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:20170312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20171105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20180311T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20181104T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20190310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20191103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20200308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20201101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20180311T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20181104T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20190310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20191103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20200308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20201101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20170101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201015T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201015T213000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20200828T171600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201009T162136Z UID:4075-1602784800-1602797400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball on Wheels! DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Parkway Drive-In Theatre in Maryville for a COVID-adapted version of our annual spectacular salamander selebration: the Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball on Wheels! This event will feature live music from guitarist Bill Mize and a screening of beautiful nature film\, Hidden Rivers. All proceeds from this fundraising event will support Discover Life in America and its biodiversity conservation work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tickets are $40 per car. \n\n\n\nUPDATE – FILM CHANGE: We are excited to announce that we will now be screening Hidden Rivers at the Salamander Ball on Wheels! This gorgeous film\, created by the non-profit Freshwaters Illustrated\, showcases several waterways in our region and fits exceedingly well with our mission of biodiversity conservation. And it is a delightful film that we are sure you and your family will love! \n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing Hidden Rivers\n\n\n\n\nDiscover America’s Richest Waters \n\n\n\nHidden Rivers is a 1-hour film that explores the rivers and streams of the Southern Appalachian region\, North America’s most biologically rich waters. The film follows the work of conservation biologists and explorers throughout the region – revealing both the beauty and vulnerability of this aquatic life – and how many people are finding ways to protect these ecosystems. \n\n\n\nRead more about the film here and checkout the Hidden Rivers Guidebook and T-shirt here (sales of those items support the nonprofit that made the film). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the Hidden Rivers trailer:\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out our auction of unforgettable experiences!\n\n\n\nWe have an offering of experience packages that you can bid on as part of this event. Auction opens Friday October 9th and ends Thursday\, October 15th at 9:00 PM ET. All proceeds go to DLiA. Thanks to FOTS for hosting! \n\n\n\n Text the words Salamander Ball to 243725or click here to participate! \n\n\n\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\nHonoring Conservation Hero Richard Powers\n\n\n\n\nRichard lives in Townsend\, TN and is likely the first novelist ever to win the Pulitzer Prize (2019) for a book about trees. His New York Times best selling book\, The Overstory\, received universal acclaim\, especially among members of the environmental community. The book explores complex characters and their lifelong relationship with trees and forest ecosystems. Within the novel\, his characters search for a story that will help humanity understand how dangerous it is to treat the Earth the way we do. Find out more at richardpowers.net. \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\nHalloween Car-stume Contest\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\nCOVID-19 safety measures\n\n\n\nWe have redesigned this annual event to make it safer for everyone. As such\, we will be following CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety. Attendees will be required to wear masks while in public spaces like the restroom area and to otherwise remain with your car group. Cars will be parked every other space in the lot to allow distancing. \n\n\n\nFood and drink: We will not serve food or drink at this event and concessions will not be open. However\, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\nTickets for this event are $40 per carload of people. \n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by\n\n\n\nThanks to the following organizations and donors for supporting the Salamander Ball on Wheels! \n\n\n[slideshow_deploy id=’4105′] URL:https://dlia.org/event/salamander-ball-2020/ LOCATION:Parkway Drive-In Theatre\, 2909 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy\, Maryville\, Tennessee\, 37804\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_1814.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20201010T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20201110T235900 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T145348Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201014T162226Z UID:3464-1602324000-1605052740@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual BioBlitz @ Johnson Ridge Trail DESCRIPTION:Virtual BioBlitz @ Johnson Ridge Trail\n\n\n\nJoin DLiA and the Tennessee Valley Authority for a free\, family-friendly virtual event where you can be a citizen scientist and learn about the natural wonders found at TVA’s wild lands! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\nIt’s a bioblitz on TVA’s trails\, but virtual! \n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz? It’s an effort to find and document as many species as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a citizen scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the animals\, plants and other organisms that live around you! \n\n\n\nWhere is this taking place? This is a virtual event that you can do at your own pace. Watch the video below then visit Johnson Ridge Trail near Bean Station\, TN or any of the other 10 qualifying TVA trails in East Tennessee and Northern Alabama to complete a scavenger hunt and receive a fun thank you gift! \n\n\n\nHere’s how to participate:\n\n\n\n(1) WATCH THE VIDEO\n\n\n\nWe’ll launch the event via YouTube on Saturday\, October 10th at 10 am EDT. Watch our video introduction to Johnson Ridge Trail and see some of the neat flora and fauna that live there. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2) VISIT ANY QUALIFYING TVA TRAIL\n\n\n\nFrom October 10 to November 10\, 2020\, we challenge you to visit beautiful Johnson Ridge Trail near Bean Station\, TN or any of the other TVA trails listed below. There are 11 TVA trails to choose from: 9 in east Tennessee and 2 in northern Alabama. Which one is closest to you? \n\n\n\n\n\n\n TrailLocationStateDirectionsTrail mapiNat project\n\n\n\n\n Johnson Ridge TrailCherokee LakeTennessee\n\n\n Hall Bend TrailTellico DamTennessee\n\n\n Little Cedar Mountain TrailNickajack LakeTennessee\n\n\n Marbut Bend TrailWheeler LakeAlabama\n\n\n Melton Hill Dam TrailMelton Hill DamTennessee\n\n\n Muscle Shoals Reservation TrailsWilson DamAlabama\n\n\n Osceola Island TrailSouth Fork Holston RiverTennessee\n\n\n Songbird TrailNorris DamTennessee\n\n\n Trotter Bluff TrailDouglas DamTennessee\n\n\n Whites Creek TrailWatts Bar LakeTennessee\n\n\n Worthington Cemetery TrailMelton Hill LakeTennessee\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(3) COMPLETE THE SCAVENGER HUNT\n\n\n\nLook for these plants\, animals\, and other groups of organisms\, snap photos of them with your mobile device and post your observations to the free iNaturalist app. \n\n\n\nThe scavenger hunt challenge: Make iNaturalist observations of organisms that you find along your TVA trail of choice. The challenge is to observe a variety of organisms: find representatives from at least 10 of these categories: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrintable version of this checklist with instructions: PDF \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(4) WE SEND YOU A THANK YOU GIFT!\n\n\n\n\nFill out this short form when you complete the scavenger hunt and we’ll send you a TVA BioBlitz-themed neck buff as a thank you gift! \n\n\n\n\nForm for thank you gift\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout iNaturalist\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\niNaturalist is a really useful\, free tool for taking photos of lifeforms (animals\, plants\, fungi\, etc.)\, identifying them\, and making species observations. These observations help us learn about the world’s biodiversity. \n\n\n\nGetting started with iNaturalist\n\n\n\nDownload the free iNaturalist app to your Apple or Android smartphone. You can also visit iNaturalist.org from your web browser. Follow the prompts in the app to create a new iNaturalist account.Find a cool bug\, plant\, or other organism. Open the app and tap OBSERVE or the (+) sign to take a photo of your organism (or choose an existing photo from your camera roll).Tap WHAT DID YOU SEE? to identify your organism.Make sure your location and date are recorded.Tap SUBMIT or the check-mark icon to submit your observation to iNaturalist.Repeat! See how many different organisms you can observe around you!\n\n\n\nFor more tips and tricks for using iNaturalist\, check out their getting started page: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat have people spotted at Johnson Ridge Trail\, so far?\n\n\n\nPeople like you have observed more than 130 species of plants\, insects\, spiders\, fungi\, and other kinds of organisms at Johnson Ridge Trail so far\, but there’s plenty more to find! You can help us expand this list by adding your own observations in iNaturalist. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the full Johnson Ridge Trail project page on iNaturalist to see more. \n\n\n\nWhat’s been found at another TVA trail? Visit this iNaturalist umbrella project to find out! \n\n\n\nFeatured species\n\n\n\n[coming soon!]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nMap link to Johnson Ridge Trail parking areaiNaturalist project at Johnson Ridge TrailList of all our BioBlitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-johnson-ridge/ LOCATION:Tennessee CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/johnson-ridge-banner-800x533-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200929T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200929T173000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20200828T145018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210211T211330Z UID:4068-1601395200-1601400600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Schoolyard Exploration...Smokies Style DESCRIPTION:Join our biodiversity-themed virtual teacher workshop\, co-organized by Discover Life in America and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Education Park Rangers. Participants will learn about activities that we use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and how they can be adapted at home or around a schoolyard. This virtual workshop is free and open to teachers and educators for all grade levels in public\, private\, and home-school education. \n\n\n\nUPDATE SEPT 21: Wow! We’re excited that we’ve had some much interest in this workshop! Unfortunately\, all available slots and our waiting list are now both filled. Please stay tuned to our Facebook and events page\, where we will announce our next workshop very soon. Thank you for your interest! \n\n\n\nWhat to expect from the workshop\n\n\n\nThis 1.5-hour workshop will include an introduction to resources and a hands-on exploration that can be easily replicated at any schoolyard or at home. We will model the use of free virtual platforms that can enhance classroom and at-home learning. We will explore the world of the terrestrial macroinvertebrate\, learn how to navigate the iNatualist app\, and see how you and your students can participate in the Species SnapIt & MapIt project\, which contributes to a public resource called Atlas of the Smokies. \n\n\n\nTiming and location\n\n\n\nThe virtual workshop will take place over Zoom on Tuesday\, September 29\, 2020 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. ET \n\n\n\nWho can participate\n\n\n\nThe workshop is open to any teacher or educator\, for any grade level in public\, private\, home-school education\, informal education\, etc. Attendance will be limited\, so please register early. \n\n\n\nHow to register\n\n\n\nThis workshop is free but you must fill out the registration form to participate. Spots are limited\, so please register early. We will send out a Zoom meeting link with your registration confirmation and additional information as the workshop approaches. \n\n\n\nRegistration for this workshop is now closed. All available slots and our waiting list are now both filled. Please stay tuned to our Facebook and events page\, where we will announce our next workshop very soon. Thank you for your interest! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the workshop\n\n\n\nPlease download and set up the iNaturalist app to your mobile device before the workshop. It’s free and useful! \n\n\n\nDownload and install iNaturalist: Google Play store or Apple App store or just search for iNaturalistFollow the prompts to create an account and sign into the appOptional: Play around with the app. Explore and add an observation of an organism in your yard.\n\n\n\nWatch this video to get a primer on using the iNaturalist app: \n\n\n \n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nThe following are materials that will either be used directly during the workshop or that participants may find helpful later on. \n\n\n\nTerrestrial macroinvertebrates: \n\n\n\nTerrestrial Invertebrate Study – detailed instructions and resourcesIdentification guide for terrestrial macroinvertebrates (PDF)Inventory datasheet (PDF)Data collection worksheet – elementary (DOCX)Parks as Classrooms: Terrestrial Macro-invertebrates (YouTube video)Parks as Classrooms: Observation Skills – High School level (YouTube video)Parks as Classrooms: Observation Skills – Elementary School level (YouTube video)\n\n\n\nSpecies SnapIt & MapIt project: \n\n\n\nSpecies SnapIt & MapIt community science projectAtlas of the Smokies (free NPS web tool)iNaturalist project for Great Smoky Mountains National Park\n\n\n\nOther helpful resources: \n\n\n\niScience – DLiA’s biodiversity program for middle schoolsEducation at Great Smoky Mountains National ParkSmokiEEEs at HomeTremont Institute‘s programs for educators\n\n\n\nQuestions\n\n\n\nAsk Haley (haley@dlia.org) URL:https://dlia.org/event/teacher-workshop-2020/ LOCATION:Tennessee CATEGORIES:Education,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0191.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200918T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200918T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T144625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200908T132303Z UID:3455-1600434000-1600441200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands DESCRIPTION:CANCELLED: Wetlands and seeps in the Smokies\n\n\n\nAlix Pfennigwerth\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, National Park Service\n\n\n\nUPDATE: The September Science @ Sugarlands talk has been cancelled but the October talk is still on. Join us next month for our final talk of the season! \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-7/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/flipcause-banner-1050x262.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200822T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200922T235900 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T145437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T121029Z UID:3465-1598090400-1600819140@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual BioBlitz @ Osceola Island DESCRIPTION:Virtual BioBlitz @ Osceola Island\n\n\n\nJoin DLiA and the Tennessee Valley Authority for this free\, family-friendly virtual event where you can be a citizen scientist and learn about the natural wonders found at TVA’s wild lands! \n\n\n\nUPDATE: This event has officially ended BUT you should totally check out Osceola Island\, anyway! It’s beautiful and full of neat biodiversity. You can still help us to catalog the animals and plants there by posting observations of the organisms you encounter to our iNaturalist project for the site. Happy hunting! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is this event?\n\n\n\nIt’s a bioblitz on TVA’s wild lands\, but virtual! \n\n\n\nWhat’s a bioblitz? It’s an effort to find and document as many species as we can find in a certain place. It’s also an opportunity for you to be a citizen scientist\, gathering real scientific data\, while also learning about the animals\, plants and other organisms that live around you! \n\n\n\nHere’s how to participate:\n\n\n\n(1) WATCH THE VIDEO\n\n\n\nWe’ll launch the event via YouTube on Saturday\, August 22nd at 10 am EDT. Watch our video introduction to Osceola Island and see some of the neat flora and fauna that live there. \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(2) VISIT OSCEOLA ISLAND\n\n\n\nFor the next 30 days (from August 22nd to September 22nd)\, we challenge you to visit beautiful Osceola Island. This beautiful site is located just below South Holston Dam\, south of Bristol\, TN in Sullivan County. The focus of our scavenger hunt (below) will be the Osceola Island Trail\, a 1.8-mile loop\, accessible via a footbridge. Park at the Osceola Island Day Use Area. \n\n\n\n\nOsceola Island parking (Google Maps)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(3) COMPLETE THE SCAVENGER HUNT\n\n\n\nAt Osceola Island\, look for these plants\, animals\, and other groups of organisms and post your observations of them to the free mobile app\, iNaturalist. \n\n\n\nThe scavenger hunt challenge: Make iNaturalist observations of organisms that you find at Osceola Island. The challenge is to observe a variety of species: find representatives from at least 10 of these categories. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrintable version of this checklist with instructions: PDF \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n(4) WE SEND YOU A THANK YOU GIFT!\n\n\n\n\nFill out this short form when you complete the scavenger hunt and we’ll send you a TVA BioBlitz-themed neck buff as a thank you gift! \n\n\n\n\nForm for thank you gift (Google Forms)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout iNaturalist\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\n\n\niNaturalist is a really useful\, free tool for taking photos of lifeforms (animals\, plants\, fungi\, etc.)\, identifying them\, and making species observations. These observations help us learn about the world’s biodiversity. \n\n\n\nGetting started with iNaturalist\n\n\n\nDownload the free iNaturalist app to your Apple or Android smartphone. You can also visit iNaturalist.org from your web browser. Follow the prompts in the app to create a new iNaturalist account.Find a cool bug\, plant\, or other organism. Open the app and tap OBSERVE or the (+) sign to take a photo of your organism (or choose an existing photo from your camera roll).Tap WHAT DID YOU SEE? to identify your organism.Make sure your location and date are recorded.Tap SUBMIT or the check-mark icon to submit your observation to iNaturalist.Repeat! See how many different organisms you can observe around you!\n\n\n\nFor more tips and tricks for using iNaturalist\, check out their getting started page: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat life have we found at Osceola Island?\n\n\n\nHere are the Osceola Island species that have been documented on iNaturalist so far\, but there are many more waiting to be found! You can help us expand this list by adding your own observations! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the full Osceola Island project page on iNaturalist to see more. \n\n\n\nFeatured in YouTube video\n\n\n\nShrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum) – This small\, perennial shrub is native to eastern North America. It has beautiful yellow-petaled flowers with sprays of stamens\, giving them a puffy\, rounded appearance. This easy-going native makes a great yard plant: it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. More infoGreat Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – The largest heron in North America\, this common\, majestic bird is often found around freshwater and coastal habitats. It feeds primarily on fish\, but will also munch on amphibians\, small reptiles\, insects\, and small mammals. More infoWild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – This small pale-purple wildflower is great for attracting butterflies\, bees and other pollinating insects. In fact\, its genus (Monarda) is fittingly called the beebalms. It is a member of the mint family and as such\, it’s leaves have a delightfully minty smell! Blooming in mid- to late summer\, it can be found in open glades and along trails and roadways. More infoLichens (many species) – Lichens are fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with certain algae and bacteria. Each side in this mutually beneficial relationship gets something: the algae and bacteria make food from light (photosynthesis) and share that with the fungi\, and the fungi provides a substrate and protection for its food-making partner. Lichens are everywhere–especially on trees and covering rocks–but they often go unnoticed. Check out this video about lichens from our iScience program.Witch’s Hat (Hygrocybe conica) – This beautiful red-orange mushroom bruises black when poked and prodded. We found many of these at Osceola Island in early August\, which is not surprising as this species can be gregarious (forming large clusters). More infoWhite-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – This medium-large mammal needs no introduction: the white-tailed deer is common throughout North America\, particularly in the Eastern US. It feeds on a wide variety of plant life and is a surprisingly good swimmer. More infoChristmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – This common fern is so named for its evergreen fronds that shine elegantly green among a sea of brown vegetation at Christmas time. It is one of a number of fern species found at Osceola Island. More infoBlack Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus) – It is typical for this large snake to reach 6 feet in length. They are excellent climbers and are happy to seek out shelter in tree cavities. Their wide-ranging diet includes rats and other small mammals\, birds\, frogs\, and lizards. More infoMilkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars (Euchaetes egle) – This moth species has a brightly colored caterpillar that is unusually gregarious (social) for most of it’s life as a larva. By forming brightly colored groups\, they warn predators not to eat them\, because like other tussock moth caterpillars they have hollow hairs that can “sting” anyone who grabs them. This species feeds on milkweed\, like monarch butterfly caterpillars\, feeding on several milkweed (Asclepias) and dogbane (Apocynum) species. More info\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources\n\n\n\nMap link to Osceola IslandiNaturalist project at Osceola IslandList of all our BioBlitzes with TVATVA RecreationVisit the Smokies? Contribute to our iNaturalist project thereLearn about our iScience schoolyard biodiversity program (grades 5-8)\n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nAsk Will: will@dlia.org URL:https://dlia.org/event/bioblitz-osceola-island/ LOCATION:Tennessee CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/trotter-bluff-7-800x533-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200821T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200821T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T144545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200731T185818Z UID:3454-1598014800-1598022000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands DESCRIPTION:Dung beetles\n\n\n\nMaggie Mamantov\, Department of Ecology & Evolution\, University of Tennessee\n\n\n\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. \n\n\n\nThis event has gone virtual! The event will be hosted via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you upon registration. Registration can be found here. After the event\, we’ll post a recording on our YouTube channel. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-6/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/flipcause-banner-1050x262.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200717T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200717T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T144504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200706T140527Z UID:3453-1594990800-1594998000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands DESCRIPTION:CANCELLED: Elk of the Smokies\n\n\n\nJoseph Yarkovich\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, National Park Service\n\n\n\nUPDATE JULY 6: This Science @ Sugarlands talk has been cancelled. Apologies to anyone who has already registered for this event. We will try to have Joe Yarkovich present at next year’s series. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-5/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/flipcause-banner-1050x262.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200619T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200619T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T144407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200610T194150Z UID:3451-1592571600-1592578800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands DESCRIPTION:Appalachian Grasslands\n\n\n\nDwayne Estes\, Southeastern Grasslands Initiative\, Austin Peay State University\n\n\n\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. \n\n\n\nCOVID-19 UPDATE: This event is now online (formerly in person at Sugarlands Visitor Center). Register via the Science at Sugarlands page and we will send you a Zoom link to participate from your computer or mobile device. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-4/ LOCATION:Tennessee ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/flipcause-banner-1050x262.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200601T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200601T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20200522T122506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200601T221036Z UID:3897-1591041600-1591045200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Virtual Fireflies Event DESCRIPTION:Witness the magic of the Smokies fireflies from the comfort of your own home! We are collaborating with firefly photographer Radim Schreiber to present a Virtual Fireflies Event. Tune in Monday\, June 1 at 8 pm ET on YouTube. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTUNE IN ON YouTube\n\n\n\nDONATE NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is it? The event will include a short presentation about fireflies by our Director of Science and Research\, Dr. Will Kuhn\, followed by beautiful firefly footage by firefly photographer and cinematographer Radim Schreiber (FireflyExperience.org). The display will include the world-famous synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus)\, as well as blue ghosts (Phausis reticulata) and other firefly species native to the Smokies region\, all set to relaxing sounds of nature. Knoxville radio journalist and DLiA board member Chrissy Keuper will give a special introduction. Kuhn and other DLiA staff will be answering questions in the comments section during the event. \n\n\n\nThis is a free event\, however\, we do suggest a $5 donation to help DLiA continue its biodiversity work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Click the “Set Reminder” bell to get a notification before the show starts and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! \n\n\n\nWant to see the fireflies in person? Mark your calendar for the 2021 Fireflies Event at Norton Creek. Join us for an evening of fireflies! URL:https://dlia.org/event/virtual-fireflies-event/ LOCATION:Tennessee CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/thumbnail-graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200529T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200531T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20190906T221446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240119T125949Z UID:3369-1590778800-1590966000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Fireflies Event at Norton Creek 2020 DESCRIPTION:This event has now passed. Check out the 2021 event page for the latest event. \n\n\n\nJoin DLiA for a firefly-centered evening! We’ll start with food and drink at a gorgeous\, intimate venue\, followed by a presentation and Q&A about fireflies. At dusk we’ll descend to our favorite firefly viewing spot on the property\, where synchronous fireflies and other glowing critters will put on a light show that you’ll never forget! \n\n\n\nNOTE: This is a private fundraising event\, held at a private reserve adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is not associated with the Park or its synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont. \n\n\n\nUPDATE MAY 12: At present\, we plan to hold this event as scheduled\, but with modifications to minimize the risk for all participants (see details below). We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and make additional changes\, as needed to keep everyone safe. Current ticket holders also have the option of transferring their tickets to our 2021 event or receiving a full refund. Stay safe\, stay healthy\, and thank you for your support! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nModifications for coronavirus\n\n\n\nWe are making the following changes to this event to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission at this event: \n\n\n\n\nAttendance will be limited to 30 guests (approx. 50% capacity) and all attendees will be required to stay with their group throughout the night\n\n\n\nWe will not gather at the house where we usually start the event\, but will instead meet at the viewing site (on the same private property)\n\n\n\nWe will not serve food or alcohol\, but will give attendees a gift certificate to redeem later on their own\n\n\n\nThe firefly presentation will be available online in advance of the event so that folks can view it before they arrive\n\n\n\nWe will require every attendee to wear a mask and to practice social distancing\n\n\n\nWe will check temperatures on arrival and turn attendees away if they present fever or other COVID-19-like symptoms\n\n\n\nAttendees will be required to sign a form agreeing to follow these guidelines for the safety of our guests\, volunteers\, and staff\n\n\n\nAny attendee that does not follow these safety guidelines will be asked to leave the property immediately and will not be given a refund\n\n\n\nThe event could still be cancelled if the outbreak worsens over the next few weeks\, at which point attendees will have the option to carry their ticket over to the 2021 fireflies event or receive a refund\n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested in attending this event\, please purchase your tickets now and we will email you further guidance and updates as the event approaches. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGeneral information\n\n\n\n\nAn entomologist will talk about fireflies of the Smokies and answer your burning firefly questions\n\n\n\n This is a rain or shine event (see FAQ below)\n\n\n\n Sorry but pets are not allowed at this event\n\n\n\n There will be light walking on paved and gravel surfaces\n\n\n\n We’ll email ticket holders details\, including directions to the event\, as the event approaches\n\n\n\n Please purchase tickets early as they are limited and usually sell out\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTiming\n\n\n\n\nFriday\, May 29\, 2020 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM\n\n\n\nSaturday\, May 30\, 2020 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM\n\n\n\nSunday\, May 31\, 2020 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM\n\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. Each ticket is for a single night of the event (Friday\, Saturday\, or Sunday). Your ticket purchase helps DLiA carry out its mission! \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\nUPDATE MAY 12: At present\, we plan to hold this event as scheduled\, but with modifications to minimize the risk for all participants (see details listed above). We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and make additional changes\, as needed to keep everyone safe. Current ticket holders also have the option of transferring their tickets to our 2021 event or receiving a full refund. Stay safe\, stay healthy\, and thank you for your support! \n\n\n\nHave questions?\n\n\n\nNeed help purchasing tickets? Please first read our FAQ below 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\, 2019 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 also Pigeon Forge. They are about equidistant from the venue. URL:https://dlia.org/event/fireflies-2020/ LOCATION:Norton Creek Sanctuary CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Fundraiser 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:20200508T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200508T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T144125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200428T142233Z UID:3447-1588942800-1588950000@dlia.org SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Science at Sugarlands DESCRIPTION:Butterflies of Cades Cove\n\n\n\nWarren Bielenberg\, Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, National Park Service\n\n\n\n** CANCELLED: Our May 8 talk has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We will try to reschedule this talk for the 2021 season. ** \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-3/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Science at Sugarlands ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/flipcause-banner-1050x262.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200421T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200421T170000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T143919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200323T160806Z UID:3444-1587488400-1587488400@dlia.org SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Great Smokies Eco-Adventure DESCRIPTION:*** This event has been postponed until further notice due to health concerns regarding COVID-19. Registrants will be refunded in full. We plan to reschedule this event and will post updates here and on our Facebook page. *** \n\n\n\nJoin DLiA and A Walk in the Woods for this exclusive 3-day\, 2-night adventure that will include off-grid glamping\, guided nature hikes\, and much more. Experience the Smoky Mountains from a unique biodiversity-focused perspective while helping DLiA continue to conserve the abundant life in the Smokies! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee the famous Smokies wildflowers at their peak! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGain new insight into the rich biodiversity of the Smokies from local wildlife & wildflower experts! \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\, complete with live music! \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\nRough schedule\n\n\n\nYour Great Smokies Eco-Adventure will begin at noon Sunday\, April 19th and conclude Tuesday evening\, April 21st (3 days\, 2 nights). Here’s a look at what’s in store… \n\n\n\nDAY 1 (SUNDAY\, APRIL 19) 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\, APRIL 20) 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 wildflower hike. We’ll arrive back at camp in early evening and enjoy southern fixins around the campfire. \n\n\n\nDAY 3 (TUESDAY\, APRIL 21) 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 21 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: $1500 per person\n\n\n\n *** This event has been postponed until further notice due to health concerns regarding COVID-19. Registrants will be refunded in full. We plan to reschedule this event and will post updates here and on our Facebook page. *** \n\n\n\nThe Great Smokies Eco-Adventure is a fundraising event for Discover Life in America. All proceeds from this event help DLiA continue its work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tickets are $1\,500 per person\, which includes your travel\, accommodation\, food\, and alcohol during the event (details below). \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 funds \n\n\n\nour continuing research work with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory\, aimed at discovering\, understanding\, and conserving all life in the Smokiesour fantastic 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 Mtns NP\, to bring awareness to the incredible biodiversity of the Smokies (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 April 19th. 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. URL:https://dlia.org/event/great-smokies-eco-adventure/ LOCATION:A Walk in the Woods\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, United States CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/logo-v3-850w.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20200312T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20200312T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20191025T143621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220921T141956Z UID:3442-1584003600-1584028800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium DESCRIPTION:Learn about research taking place in the Smokies from the scientists working there at the annual Park Science Colloquium. This event is free and it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the Smokies and chat with regional scientists about our local national park. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent details\n\n\n\nGeneral information: The Park Science Colloquium comprises over a dozen talks by scientists about work being conducted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding region. \n\n\n\nTiming: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday\, March 12\, 2020 \n\n\n\nLocation: The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg\, TN (map) \n\n\n\nFood and drink: Coffee will be provided and there will be a one-hour lunch break. The Park Vista has a restaurant and there are lots of food choices closeby in Gatlinburg. \n\n\n\nSchedule and abstracts: \n\n\n\nClick for full program with abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\n2020 schedule and abstracts (PDF)\n\n\n\nRegistration: This is a free event and open to the public\, but we kindly as that you register so that we can accommodate attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now (FREE)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInformation for presenters\n\n\n\nSubmit a talk or poster\n\n\n\nCall for submissions: We welcome you to submit a presentation or poster about your research that is either actively taking place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or that is of significance to the Smokies\, and that is at a stage in analysis where a full picture of the research can be presented. Note: due to time constraints\, we may not be able to fit all submitted talks. \n\n\n\nSubmitting a presentation or poster: To submit your work for consideration in the Colloquium\, please email your title and author information to Will (will@dlia.org) and Paul (paul_super@nps.gov) by Friday\, January 31. Submitters will be notified by Friday\, February 7 as to their acceptance in the Colloquium. Accepted presenters will be asked to submit an abstract (250 words max) to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.gov by Friday\, February 21. \n\n\n\nDeadlines\n\n\n\nFriday\, Jan 31Deadline to submit the title and author information for your presentation or poster to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.govFriday\, Feb 7Submitters will be notified of their acceptanceFriday\, Feb 21Deadline to submit your abstract to will@dlia.org and paul_super@nps.govWednesday\, March 11Recommended: Save time by uploading your presentation to Dropbox at this link by this date\n\n\n\nHelpful information\n\n\n\nTime slots: Presentation slots will be 15-20 minutes (including time for questions)\, depending on the number of abstract submissions we receive. We will send you a finalized schedule close to the event. A podium with microphone will be provided and you won’t be able to see “presenter view” on your presentation (sorry!). \n\n\n\nPresentation format: Talks should be PowerPoint (PPT or PPTX) or PDF. Presentations set to wide-format (16:9) will make the best use of our wide screen. Please let us know if you require a different file format or would like to include a video with sound and we will try to accommodate. FYI\, presentations will be displayed from a Windows computer via Microsoft Office 365. \n\n\n\nPresentation content: Please note that many in the audience will have advanced degrees\, but few will have advanced degrees in your topic\, so plan to provide a bit of explanation of technical jargon and stay away from acronyms. \n\n\n\nPresentation upload: Speakers may upload their presentations to this Dropbox folder (preferred\, and preferably by Wednesday\, March 11) or bring them on a USB flash drive the morning of the event. Like to make last-minute changes to your presentation? No problem! You may upload multiple versions of your presentation to the Dropbox link (up to the morning of the colloquium) and we’ll use the latest at the colloquium. Note: this is just a time-saving measure; presentations will not be made public without your consent. \n\n\n\n Upload your presentation here\n\n\n\nPosters: Posters may also be presented at the Colloquium. Please see submission instructions above. Posters can be any size under 48″ wide by 48″ high. We’ll provide a stand and fasteners. \n\n\n\nSmokies Science Teacher Workshop\n\n\n\n During the Science Colloquium\, we will be holding a free workshop for science teachers (grades 5-8). The teacher workshop will be held concurrently with the Colloquium from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Park Vista\, but teachers are encouraged to attend the entire Colloquium to learn about the science taking place in the Smokies. The workshop will include an iNaturalist “field session” and a data analysis activity with iNat data. Please download the iNaturalist app (App Store\, Google Play) to your phone or other mobile device and create an account prior to attending the workshop. Workshop space is limited. Email julie@dlia.org by February 28th to RSVP. \n\n\n\nWorkshop materials\n\n\n\nPlease download iNaturalist to your phone or other mobile device beforehand: (App Store\, Google Play)Additional materials and resources will be posted here closer to the workshop URL:https://dlia.org/event/park-science-colloquium-2020/ LOCATION:The Park Vista\, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/talks-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20191018T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20191018T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191252 CREATED:20190201T003319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T004948Z UID:3002-1571403600-1571410800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Lichens DESCRIPTION:Lichens of the Smokies revealed\nJames Lendemer\, Assistant Curator\, New York Botanical Garden\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-lichens/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20191004T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20191004T193000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20181218T222945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190828T221350Z UID:2744-1570206600-1570217400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball DESCRIPTION:Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball\nHave you ever marveled at the depth\, breadth\, and beauty of wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then we invite you to our ninth annual Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball\, one of the region’s premier fundraising events. We invite you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter at this family-friendly masquerade and to eat\, drink and be merry. All proceeds help DLiA support research and conservation in our most beloved Park! So come one\, come all\, to the Salamander Ball! \nMusical guest Bill Mize\n“Guitars pine for the fingers of Bill Mize\, who makes them weep\, sing and roll\naround like a cat at his feet. Thumpin’ good acoustic majesty.”– WDVX Knoxville \nThis year we are excited to feature a performance by local musician Bill Mize! Bill is a past winner of the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition\, and received a GRAMMY Award for his collaboration with musician and storyteller David Holt on the recording Stellaluna. Popular acoustic guitar compilations “The Windham Hill Guitar Sampler and “Masters of the Acoustic Guitar” by Narada Records include his music. In 2009\, Bill’s music appeared in the Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” and will again be heard in the upcoming Ken Burns documentary ”Country Music.” Joining Bill on a few tunes will be Beth Bramhall on accordion adding her sublime stylings to Bill’s music. Find out more at billmize.com. \nHonoring Jimmy Groton\nJimmy is a Wetland Ecologist and Environmental Scientist at EnSafe. Jimmy’s tireless work in regional conservation is legendary! He has worn many hats over the years in the name of protecting land and species. Much of his work has been through Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning. \nDetails\nGeneral information: \n\nFun for the whole family\nDress in your best masquerade attire (optional) to celebrate your favorite Smokies critter\nFree zoo admission with ticket purchase (details below)\nHors d’oeuvres plus wine and non-alcoholic drinks\nLocal beer provided by Elkmont Exchange\n\nTiming: Friday\, October 4th\, 2019 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM \nLocation: Zoo Knoxville (map)\, under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event. \nParking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots. \nFood and drink: Ticket purchase includes food (vegetarian options included) and drinks (beer by Elkmont Exchange\, wine\, and non-alcoholic beverages). \nDress code: There is no dress code! Join us in your finest masquerade attire to celebrate our favorite Smokies critter\, or in your favorite hiking attire; just join us! \nSilent auction: The Ball includes an extensive silent auction full of biodiversity-themed items and exciting experiences (guided hikes\, hotels stays\, adventure packages\, etc.). All proceeds help DLiA fulfill its mission! \nKids + science: We’ll have science tables where kids (and adults\, too!) can talk to a scientist and learn about the critters of the Smokies! There will be kids activities at each table\, face painting\, and a scavenger hunt. We’ll also have some animal ambassadors from the zoo to touch and learn about! \nFree zoo admission: Your ticket purchase includes free admission to Zoo Knoxville on Friday October 4th (the day of the event). Note that the zoo closes at 4:00 PM. We recommend that you visit the zoo from 2:00ish to 4:00 PM\, then head over to the Salamander Ball at 4:30 PM. \nTickets and tables:  \n\nTickets: $60 earlybird special or $75 after September 2\nTables (bundle of 10 tickets): $600 earlybird special or $700 after September 2\nKids 12 and under: FREE\nAll proceeds go directly to Discover Life in America\n\nSponsorships: Sponsorships are a great way to show your support for biodiversity conservation work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Todd at todd@dlia.org or (865) 430-4757. \nHave questions? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org \nThanks to our generous sponsors!\n[slideshow_deploy id=’3304′] \n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \nPURCHASE TICKETS\n  \nFeaturing GRAMMY Award winning guitarist Bill Mize \nThis year’s Conservation Hero\, Jimmy Groton URL:https://dlia.org/event/salamander-ball-2019/ LOCATION:Zoo Knoxville\, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37914\, United States CATEGORIES:Fun,Fundraiser,Kid Friendly,Science ORGANIZER;CN="Discover Life in America":MAILTO:info@dlia.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190920T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190920T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190201T002947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T004817Z UID:3001-1568984400-1568991600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Plant-soil interactions & Chimney Tops fire DESCRIPTION:Burning questions: why are plant-soil microbiome interactions important & how does the Chimney Tops fire affect this ecological internet?\nKendall Beals\, PhD Student\, University of Tennessee\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-plant-soil-interactions-chimney-tops-fire/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190816T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190816T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190201T003220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T004718Z UID:3003-1565960400-1565967600@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Appalachian Balds DESCRIPTION:Appalachian Balds: ecological enigma & conservation dilemma\nJesse Webster\, Forester\, Great Smoky Mountains NP\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-appalachian-balds/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190719T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190719T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190201T002800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T010454Z UID:3000-1563541200-1563548400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: NEON Observatory DESCRIPTION:The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and its work in the Smokies\nWP “Bill Martin\, Field Operations Manager\, NEON-Battelle Ecology\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-neon-observatory/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190629T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190629T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190624T112023Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190624T112023Z UID:3276-1561802400-1561816800@dlia.org SUMMARY:Smokies Species Day DESCRIPTION:Come learn about the plants\, animals\, and other organisms of the Smokies at this FREE\, family friendly event! You’ll find out about pollinators\, fungi\, many kinds of insects\, and other species that call Great Smoky Mountains National Park their home. URL:https://dlia.org/event/smokies-species-day/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Discover Life in America":MAILTO:info@dlia.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190621T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190621T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190201T002602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200422T134525Z UID:2997-1561122000-1561129200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Restoring fish DESCRIPTION:Restoring fish to the Smokies’ most diverse stream\nPat Rakes\, Co-founder & Director\, Conservation Fisheries\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-restoring-fish/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190615T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190615T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190110T215342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210316T155333Z UID:2926-1560585600-1560600000@dlia.org SUMMARY:BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam DESCRIPTION:BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam\nDLiA has partnered with TVA and regional scientists to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands through BioBlitzes. Join us for this free\, family-friendly event. It’s a fun\, hand-on opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna in our area! No experience is necessary.\n\nBioBlitzes incorporate field collection\, specimen identification and education. They offer an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity in our backyard and help TVA to better manage natural areas through species occurrence data. Participants will survey birds\, insects\, plants\, and other organisms using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species. We use the smartphone application\, iNaturalist\, to document biodiversity and ask that you install it on your phone beforehand\, if possible. (It’s a very useful app\, in general!)\nREGISTER\nEvent details\nTiming: June 15\, 2019 from 8:00 AM – noon\n\nLocation: Trotter Bluff Trail at Douglas Dam off Boat Launch Road in Sevier County\, Tennessee (map). Trail maps available here\n\nParking: Parking is available on-site\n\nRegistration: This event is free\, but we do ask that you register (using the button above)\n\nPreparation: Download the iNaturalist app to your smart device and follow prompts to sign into iNaturalist\n\nProject on iNaturalist: TVA/DLiA BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam\n\nHave questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757 URL:https://dlia.org/event/tva-bioblitz-douglas-dam/ LOCATION:Douglas Dam\, Sevierville\, TN\, United States CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190607T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190609T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190104T002448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200106T201239Z UID:2775-1559934000-1560121200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Fireflies Event at Norton Creek 2019 DESCRIPTION:Fireflies Event at Norton Creek\nThis is the events page for the 2019 event. >>Click here<< for the 2020 event. \nJoin DLiA at our annual Fireflies Event at Norton Creek! We’ll start with food and drink at a gorgeous\, intimate venue\, followed by a presentation and Q&A about fireflies. At dusk we’ll descend to our favorite firefly viewing spot on the property\, where we’ll see the light show put on by a happy\, healthy population of synchronous fireflies (rivaled in number only by those at Elkmont)\, as well as blue ghost fireflies and a few other glowing critters. Tickets for this event are $150 per person and all proceeds go to support the work of DLiA. This is a fundraising event\, held at a private reserve adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, and is not associated with the Park or its synchronous firefly lottery at Elkmont. \n\n \n \n \nEvent details\nGeneral information: \n\nAn entomologist will talk about fireflies of the Smokies and answer your burning firefly questions\nThis is a rain or shine event (see FAQs below)\nSorry but pets are not allowed at this event\nThere will be a little walking on paved and gravel surfaces\nWe email ticket holders details\, including directions to the event\, as the event approaches\nPlease purchase tickets early as they are limited and usually sell out\n\nTiming: The event will be held on the following three evenings: \n\nFriday\, June 7\, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT\nSaturday\, June 8\, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT\nSunday\, June 9\, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT\n\nLocation: The 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. \nFood and drink: Ticket purchase includes food (heavy hors d’oeuvres) by Whole Earth Grocery\, including vegetarian options\, as well as beer\, wine\, sodas and tea. \nSilent auction: Don’t miss our firefly-related treasures including original firefly artwork and photography! Cash\, check and card will be accepted. \nTicket information: Fireflies Event tickets are $150 per person and are open to anyone 10 years of age or older. Each ticket is for a single night of the event (Friday\, Saturday\, or Sunday). Your ticket purchase helps DLiA carry out its mission! \nHave questions? Need help purchasing tickets? Please first read our FAQs below\, then ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757. \nFireflies Event FAQs\nQ. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? \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\, 2019 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. \nQ. $150 per person seems expensive. Is this event really worth it? \nA. We certainly think so! For the price of $150 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! \nQ. How do you know the synchronous fireflies will be active? \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. \nQ. I can’t find the exact location of this event on your website. Why is that? \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. \nQ. (Close to the event) Rain may be forecast during the event. Will it be canceled? \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! \nQ. In the description for this event\, you mention “other glowing critters.” What are you talking about? \nA. That’s a great question! I’m so glad you asked! 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. \nQ. Where should I stay during the event? \nA. Although lodging is not included as part of the Fireflies Event\, there are great hotel options in Gatlinburg and also Pigeon Forge. They are more-or-less equidistant from the venue. URL:https://dlia.org/event/fireflies-2019/ LOCATION:Norton Creek Sanctuary CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Fundraiser,Kid Friendly END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190517T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190517T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190201T002423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190201T004504Z UID:2995-1558098000-1558105200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Wildflowers DESCRIPTION:Wildflowers: Gems of the Smokies\nJanet Rock\, retired Botanist\, Great Smoky Mountains NP\nFor more information about this free event and to register\, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page. URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-wildflowers/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190504T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190504T120000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190110T215446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190514T175529Z UID:2928-1556956800-1556971200@dlia.org SUMMARY:BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail DESCRIPTION:BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail\nDLiA has partnered with TVA and regional scientists to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands through BioBlitzes. Join us for this free\, family-friendly event. It’s a fun\, hand-on opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna in our area! No experience is necessary. \nBioBlitzes incorporate field collection\, specimen identification and education. They offer an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity in our backyard and help TVA to better manage natural areas through species occurrence data. Participants will survey birds\, insects\, plants\, and other organisms using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species. We use the smartphone application\, iNaturalist\, to document biodiversity and ask that you install it on your phone beforehand\, if possible. (It’s a very useful app\, in general!) \nREGISTER\nEvent details\nTiming: May 4\, 2019 from 8:00 – NOON local time (CDT) \nLocation: Marbut Bend Trail off Buck Island Road in Elkmont\, Alabama (map). Trail maps available here \nParking: Parking is available on-site \nRegistration: This event is free\, but we do ask that you register (using the button above) \nPreparation: Download the iNaturalist app to your smart device and follow prompts to sign into iNaturalist. Cell coverage is limited at this site\, so this MUST be done ahead of time in a coverage area \nProject on iNaturalist: TVA/DLiA BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail \nHave questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757 URL:https://dlia.org/event/tva-bioblitz-marbut-bend-trail/ LOCATION:Marbut Bend\, 26790-27208 Buck Island Rd\, Elkmont\, AL\, 35620\, United States CATEGORIES:Bioblitz,Education,Fun,Kid Friendly,Science,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190501T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190501T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190228T222105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190301T191135Z UID:3078-1556730000-1556744400@dlia.org SUMMARY:A Pint & A Purpose\, a MINI of Knoxville Event DESCRIPTION:A Pint & A Purpose\, a MINI of Knoxville Event\nElkmont Exchange is generously donating $1 to DLiA for every pint they sell on Wednesday\, May 1st! Come out any time that day to have a beer and support our work in the Smokies! We’ll have a special event from 5:00-9:00 where you can meet our staff and board and learn about the wondrous biodiversity living in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thanks to MINI of Knoxville for sponsoring this event! URL:https://dlia.org/event/elkmont-exchange-pint-night/ LOCATION:Elkmont Exchange\, 745 N Broadway\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37917\, United States CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Science ORGANIZER;CN="Discover Life in America":MAILTO:info@dlia.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190307T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190307T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20190108T164504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190305T215042Z UID:2875-1551949200-1551974400@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium DESCRIPTION:Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium\nLearn about research in the park\nThis free\, annual event highlights the research and conservation efforts being made in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Co-hosted by DLiA and GSMNP\, this event is an excellent opportunity for members of the public to learn about the incredible biodiversity of the Smokies\, to understand the fascinating research taking place there\, and to talk to scientists about their work in the region. This year\, DLiA will host a workshop from 3-4 PM where members of the public can learn how to become citizen scientists\, helping to gather valuable scientific data using a smartphone app. \nScientists consider the GSMNP to be one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. In the midst of such species richness\, DLiA conducts an ongoing project to catalog all species that exist in the Park.  The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) seeks to discover and understand the estimated 60\,000-80\,000 species living in the park.  The project continues to develop reports\, maps\, databases\, GIS tools\, and natural history profiles that describe the biology of this rich landscape. These tools enhance park management and provide information to a wide audience in an effort to promote science and conservation of biodiversity. \nREGISTER\n\n \n \n \nEvent details\nGeneral information: The Park Science Colloquium comprises over a dozen talks by scientists about work being conducted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding region. \nTiming: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday\, March 7\, 2019 (colloquium from 9-3\, workshop from 3-4) \nLocation: The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg\, TN (map) \nFood and drink: Coffee will be provided and there will be a one-hour lunch break \nColloquium schedule and abstracts: Available here (as PDF) \nWorkshop: This free\, one-hour workshop will show participants how they can help map the species of Great Smoky Mountains National Park using a free smartphone app. The workshop will be aimed toward a general audience\, children 10 and up are welcome\, and no experience is necessary. To participate\, all you’ll need is a web-connected smartphone\, the iNaturalist app\, and a sense of wonderment for the amazing biodiversity living in the Smokies! We encourage participants to download and install the iNaturalist app to their device before the workshop. More about Species SnapIt & MapIt here. \nRegistration information: Both the colloquium and workshop are free events\, but we do ask that you register for them via the button above. \nHave questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757 URL:https://dlia.org/event/park-science-colloquium-2019/ LOCATION:The Park Vista\, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Science END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20181019T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20181019T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20180622T214205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180622T214529Z UID:2499-1539954000-1539961200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Beetles of the Smokies DESCRIPTION:Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about Beetles of the Smokies with Claire Winfrey from The University of Tennessee. \n___ \nScience at Sugarlands is a reoccurring event that falls on the third Friday of each month starting in May and going through October\, from 1-3 PM. Each month DLIA brings a regional scientist or researcher in to give a talk about their research and increase awareness of the biodiversity around us. This event is free to the public and family friendly. Please come out and join us to learn more about life that surrounds us all! URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-beetles-of-the-smokies/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20181005T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181005T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20180129T235435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190709T204351Z UID:2192-1538758800-1538773200@dlia.org SUMMARY:Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball DESCRIPTION:This page is for the 2018 Salamander Ball. Click here to be redirected the 2019 event page!\nA biodiversity bash!\nHave you ever marveled at the depth\, breadth\, and beauty of wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then we invite you to our eighth annual Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball\, one of the region’s premier fundraising events. It’s a family-friendly masquerade\, where we encourage you to dress as your favorite Smokies critter\, and to eat\, drink and be merry. All proceeds help DLiA support research and conservation in our most beloved Park and we’ve got a special announcement this year: a milestone reached on this\, our 20th anniversary! So come one\, come all\, to the Salamander Ball! \nThanks to Zoo Knoxville and all of our sponsors for making this event happen! \nEvent details\nWhen: The event will be held Friday\, October 5th from 5:00 – 9:00 PM. \nLocation: The Ball will be held at Zoo Knoxville (map)\, under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event. \nParking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots. \nFood and drink: A selection of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres from Holly’s Eventful Dining will be served (including vegetarian options)\, as well as local beer provided by Elkmont Exchange\, wine\, and non-alcoholic beverages. \nDress code: There is no dress code! Join us in your finest masquerade attire to celebrate our favorite Smokies critter\, or in your favorite hiking attire; just join us! \nLive music: We’re classing things up this year with live music by A Touch of Classical! \nSilent auction: As usual\, the Salamander Ball will feature a silent auction full of unique biodiversity-related treasures. All proceeds go directly to helping DLiA fulfill its mission. \nScience in the Smokies: At this year’s Ball\, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about some of the cool work DLiA and our research affiliates are doing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park\, and we’ll have special guests to tell you all about it. We’ll also have some live critters to touch and hold! \nFree zoo admission: Ticket purchase includes free admission to Zoo Knoxville. To redeem your free admission\, visit the zoo’s ticket window and mention that you have purchased a ticket for the Salamander Ball. They’ll check your name on their list of ticket holders and grant you free admission! Free zoo admission must be redeemed on the day of the event (Oct. 5) during zoo hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Last admission is one hour before the zoo closes. \nTicket information: \n\nAll proceeds go directly to DLiA.\nIndividual tickets are $75.\nKids 12 and under are free!\nTables (for up to 10 people) can be purchased for $700 (a $50 savings).\n\nHave questions? Need help purchasing tickets? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org \nThanks to our sponsors!\n\nA Walk in the Woods\nBreedlove\, Dennis & Associates\, Inc.\nCollier Restaurant Group\nEast Tennessee PBS\nElkmont Exchange\nFriends of the Smokies\nGreat Smoky Mountains Association\nHolly’s Gourmets Market & Eventful Dining\nKnoxville News Sentinel\nThe Mountain Press\nThree Rivers Market\nVienna Coffee House\n\n  URL:https://dlia.org/event/great-smoky-mountains-salamander-ball/ LOCATION:Zoo Knoxville\, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37914\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180921T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180921T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20180622T213832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180622T213832Z UID:2497-1537534800-1537542000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: Butterflies and Caterpillars in the Smokies DESCRIPTION:Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about Butterflies and Caterpillars in the Smokies with Julie Elliott\, a lepidopteran specialist. \n— \nScience at Sugarlands is a reoccurring event that falls on the third Friday of each month starting in May and going through October\, from 1-3 PM. Each month DLIA brings a regional scientist or researcher in to give a talk about their research and increase awareness of the biodiversity around us. This event is free to the public and family friendly. Please come out and join us to learn more about life that surrounds us all! URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-butterflies-and-caterpillars-in-the-smokies/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180817T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180817T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191253 CREATED:20180622T212629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180622T213456Z UID:2493-1534510800-1534518000@dlia.org SUMMARY:Science at Sugarlands: The Problems and Solutions with our Hemlocks DESCRIPTION:Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about The Problems and Solutions with our Hemlocks with Jesse Webster from GSMNP \n— \nEach month DLIA brings a regional scientist or researcher in to give a talk about their research and increase awareness of the biodiversity around us. This event is free to the public and family friendly. Please come out and join us to learn more about life that surrounds us all! \n  URL:https://dlia.org/event/science-at-sugarlands-the-problems-and-solutions-with-our-hemlocks/ LOCATION:Sugarlands Visitor Center\, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd\, Gatlinburg\, TN\, 37738\, United States CATEGORIES:Education,Fun,Science,Science at Sugarlands END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR