The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (865/448-6709, www.gsmit.org [1]) offers residential environmental education programs year-round. They include naturalist certification and education, photography workshops, hiking weeks, family camping events, and programs for children and teachers.
Accommodations are in large air-conditioned and heated dormitories, and meals are served family-style in a large dining hall. Program fees apply, and reservations are essential.
A partnership between the University of Tennessee [2] and the national park, the Smoky Mountain Field School (865/974-0150, www.ce.utk.edu/smoky [3]) offers workshops, hikes, and hands-on instruction.
Programs range from day-long seminars on medicinal plants of the Smokies [4] to a two-day program on fly fishing. Other topics include orienteering, waterfalls of the Smokies, and salamanders in the park. Fees apply to all programs, and advance registration is required.
The park service offers lectures, guided walks, and cultural presentations year-round. Check the park service website (www.nps.gov/grsm [5]) for a schedule, or call a visitors center for more information.
Links:
[1] http://www.gsmit.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/knoxville/sights/university-tennessee
[3] http://www.ce.utk.edu/smoky
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tennessee/great-smoky-mountains
[5] http://www.nps.gov/grsm