adventure packages\, and more! All proceeds from this fundraising event will support Discover Life in America and its work to conserve the biodiversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. \n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS\n\n\n\nSILENT AUCTION\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnnouncing Double Feature: \n\n\n\nAttack of the Killer Tomatoes \n\n\n\nJust in time for Halloween\, we’ll screen the 1978 parody film about tomatoes becoming sentient and revolting against humanity! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing beautiful films from Freshwaters Illustrated on the big screen!\n\n\n\nRiverWebs\n\n\n\nRiverWebs is an award-winning documentary about the interconnectedness between freshwater habitats and the forests that surround them. In Freshwaters Illustrated‘s gorgeous style\, it features incredible underwater footage of the fish\, amphibians\, insects and other creatures that inhabit river systems woven together by the story of the scientists that explore these fascinating worlds. (56 minutes) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Last Dragons\n\n\n\n\nThe Last Dragons is the story of Appalachia’s hellbender salamanders. Get an up-close look at these giant\, bizarre looking Southern Appalachian natives. (10 minutes) \n\n\n\nImage credit: Freshwaters Illustrated. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMusical guest\, Bill Mize\n\n\n\n\n“Guitars pine for the fingers of Bill Mize\, who makes them weep\, sing and rollaround like a cat at his feet. Thumpin’ good acoustic majesty.” – WDVX Knoxville \n\n\n\nBill 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpecial reading of The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball by author Lisa Horstman\n\n\n\n\nOur beloved annual fundraiser gets it name from this delightful tale. In The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball\, written and illustrated by Lisa Horstman\, we meet Sara\, a young girl who is on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. Wandering from her tent late one summer night\, Sara discovers an invitation she can’t resist\, inviting her to the Salamander Ball! This book can be purchased here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdventure Auction\n\n\n\n\nThe auction is now live! Bid on exciting adventure packages online or the night of the event! \n\n\n\nTake a guided nature hike from knowledgeable locals\, see the synchronous fireflies at DLiA’s Fireflies Event at Norton Creek and spend the night at the luxurious venue\, and much more. All auction proceeds will help us better study the biodiversity of the Smokies. \n\n\n\n\nBID NOW!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHalloween Car-stume Contest\n\n\n\n\nTake a ride on the wild side at the Salamander Ball on Wheels! With Halloween right around the corner\, let your creativity shine and give your car a makeover with our Halloween Car-stume contest. The top best dressed cars will receive some great prizes. Categories include spookiest\, funniest and most unique. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\n$50 per carload of peoplelocal beer provided with ticket purchaseconcession stand will be open with food items available for additional purchase\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS URL:https://dlia.org/event/salamander-ball-2021/ LOCATION:Parkway Drive-in Theatre\, Maryville\, TN\, 2909 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy\, Maryville\, Tennessee\, 37804 CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser,Kid Friendly ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SalamanderBallwithtextforbanner_sized.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20210920T175047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220310T121058Z UID:4889-1646298000-1646323200@dlia.org SUMMARY:GSMNP Science Colloquium 2022 DESCRIPTION:2022 Park Science Colloquium \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGreat Smoky Mountains National Park and DLiA present the annual 2022 Science Colloquium virtually over Zoom. Learn about the science happening in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the local and regional researchers that are making it happen! Registration is free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nLocation: virtual via Zoom \n\n\n\nRegistration: It’s free! Use the button below. Speakers DO NOT need to register and will receive a custom Zoom link via email. \n\n\n\n\nSchedule & abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\nTeacher workshop\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMissed the colloquium? No problem! Talk recordings are available on YouTube! \n\n\n\nView recorded talks here \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpdated 3/2/2022. Click to expand. Note: final schedule may vary slightly.\n\n\n\nJoin our teacher workshop\n\n\n\nDLiA will be hosting a virtual workshop for teachers at the end of the colloquium. We welcome teachers\, other educators\, and parents to join both events. \n\n\n\nCheck out the workshop page for details and registration. \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. \n\n\n\nSubmitting a presentation: The deadline to submit a presentation for the 2022 Colloquium has now passed. \n\n\n\nImportant dates\n\n\n\nDecember 16\, 2021 – deadline to indicate intent to present. Send tentative title and presenter name to Paul Super (Paul_Super@nps.gov)February 4\, 2021 – deadline to submit abstract\, final title\, and presenter/co-author names and affiliations to Paul SuperWeek of February 14\, 2022 – presenters will receive a Zoom Webinar invitation via email; meeting registration will be available here for all attendees\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 TBD 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. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-colloquium-2022/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210821_170812_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T163000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220208T162656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220211T181609Z UID:5445-1646319600-1646325000@dlia.org SUMMARY:iNaturalist Workshop for Teachers DESCRIPTION:iNaturalist Workshop for Teachers \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for a free virtual workshop to learn about DLiA’s iScience program and how teachers and students can use the app iNaturalist to study biodiversity. The workshop is geared towards educators of iScience-age students in grades 5-8\, but educators who work with different age groups\, parents\, and others are all welcome. It will follow the Park Science Colloquium (also free) and we encourage participants to attend both events. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorkshop registration\n\n\n\nScience Colloquium\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the workshop\n\n\n\nDiscover the biodiversity that surrounds you! iScience is a schoolyard biodiversity program that invites students in grades 5-8 to learn about local species. Created in partnership by Discover Life in America and the Tennessee Valley Authority\, iScience offers resources and training for biodiversity exploration. Students use the iNaturalist app to observe and identify species\, learning about the plants\, animals\, and other organisms that make up local ecosystems. In this workshop\, we will discuss the resources iScience offers\, how to use the iNaturalist app to make an observation\, and how the iNaturalist app is being used for data collection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact aurora@dlia.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho can attend?\n\n\n\nThe workshop is open to anyone including teachers\, other educators\, and parents\, but will be aimed toward those educating 5th to 8th graders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the workshop\n\n\n\nBefore the workshop\, please download iNaturalist on your Apple or Android device and follow instructions in the app to create an account. Feel free to explore the app beforehand and bring your questions about it to the workshop. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Science Colloquium \n\n\n\nWe encourage participants to join the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium\, a series of virtual presentations from scientists working in the Smokies. Talks will be on a variety of fascinating topics and are geared for a general audience. It will take place the same day (March 3rd) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET\, also on Zoom. Learn more and register for that free conference at this page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/workshop-2022-03/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC0149_Alex-Hughes__.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220405T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220405T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220222T210121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220317T120014Z UID:5479-1649161800-1649174400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Blue Ridge Parkway Research and Science Symposium DESCRIPTION:Blue Ridge Parkway Research and Science Symposium \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Blue Ridge Parkway issues around three dozen research permits each year\, but research isn’t science until the results are shared with the broader community. The Blue Ridge Parkway Science Symposium is one way Parkway research partners can share their results and insights for the understanding and protection of our Parkway. The 3rd occasional Symposium will be offered virtually on Tuesday\, April 5th\, and will feature talks about geology\, turtles\, lichens\, bats\, rattlesnakes\, bees\, and other topics.  The Symposium is free and though the talks will be scientific\, the speakers have been asked to be sure that they give enough background that those who are not specialists in their fields can follow their talks. \n\n\n\nHosts: Blue Ridge Parkway\, Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center\, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation\, and Discover Life in America \n\n\n\nLocation: virtual via Zoom \n\n\n\nRegistration\, schedule and more information: >>here<< URL:https://dlia.org/event/blue-ridge-parkway-research-and-science-symposium/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Monarda-didyma-Beebalm-Alex-Hughes_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220410T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220412T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20211001T194750Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220321T164424Z UID:5048-1649592000-1649779200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smokies Eco-Adventure 2022 DESCRIPTION:Great Smokies Eco-Adventure \n\n\n\n\nExperience the Smokies like never before! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. DLiA is partnering with A Walk in the Woods to bring you this exclusive 3-day\, 2-night adventure that will include guided hikes and nature walks\, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting\, great 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. Book now! Registration deadline extended to March 31! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Eco-Adventure was a great experience! The Smoky Mountains are a significant natural resource and we learned so much more about them because our expert guides Will and Todd were there to answer our endless questions. The group size was small\, which made it so that we all got lots of contact with the guides and with each other. Thank you! Patrick from Raleigh\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGet a backstage pass to the Smokies! Learn about the park’s wildflowers\, trees\, birds\, insects and other life from experts that study it every day. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSavor delicious locally-sourced food & drink! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComfy glamping accomodations\n\n\n\nRustic\, but not too rustic!\n\n\n\nEnjoy hand-made\, locally sourced cuisine from our off-grid camp kitchen\n\n\n\nOff-grid\, but with hot showers!\n\n\n\nLearn about trees\, wildflowers and more!\n\n\n\nScenic\, guided hikes among the lush green forests of the Smokies\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTentative schedule\n\n\n\nThe 2-night adventure begins at noon Sunday\, April 10th and will conclude on Tuesday afternoon\, April 12th. Here’s a rough schedule\, which is flexible depending on the interests of the group… \n\n\n\nSUNDAY Guests will meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center at noon and enjoy light snacks and a guided insect hike led by DLiA’s resident entomologist\, Will Kuhn. In the late afternoon\, we’ll head 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 heavy hors d’oeuvres. We’ll finish off with s’mores around a campfire. \n\n\n\nMONDAY We’ll have locally-sourced coffee and a hot breakfast at camp and pack sack lunches. We’ll then take a moderately difficult hike to see spring wildflowers. We’ll arrive back at camp in 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. We might even see blue ghost fireflies! \n\n\n\nTUESDAY We’ll start with a hot breakfast\, pack sack lunches\, and pack up our gear. Guests will again have a choice between two day hikes: a more strenuous guided through-hike along Gabes Mountain Trail or an easier hike in the Cosby area of the park. We’ll finish up around 4 pm. We’ll say our goodbyes and guests will depart. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour hosts\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\nA Walk in the Woods has generously provided their camp\, staff\, and Smokies expertise to make this new and exciting fundraising event possible and we are so excited to work with them! \n\n\n\nYou’ll meet Will Kuhn and Todd Witcher from DLiA\, who can tell you all about different kinds of Smokies biodiversity and who will assist with the guided hikes. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets: $950 per person\n\n\n\nThis is a fundraising event for DLiA. All proceeds will help DLiA continue its work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tickets are $950 per person\, which includes your accommodation\, food\, and alcohol during the event as well as expert-led hikes (details below). \n\n\n\nREGISTRATION CLOSES: Deadline extended to March 31st! \n\n\n\nCANCELLATION POLICY: Full payment is due upon ticket purchase. If you decide to cancel your spot\, we are happy to refund your full payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot before the event. \n\n\n\nIMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees are required to show either proof of COVID-19 vaccination (at least one dose) or a negative COVID-19 test result taken no earlier than 3 days prior to the event. No exceptions. \n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat does 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\, your support will fund\n\n\n\nour continuing research work with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory\, aimed at cataloging\, understanding\, and ultimately conserving the 21\,000+ species that call the Smokies homeour world-class summer internship program\, where we train the next generation of conservationists through an immersive experience in the Smokiesour educational programming in and around Great Smoky Mountains NP\, fostering nature literacy among our community (Science @ Sugarlands\, iScience\, Smokies Most Wanted)and much more!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s included?\n\n\n\nFood & drink\n\n\n\nFood is included with your ticket purchase\, including vegetarian and vegan options\, as are drinks\, including local beer and wine. Guests should plan to eat lunch before arriving on Sunday though we will provide light snacks. We will ask you about dietary restrictions and drink preferences when we send out your welcome information close to the event. We will do our best to accommodate all your needs. \n\n\n\nLodging and other\n\n\n\nThis is a “glamping” (glamorous camping) event and accommodations are rustic\, but comfortable. The camp is off-the-grid–no municipal power or water–but it has many of the amenities of home\, including hot showers and running water\, a well-stocked camp kitchen\, and a battery pack for lighting and to charge your phone as needed. You’ll sleep in a spacious 2-person tent with a comfy cot topped by a thick sleeping pad. Pricing is based on double occupancy. \n\n\n\nGuided hikes led by the experts\n\n\n\nYou’ll have full access to experts from Discover Life in America\, who will take you on guided hikes and answer your questions about life in the Smokies\, the history and natural history of the region\, and much more. We’ll point out all the incredible spring wildflowers that should be in bloom during the event as well as the fascinating insects that pollinate them. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to bring\n\n\n\n\n\nRequired\n\n\n\nsleeping bag towelday packhiking shoes/bootsrain jacketwater bottlecool weather clothing and jacketwell-fitting face mask\n\n\n\n\n\nRecommended\n\n\n\ntravel pillowflashlight or headlamp with fresh batteriesinsect repellentsunscreentoiletries\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere & when to meet\n\n\n\nMeet at Sugarlands Visitor Center\, Bus parking lot (closest to Little River Road) at noon on Sunday. We will send out instructions and follow-up information to ticket holders as the event approaches. \n\n\n\n\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 dramatically 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. What COVID precautions will be in place? \n\n\n\nEach attendee is required to show either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days prior to the event. Attendees should bring a mask for times when we’re together inside a vehicle or other indoor spaces. These precautions aside\, the nature of this event—being mostly outdoors—renders it fairly low-risk in the COVID era. All activities will take place in covered open-air facilities or on open trails with lots of airflow. \n\n\n\nQ. How many people will be in attendance? \n\n\n\nSpace is limited to 20 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 flowers\, insects\, mushrooms\, and lots of other sites to see. As long as you are able to walk around 5 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 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\nTents\, cots\, sleeping pads\, and other basics are all provided. Please 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. You can find a full list of required and recommended items above on this page. Attendees will receive additional information prior to the event via email. \n\n\n\nQ. If I have any other questions\, who should I contact? \n\n\n\nPlease contact Todd Witcher (todd@dlia.org) and he’ll be happy to answer your questions about the Eco-Adventure. You can also visit dlia.org to learn more about this event and DLiA’s work in the Smokies. URL:https://dlia.org/event/eco-adventure-2022/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/glamping-graphic-wide-banner1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220506T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220507T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220201T202521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220505T220105Z UID:5416-1651858200-1651924800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz @ River Bluff Trail DESCRIPTION:Bioblitz @ River Bluff Trail \n\n\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 River Bluff Trail below the Norris Dam in Rocky Top\, Tennessee. \n\n\n\nWEATHER UPDATE: Unfortunately\, the weather outlook for Friday is not looking great so we are cancelling the Friday night session and extending the Saturday May 7th session from 8 AM – 2 PM (we previously planned to end at noon). Registrants are welcome to join us on Saturday no matter which day you originally signed up for; no need to change your registration. We will provide water\, but please bring your own snacks or lunch if you think you’ll get hungry before 2 PM. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz?\n\n\n\nDuring a bioblitz\, volunteers help document 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 part of the River Bluff Trail\, looking for bugs\, flowers\, salamanders\, 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 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 River Bluff Trail project on iNaturalist\, which will be left up indefinitely. We encourage you to revisit the River Bluff 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\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\nTwo chances to ‘blitz!\n\n\n\nJoin us Friday (May 6) night 5:30-9:30 pm to see what evening critters we can find\, or join us Saturday (May 7) morning 8 am-noon\, or come for both! We’ll meet at the same location for both. See update below. \n\n\n\nWEATHER UPDATE: Unfortunately\, the weather outlook for Friday is not looking great so we are cancelling the Friday night session and extending the Saturday May 7th session from 8 AM – 2 PM (we previously planned to end at noon). Registrants are welcome to join us on Saturday no matter which day you originally signed up for; no need to change your registration. We will provide water\, but please bring your own snacks or lunch if you think you’ll get hungry before 2 PM. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere to meet?\n\n\n\nMeet at the River Bluff Trail parking lot. \n\n\n\nThe River Bluff Trail is a 3.2-mile loop that traverses TVA’s River Bluff Small Wild Area\, located just below the Norris Dam in Rocky Top\, TN. We’ll take our time looking for fun flora and fauna and may not cover that full distance. \n\n\n\n\nGoogle Maps directions to meeting spot\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelpful links\n\n\n\nRiver Bluff Trail iNaturalist projectRiver Bluff Trail map and informationList of all our bioblitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our Smokies Most Wanted projectLearn 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-norris-dam-river-bluff/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20200810_114559_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220520T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 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:20220609T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220612T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20210930T180759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220405T185156Z UID:4731-1654801200-1655074800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Fireflies at Norton Creek 2022 DESCRIPTION:Fireflies at Norton Creek \n\n\n\n\nSynchronous fireflies light up the road at Norton Creek // Photo: Abbott Nature Photography. All rights reserved. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWatch the Smokies’ magical fireflies in style! Our annual firefly event is a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. From the comfort of a luxurious private reserve\, enjoy food and drink surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery\, and witness an incredible display of synchronous and blue ghost fireflies (and other glowing critters) guided by our knowledgeable staff. Four nights to choose from. This is an evening you won’t forget! All proceeds help us at Discover Life in America carry out our mission to understand and conserve the diversity of life in the Smokies. SOLD OUT! \n\n\n\nNOTE: This is NOT the synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a private fundraising event located on private land adjacent to the park. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWaitlist (all 4 nights)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHemlock House overview\n\n\n\nGorgeous Hemlock House\n\n\n\nA magnificent ravine for fireflies\n\n\n\nSynchronous fireflies’ woodland display //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\nSynchronous firefly adult //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\nBlue ghost male //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\nBlue ghost female //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\nTrails left by blue ghosts //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\nFirefly larva (Photuris sp.) //Abbott Nature\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\nLocation: Norton Creek Preserve\, a 3000-acre tract adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains NP\, near Gatlinburg\, TN. Detailed directions will be sent to ticketholders before the event.Food is included: heavy hors d’oeuvres by Whole Earth Grocery\, including vegetarian optionsDrinks are included: local beer as well as wine\, sodas\, and tea Includes expert-guided firefly viewing: we’ll point out different firefly species and answer your firefly questionsLight\, uphill walking will be involved on paved and gravel surfacesRain or shine: we’ll hold the event even if rain is forecast (see FAQs)No pets allowedOpen to kids 10 and up (ticket required for each child)More information: ticketholders will receive an email with directions and details around mid-MayFAQs: read our list of frequently asked questions for more information\n\n\n\nCOVID-19 POLICY: We believe in science and take coronavirus seriously! We will follow the latest CDC guidance at this event to keep our guests\, staff\, and volunteers safe. We will update ticketholders with current information as the event approaches. Please keep in mind that you will be required to wear a mask during the indoor part of the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew this year:Candlelight Dinner\n\n\n\nFriday\, June 10 at 7 pm – SOLD OUT! \n\n\n\nExperience this extravagant night of friendship\, food and frolicking with the Smokies’ famous synchronized fireflies. \n\n\n\nEarl and Margit Worsham will receive you in their home together with Board member Lee Naughton and husband Eugene\, Dollywood Company President to a special dinner and drinks prepared by Dollywood’s own Master Chef. Music\, Full Bar\, Signature Cocktails and Live Auction. \n\n\n\nThe evening will conclude with a guided viewing of the magnificent synchronous fireflies that call Norton Creek home\, and their other bioluminescent brethren\, including blue ghost fireflies and other glowing insects. \n\n\n\nTickets are limited. $500 per person. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n// photo: Abbott Nature Photography \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat people love about our event\n\n\n\nGuided firefly viewing. Our knowledgeable staff will point out different firefly species to you and can tell you what makes each one special.It’s private. This event is held on private land and we only host around 50 guests per night. Each guest can witness the magic on their own without the crowds.The venue is magnificent! You’ll love exploring the guest house where we start our event and the gorgeous surrounding property nestled in the Smoky Mountains.It’s dark. We try to keep things very dark so your eyes can adjust\, allowing you to see the wonderful bioluminescence around you. (Don’t worry\, we’ve got lights if you need them.)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFour nights to choose from\n\n\n\nThursday\, June 9\, 2022 @ 7pm – $225 per person SOLD OUT!Friday\, June 10\, 2022 @ 7 pm – candlelight dinner\, $500 per person SOLD OUT!Saturday\, June 11\, 2022 @ 7pm – $225 per person SOLD OUT!Sunday\, June 12\, 2022 @ 7pm – $225 per person SOLD OUT!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\nTickets for Thursday\, Saturday\, and Sunday nights are $225 per person and $500 per person for Friday. Tickets are open to anyone 10 years of age or older (children under 10 are not allowed at this event). Each ticket is for a single night of the event. Purchase your tickets early. We do sell out! All proceeds from this event support DLiA and our work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (learn more). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWaitlist (all 4 nights)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCancellation policy\n\n\n\nFull payment is due at checkout. We will be happy to refund your full payment if and only if we are able to fill your slot. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQuestions?\n\n\n\nPlease carefully 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\n\n\n\n\nFAQs\n\n\n\nQ. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? \n\n\n\nA. Nope. 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! You can expect a lot of value for the ticket price AND you’re supporting Discover Life in America and our important work in the Smokies! 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 to explore the private venue\, which is not open to the public. It’s a gorgeous house made from rough-hewn hemlocks and decorated with birch bark that’s set on a pastoral hilltop right next to the national park. You’ll have one-on-one time with Will Kuhn\, our resident 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 confident that you’ll enjoy yourself and learn something new! \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 nine 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 the 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. Where should I stay during the event? \n\n\n\nA. Lodging is not included as part of the Fireflies Event; but there are ample hotel options in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These are the two closest large communities to the venue and they’re about equal distance from it. There are also lots of cabins and small rental properties along “The Spur” (The Spur is a section of the Foothills Parkway connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg; a.k.a. HWY 441). \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. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to attend this event. \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. Note\, the first part of the event takes place inside. We recommend that you bring a light rain jacket in case we get a little rain during viewing\, which takes place outside but under a protective forest canopy. Rain or shine\, it’s going to be great! \n\n\n\nQ. In the description for this event\, you mention “other glowing critters.” What do you mean? \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 will see some of the nine other glowing firefly species in the region while we wait for the synchronous and blue ghost fireflies to start their show. We usually find the glowing larvae of a number of these species\, as well. So much bioluminescence! URL:https://dlia.org/event/fireflies-2022/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Synchronous-Firefly-Photinus-carolinus-Abbott-Nature-Photography_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220617T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 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:20220624T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220625T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220201T203947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220204T152133Z UID:5418-1656093600-1656158400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Bioblitz @ Nottely Tailwater Trail DESCRIPTION:Bioblitz @ Nottely Tailwater Trail \n\n\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 Nottely Tailwater Trail at Nottely Dam\, in Blairsville\, Georgia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz?\n\n\n\nDuring a bioblitz\, volunteers help document 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 Nottely Tailwater Trail\, looking for bugs\, flowers\, salamanders\, 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 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 Nottely Tailwater Trail project on iNaturalist\, which will be left up indefinitely. We encourage you to revisit the 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\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\nTwo chances to ‘blitz!\n\n\n\nJoin us Friday night (June 24) 6-10 pm to see what evening critters we can find\, or join us Saturday morning (June 25) 8 am-noon\, or come for both! We’ll meet at the same location for both. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere to meet?\n\n\n\nMeet at the BOTTOM of the Nottely Tailwater Trail (not the trailhead at the top). Park along the road near the picnic tables that mark the end of the trail. \n\n\n\nMeet at the orange X at the river end of trail.\n\n\n\nNottely Tailwater Trail is a mile long trail that follows a babbling creek. It exits along Nottely River (where we’ll meet). \n\n\n\n\nGoogle Maps link meeting spot\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelpful links\n\n\n\nNottely Tailwater Trail iNaturalist projectNottely Tailwater Trail map and informationList of all our bioblitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our Smokies Most Wanted projectLearn 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-nottely-dam/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/orange-jumping-spider-Alex-Hughes_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220715T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220315T154337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T211409Z UID:5574-1657890000-1657897200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: African American Experience DESCRIPTION:The African American Experience in the Smokies: making the invisible visible\n\n\n\nAtalaya Dorfield\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park\n\n\n\nDo you remember the time when you were sitting on the front porch with your grandparents\, and they told you a story? Not just any story\, but a story that made you ask more questions\, read more books\, or share those stories that you learned as a child with your grandchildren. In 2018\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park realized that there was a missing piece to its rich puzzle of history\, which led to the park’s new project\, the African American Experience Project. This project is a collaborative effort with park partners and the community to document and share the untold stories of African Americans in and outside the Smokies. These stories have been shared by many African Americans around crackling campfires\, sun-beaten front porches\, and the lamp lit bedrooms\, but they have yet to be shared with the world. To tell this story\, the park is conducting research into African American experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains region of Appalachia from constructed 1540s to the present-day. Research topics in this framework include slavery\, the American Civil War\, social dynamics\, laws and policies\, careers\, recreation\, and oral histories. These are a few of the many key topics that will help park visitors understand this important\, yet untold story. \n\n\n\nLearn about the African American Experience Project from Atalaya Dorfield\, one of the folks working to reveal the missing pieces of this puzzle of Smokies history! \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: Job Corpsmen. Provided by National Park Service URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-african-american-experience/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fletcher-Job-Corpsmen-photo-NPS.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220819T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220819T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 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:20260406T125603 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:20220917T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220917T143000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220913T194629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220919T162000Z UID:5808-1663419600-1663425000@dlia.org SUMMARY:REI Co-op Class Series: Smokies Most Wanted DESCRIPTION:September 17th at 1pm ESTSmokies Most Wanted: Help Record Life in the Smokies! \n\n\n\nOctober 15th at 1pm ESTSmokies Most Wanted: Community Science for the Whole Family! \n\n\n\nNovember 19th at 1pm ESTSmokies Most Wanted: #OptOutside with iNaturalist! \n\n\n\nSeptember 17th at 1pmSmokies Most Wanted: Help Record Life in the Smokies! \n\n\n\nIn this program\, you’ll learn how to use a nature app called iNaturalist to document the animals and plants you encounter in Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, through a community science project called Smokies Most Wanted. You’ll learn how to participate and make the most of iNaturalist\, how you can seek out specific Smokies species in a virtual scavenger hunt\, and how your contributions will help the park better protect its natural resources. (Parent/guardian permission required for kids under 13.) \n\n\n\nRegister here for September 17th: https://www.rei.com/…/smokies-most-wanted-help…/318113 \n\n\n\nOctober 15th at 1pmSmokies Most Wanted: Community Science for the Whole Family \n\n\n\nAre you looking for new ways to make family outdoor adventures more fun and educational? In this program\, you’ll learn how to use a nature app called iNaturalist to become community scientists! We will teach you and your family how to document the animals and plants you encounter whether you are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or even in your own backyard. It’s fun\, easy\, and great for kids and families! (Parent/guardian permission required for kids under 13.) \n\n\n\nRegister here for October 15th:https://www.rei.com/…/smokies-most-wanted…/318156 \n\n\n\nNovember 19th at 1pmSmokies Most Wanted: Opt Outside with iNaturalist \n\n\n\n“Opt Outside” this year by doing community science! In this program\, you’ll learn how to use a nature app called iNaturalist to document the animals and plants you encounter wherever you decide to #optoutside this year. We will also share how you can participate and make the most of iNaturalist\, by seeking out specific species in a virtual scavenger hunt in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, and how your contributions will help the park better protect its natural resources. It’s fun\, easy\, and great for all ages! (Parent/guardian permission required for kids under 13.) \n\n\n\nRegister here for November 19th:https://www.rei.com/…/smokies-most-wanted-opt…/318157 URL:https://dlia.org/event/rei-co-op-class-series-smokies-most-wanted/ LOCATION:REI Co-op Pigeon Forge\, 2655 Teaster Ln Suite 310\, Pigeon Forge\, Tennessee\, 37863\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220922T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220922T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220913T205136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220913T205140Z UID:5834-1663840800-1663855200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Record Life in the Smokies at Sugarlands Visitor Center DESCRIPTION:Join Discover Life in America at Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn about using iNaturalist and the Smokies Most Wanted Program! Help us record life in the Smokies as a community scientist! Use the iNaturalist app to record any animal\, plant and other lifeform you find in the National Park. Want to take things up a notch? Look for the 100+ high priority species found in our Smokies Most Wanted Guide. URL:https://dlia.org/event/record-life-in-the-smokies-at-sugarlands-visitor-center/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road\, Gatlinburg\, Tennessee\, 37738\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220924T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220924T090000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220913T202125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220913T202129Z UID:5820-1664010000-1664010000@dlia.org SUMMARY:National Public Lands Day Celebration! DESCRIPTION:Join Discover Life in America to “Record life in the Smokies” as part of our Smokies Most Wanted program at Oconoluftee Visitor Center in GSMNP! \n\n\n\nEstablished in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September\, National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community\, inspires environmental stewardship\, and encourages use of open space for education\, recreation\, and health benefits. This year\, National Public Lands Day falls on September 24\, 2022. URL:https://dlia.org/event/national-public-lands-day-celebration/ LOCATION:Oconoluftee Vistor Center\, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd\, Cherokee\, North Carolina\, 28719\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Writing-text-as-an-example-Presentation-169-7.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221007T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221007T213000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220810T173317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220819T163152Z UID:5772-1665165600-1665178200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Salamander Ball on Wheels 2022 DESCRIPTION:Come one\, come all\, to the Salamander Ball! Our third annual “Salamander Ball on Wheels” is an appreciation event to thank our volunteers\, sponsors and supporters\, past and present.Save the date October 7th for an evening of family-friendly fun and our featured movie\, The Lorax at the Parkway Drive-in Movie Theater in Maryville\, TN! \n\n\n\nIt’s free\, but donations are welcome to support this event! URL:https://dlia.org/event/salamander-ball-on-wheels-2022/ LOCATION:Parkway Drive-in Theatre\, Maryville\, TN\, 2909 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy\, Maryville\, Tennessee\, 37804 CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Salamander-Ball-on-Wheels-3-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221015T010000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221015T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220919T161124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220919T204352Z UID:5873-1665795600-1665842400@dlia.org SUMMARY:REI Co-op Class Series: Smokies Most Wanted DESCRIPTION:October 15th at 1pmSmokies Most Wanted: Community Science for the Whole Family \n\n\n\nAre you looking for new ways to make family outdoor adventures more fun and educational? In this program\, you’ll learn how to use a nature app called iNaturalist to become community scientists! We will teach you and your family how to document the animals and plants you encounter whether you are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or even in your own backyard. It’s fun\, easy\, and great for kids and families! (Parent/guardian permission required for kids under 13.) \n\n\n\nRegister here for October 15th:https://www.rei.com/…/smokies-most-wanted…/318156 URL:https://dlia.org/event/rei-oct2022/ LOCATION:REI Co-op Pigeon Forge\, 2655 Teaster Ln Suite 310\, Pigeon Forge\, Tennessee\, 37863\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Writing-text-as-an-example-Presentation-169-Instagram-Post-Square-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T125603 CREATED:20220921T141726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220921T141729Z UID:5802-1666260000-1666274400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Smokies Most Wanted at Sugarlands Visitor Center DESCRIPTION:Join Discover Life in America at Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn about using iNaturalist and the Smokies Most Wanted Program! Help us record life in the Smokies as a community scientist! Use the iNaturalist app to record any animal\, plant and other lifeform you find in the National Park. Want to take things up a notch? Look for the 100+ high priority species found in our Smokies Most Wanted Guide. URL:https://dlia.org/event/smokies-most-wanted-at-sugarlands-visitor-center/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR