Discover Life in America

Bioblitz - Norris Dam
2017-08-12 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Norris Songbird Trailhead, 2132 TN-71 Scenic, Norris, TN, 37828, United States
DLIA has partnered with TVA and regional scientists to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands through BioBlitzes. Family friendly, no experience necessary, and free admission!
These events incorporate field collection, specimen identification and education sessions. They offer an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity in our backyard and help the TVA to better manage natural areas through species occurrence data. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species.
BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.
For this Bioblitz we will be working at the Norris Songbird Trail which is on the Clinch River below Norris Dam.
For the event, participants should:
Bring food and water for the day (we will be in a place where there are no stores or restaurants).
Dress for being outside and for whatever weather might arise.
Download the iNaturalist application on your phone or smart device. This app will be used to document species, information and locations.
Wear/bring sunscreen.

Science at Sugarlands
2017-09-15 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Bats of the Smokies
Kitty McCracken will be here to give us a talk about bats within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for September’s installment of ‘Science at Sugarlands’. We will be at Sugarlands Visitor Center the 3rd Friday of each month May through October with regional scientists. Our speakers often bring specimens to show the audience and sometimes lead short hikes to see organisms in the wild. Don’t miss out on these interesting talks covering a variety of topics!

2017 Salamander Ball!
2017-09-24 17:30 - 21:30 UTC | Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37914, United States
2017 Salamander Ball
Discover Life in America’s annual fundraising Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball!
Join us at Zoo Knoxville for a masquerade ball celebrating and supporting the biodiversity of life in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dress up as your favorite critter and dance the night away! This is a family friendly even with fun for all ages!

This event features:

Live music from the Vibraslaps
Smokies Critter Parade (remember to dress up!)
Kid’s Cover for all the little critters out there
A Unique Auction with items and activities to bid on
Free admission to Zoo Knoxville with a ticket purchase
Local beer & wine
Catering from Holly’s Eventful Dining

Adults $75, children 12 and under free! Buy tickets online now.

Science at Sugarlands - Mosses of the Park
2017-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Join us for 2017’s last installment of Science at Sugarlands! Ken McFarland from the University of Tennessee wraps up the series discussing moss species within the Great Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium
2018-03-22 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Park Vista, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
This event has passed. Check out the 2019 Park Science Colloquium.
DLIA is proud to announce the Great Smoky Mountains Science Colloquium, hosted by Discover Life in America and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This annual event highlights the research, conservation and education efforts being made to understand, manage and restore the unique biological diversity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beyond.

Scientists consider the GSMNP to be one of the most biodiverse locations in North America. In the midst of such species richness, DLIA conducts an ongoing project to inventory all species that exist in the Park. The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) seeks to catalog the estimated 60,000-80,000 species living in Great Smoky Mountains National 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.

Research partners will present at the annual GSMNP Science Colloquium on a variety of topics of research in the park. These will include:

Fungi and Wildfires
Lichens
Post-Wildfire Plant Dynamics
Salamanders & Wildfire Effects
Soil Chemistry
Forest Dynamics
Ozone Patterns
Sulfur Cycle in Watersheds
Black Bear and Human Interactions

Register below. For more information call 865-430-4757, email wyatt@dlia.org or find us on Facebook.

We hope to see you there!!

Register Now

Science at Sugarlands
2018-05-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Beginning Friday, May 18th, DLIA will host Science at Sugarlands events in coordination with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Science 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!

Science at Sugarlands 2018 Dates:
1.) May 18- Pollinator Garden Dedication
Sugarlands Visitor Center Main Entrance (12-1 PM)
May 18- Biodiversity: 20 Years of the ATBI
Todd Witcher, Discover Life in America (1-3 PM)

2.) June 15- Bioluminescence in the Park
Will Kuhn, University of Tennessee

3.) July 20- Smokies Spiders and their Kin
Kefyn Catley, Western Carolina University

4.) August 17- The Problems and Solutions with our Hemlocks
Jesse Webster, GSMNP

5.) September 21- Butterflies and Caterpillars in the Smokies
Julie Elliott, Lepidopteran Specialist

6.) October 19- Beetles of the Smokies
Claire Winfrey, University of Tennessee
Register Now

Fireflies at Norton Creek
2018-06-01 19:00 - 2018-06-03 23:00 UTC | Norton Creek Sanctuary
Why don’t fireflies in the average backyard synchronize? What makes the fireflies in the park so special? These questions and more will be answered at a DLIA fundraising event that also features the firefly. With exclusive access to the property at Norton Creek and a firefly expert on site, attendees will learn the answer to their questions while enjoying the amazing “flashing” display firsthand.

This year’s firefly events will take place on June 1, 2, and 3, from 7-11 PM each night. Please note that this is a distinct event from the firefly event with NPS at Elkmont, and that we have nothing to do with the lottery system operated for that event. Tickets are $150, and food (heavy hors d’oeuvres) and drinks (beer and wine) will be provided. Fireflies at Norton Creek welcomes all attendees 10 years or older. All attendees require a purchased ticket. We have limited tickets for each event and usually sell out, so please act quickly to get your tickets!

Please contact us at (865) 430-4757 or wyatt@dlia.org with any questions or purchase tickets below. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

See 2019 event page for tickets.

TVA Bioblitz- Muscle Shoals
2018-06-09 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Muscle Shoals, AL, United States
DLIA has partnered with TVA and regional scientists to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands through BioBlitzes. Family friendly, no experience necessary, and free admission!

These events incorporate field collection, specimen identification and education sessions. They offer an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity in our backyard and help the TVA to better manage natural areas through species occurrence data. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species. We ask that participants make sure they’ve downloaded the iNaturalist application on their phones or smart devices. This app is an important part of our activity, as it will be used to document species, information, and locations.

BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.

For this Bioblitz we will be working in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Please register to join us in Muscle Shoals below- we look forward to surveying with you!

Register Now

TVA Bioblitz- Worthington Cemetery Ecological Study Area
2018-07-14 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Oak Ridge, TN, United States
DLIA has partnered with TVA and regional scientists to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands through BioBlitzes. Family friendly, no experience necessary, and free admission!
These events incorporate field collection, specimen identification and education sessions. They offer an opportunity to get to know the biodiversity in our backyard and help the TVA to better manage natural areas through species occurrence data. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species. We ask that participants make sure they’ve downloaded the iNaturalist application on their phones or smart devices. This app is an important part of our activity, as it will be used to document species, information, and locations.
BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.
For this Bioblitz we will be working in Oak Ridge. Please register to join us in Oak Ridge below- we look forward to surveying with you!

Register Now

Science at Sugarlands: Smokies Spiders and their Kin
2018-07-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about Smokies Spiders and their Kin with Kefyn Catley from Western Carolina University!
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Science 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!
Register Now
Link: Not Active

Science at Sugarlands: The Problems and Solutions with our Hemlocks
2018-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about The Problems and Solutions with our Hemlocks with Jesse Webster from GSMNP
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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!

Science at Sugarlands: Butterflies and Caterpillars in the Smokies
2018-09-21 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about Butterflies and Caterpillars in the Smokies with Julie Elliott, a lepidopteran specialist.
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Science 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!

Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
2018-10-05 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37914, United States
This page is for the 2018 Salamander Ball. Click here to be redirected the 2019 event page!
A biodiversity bash!
Have 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!
Thanks to Zoo Knoxville and all of our sponsors for making this event happen!
Event details
When: The event will be held Friday, October 5th from 5:00 – 9:00 PM.
Location: 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.
Parking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots.
Food 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.
Dress 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!
Live music: We’re classing things up this year with live music by A Touch of Classical!
Silent 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.
Science 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!
Free 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.
Ticket information:

All proceeds go directly to DLiA.
Individual tickets are $75.
Kids 12 and under are free!
Tables (for up to 10 people) can be purchased for $700 (a $50 savings).

Have questions? Need help purchasing tickets? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org
Thanks to our sponsors!

A Walk in the Woods
Breedlove, Dennis & Associates, Inc.
Collier Restaurant Group
East Tennessee PBS
Elkmont Exchange
Friends of the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains Association
Holly’s Gourmets Market & Eventful Dining
Knoxville News Sentinel
The Mountain Press
Three Rivers Market
Vienna Coffee House

Science at Sugarlands: Beetles of the Smokies
2018-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Come out to Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about Beetles of the Smokies with Claire Winfrey from The University of Tennessee.
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Science 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!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium
2019-03-07 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Park Vista, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium
Learn about research in the park
This 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.
Scientists 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.
REGISTER

Event details
General 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.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2019 (colloquium from 9-3, workshop from 3-4)
Location: The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN (map)
Food and drink: Coffee will be provided and there will be a one-hour lunch break
Colloquium schedule and abstracts: Available here (as PDF)
Workshop: 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.
Registration information: Both the colloquium and workshop are free events, but we do ask that you register for them via the button above.
Have questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757

A Pint & A Purpose, a MINI of Knoxville Event
2019-05-01 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Elkmont Exchange, 745 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
A Pint & A Purpose, a MINI of Knoxville Event
Elkmont 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!

BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail
2019-05-04 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Marbut Bend, 26790-27208 Buck Island Rd, Elkmont, AL, 35620, United States
BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail
DLiA 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.
BioBlitzes 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!)
REGISTER
Event details
Timing: May 4, 2019 from 8:00 – NOON local time (CDT)
Location: Marbut Bend Trail off Buck Island Road in Elkmont, Alabama (map). Trail maps available here
Parking: Parking is available on-site
Registration: This event is free, but we do ask that you register (using the button above)
Preparation: 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
Project on iNaturalist: TVA/DLiA BioBlitz @ Marbut Bend Trail
Have questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757

Science at Sugarlands: Wildflowers
2019-05-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Wildflowers: Gems of the Smokies
Janet Rock, retired Botanist, Great Smoky Mountains NP
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Fireflies Event at Norton Creek 2019
2019-06-07 19:00 - 2019-06-09 23:00 (America/New_York) | Norton Creek Sanctuary
Fireflies Event at Norton Creek
This is the events page for the 2019 event. >>Click here<< for the 2020 event.
Join 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.

Event details
General information:

An entomologist will talk about fireflies of the Smokies and answer your burning firefly questions
This is a rain or shine event (see FAQs below)
Sorry but pets are not allowed at this event
There will be a little walking on paved and gravel surfaces
We email ticket holders details, including directions to the event, as the event approaches
Please purchase tickets early as they are limited and usually sell out

Timing: The event will be held on the following three evenings:

Friday, June 7, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT
Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT
Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM SOLD OUT

Location: 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.
Food 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.
Silent auction: Don’t miss our firefly-related treasures including original firefly artwork and photography! Cash, check and card will be accepted.
Ticket 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!
Have questions? Need help purchasing tickets? Please first read our FAQs below, then ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757.
Fireflies Event FAQs
Q. Is this event related to the synchronous firefly lottery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
A. 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.
Q. $150 per person seems expensive. Is this event really worth it?
A. 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!
Q. How do you know the synchronous fireflies will be active?
A. 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.
Q. I can’t find the exact location of this event on your website. Why is that?
A. 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.
Q. (Close to the event) Rain may be forecast during the event. Will it be canceled?
A. 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!
Q. In the description for this event, you mention “other glowing critters.” What are you talking about?
A. 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.
Q. Where should I stay during the event?
A. 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.

BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam
2019-06-15 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Douglas Dam, Sevierville, TN, United States
BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam
DLiA 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.

BioBlitzes 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!)
REGISTER
Event details
Timing: June 15, 2019 from 8:00 AM – noon

Location: Trotter Bluff Trail at Douglas Dam off Boat Launch Road in Sevier County, Tennessee (map). Trail maps available here

Parking: Parking is available on-site

Registration: This event is free, but we do ask that you register (using the button above)

Preparation: Download the iNaturalist app to your smart device and follow prompts to sign into iNaturalist

Project on iNaturalist: TVA/DLiA BioBlitz @ Douglas Dam

Have questions? Ask Todd: todd@dlia.org or (865)-430-4757

Science at Sugarlands: Restoring fish
2019-06-21 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Restoring fish to the Smokies’ most diverse stream
Pat Rakes, Co-founder & Director, Conservation Fisheries
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Smokies Species Day
2019-06-29 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
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.

Science at Sugarlands: NEON Observatory
2019-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and its work in the Smokies
WP “Bill Martin, Field Operations Manager, NEON-Battelle Ecology
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Science at Sugarlands: Appalachian Balds
2019-08-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Appalachian Balds: ecological enigma & conservation dilemma
Jesse Webster, Forester, Great Smoky Mountains NP
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Science at Sugarlands: Plant-soil interactions & Chimney Tops fire
2019-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Burning questions: why are plant-soil microbiome interactions important & how does the Chimney Tops fire affect this ecological internet?
Kendall Beals, PhD Student, University of Tennessee
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
2019-10-04 16:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37914, United States
Great Smoky Mountains Salamander Ball
Have 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!
Musical guest Bill Mize
“Guitars pine for the fingers of Bill Mize, who makes them weep, sing and roll
around like a cat at his feet. Thumpin’ good acoustic majesty.”– WDVX Knoxville
This 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.
Honoring Jimmy Groton
Jimmy 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.
Details
General information:

Fun for the whole family
Dress in your best masquerade attire (optional) to celebrate your favorite Smokies critter
Free zoo admission with ticket purchase (details below)
Hors d’oeuvres plus wine and non-alcoholic drinks
Local beer provided by Elkmont Exchange

Timing: Friday, October 4th, 2019 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoo Knoxville (map), under a fabulous tent behind the Kid’s Cove. This is a rain or shine event.
Parking: Free parking is available at the zoo’s upper and lower lots.
Food and drink: Ticket purchase includes food (vegetarian options included) and drinks (beer by Elkmont Exchange, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages).
Dress 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!
Silent 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!
Kids + 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!
Free 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.
Tickets and tables:

Tickets: $60 earlybird special or $75 after September 2
Tables (bundle of 10 tickets): $600 earlybird special or $700 after September 2
Kids 12 and under: FREE
All proceeds go directly to Discover Life in America

Sponsorships: 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.
Have questions? Contact us at (865) 430-4757 or todd@dlia.org
Thanks to our generous sponsors!

PURCHASE TICKETS

Featuring GRAMMY Award winning guitarist Bill Mize
This year’s Conservation Hero, Jimmy Groton

Science at Sugarlands: Lichens
2019-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Lichens of the Smokies revealed
James Lendemer, Assistant Curator, New York Botanical Garden
For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Science Colloquium
2020-03-12 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | The Park Vista, 705 Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
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.

Event details

General 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.

Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2020

Location: The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN (map)

Food 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.

Schedule and abstracts:

Click for full program with abstracts (PDF)

2020 schedule and abstracts (PDF)

Registration: This is a free event and open to the public, but we kindly as that you register so that we can accommodate attendees.

Register Now (FREE)

Information for presenters

Submit a talk or poster

Call 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.

Submitting 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.

Deadlines

Friday, 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

Helpful information

Time 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!).

Presentation 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.

Presentation 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.

Presentation 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.

Upload your presentation here

Posters: 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.

Smokies Science Teacher Workshop

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.

Workshop materials

Please 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

POSTPONED: Great Smokies Eco-Adventure
2020-04-21 17:00 (America/New_York) | A Walk in the Woods, Gatlinburg, TN, United States
*** 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. ***

Join 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!

See the famous Smokies wildflowers at their peak!

Gain new insight into the rich biodiversity of the Smokies from local wildlife & wildflower experts!

Savor delicious local food & drink!

Enjoy s’mores around the campfire, complete with live music!

Curl 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!

Rough schedule

Your 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…

DAY 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.

DAY 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.

DAY 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.

Your hosts

The 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!

A 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!

Tickets: $1500 per person

*** 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. ***

The 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).

What does your ticket purchase support?

Biodiversity research in the SmokiesOur biology interships……and photo/videography internshipsBiodiversity educationPublic engagement through citizen scienceConservation of creatures great and small in the Smokies

Specifically, your support funds

our 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!

Travel (included during event)

Ticket 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.

Food & drink (included)

Food (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.

Accommodations (included)

This 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.

What to bring

Required

sleeping bag towelday packhiking shoes/bootsrain jacketwater bottlecool weather clothing and jacket

Recommended

travel pillowflashlight or headlamp with fresh batteriesinsect repellentsunscreentoiletries

Where & when to meet?

Meet 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.

Cancellation Policy

Full 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.

CANCELLED: Science at Sugarlands
2020-05-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sugarlands Visitor Center, 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Butterflies of Cades Cove

Warren Bielenberg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service

** CANCELLED: Our May 8 talk has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We will try to reschedule this talk for the 2021 season. **

For more information about this free event and to register, please visit our main Science at Suglarlands page.
