Smokies Life

Mike Meldrum melded photography, a love of woodworking, and his generosity into a successful artistic endeavor. The retired park ranger saw an opportunity to create heritage goods to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, he donates keepsakes and old-time toys, built right in his own garage in Tennessee, for sale in park stores. In the last two years alone, his handicrafts have raised $37,000 for the Smokies. https://lnkd.in/en_b5DJm #SmokiesLife #heritage #nationalparks Photo by Valerie Polk.

There are two opportunities in Western North Carolina this weekend to engage with the authors of "George Masa: A Life Reimagined." Janet McCue and Paul Bonesteel will be speaking at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, North Carolina, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, at the Flat Rock Village Hall in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Learn more about the book and events: https://lnkd.in/euDNzwaq

Earning a spot in the 900 Miler Club isn’t easy. But two hikers stand out among those who have officially hiked every backcountry trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “E. C” and Landon Stewart.?In October 2023, they became the youngest duo to join the ranks of the 900 Milers. Their experience claiming the Youngest Known Time title shows how determination, laughter, and hot chocolate can culminate in a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. https://lnkd.in/ebGCERDH #Smokies #hiking

We're pleased to announce that registration for our 2025 Branch Out events is now open! Our first event, "Pollywogs, Eggs, and Singing Frogs," takes place Monday, March 17, from 1–5 p.m. in Cades Cove. Find the full lineup and register here: https://lnkd.in/exTa899W

Today, we’re celebrating citizen science by recognizing users’ 200,000th observation in the iNaturalist app, contributing to the Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory project. Managed by Discover Life in America, the project increases knowledge of species diversity in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is one instance when a screen out in the park may not be a bad idea. https://lnkd.in/etG9vfSf #citizenscience #communityscience #biodiversity Photo by Will Kuhn

Weather and environmental conditions are recorded every day at multiple locations across Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These important but little-known observations contribute to weather forecasts, research, historical knowledge, and improving your next trip. https://lnkd.in/dhKzHmP3 #wx #data #publiclands Photo by WILDCAT/Bert, courtesy of LeConte Lodge L.P. & Stokely Hospitality Enterprises

We continue to celebrate a visionary man in the history of the Smokies whose life was dedicated to his art and conservation. We’re excited to release the e-book of our latest nonfiction title “George Masa: A Life Reimagined.” Add it to your e-reader today: https://lnkd.in/eNPDNbnb #SmokiesLife

Writers seeking inspiration at the third annual Tremont Writers Conference in the Smokies this fall may discover more than they anticipate. Namely, the power of place in the writing process. Two workshop leaders explain: https://lnkd.in/eXJc8cZd? #SmokiesLife #writingretreats #writers

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1, author Michael Aday will be signing copies of "Letters from the Smokies," the award-winning book from Smokies Life, at the Appalachian WordFest in Sevierville, Tennessee. You can find him at the Smokies Life booth inside the Sevierville Convention Center. The event is free and open to the public. https://lnkd.in/eqkRcYkn

This is your last chance to purchase the 2025 Great Smoky Mountains National Park wall calendar! Now on sale for $5, the calendar features amazing images by nature photographer and black bear advocate Bill Lea, as well as BearWise? facts. All purchases of Smokies Life merchandise support the projects and services of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Limited quantity available. https://lnkd.in/eJ2hs-wb