Experience Your Smokies in Tennessee

By Jeaneane Payne

Tennessee residents have an opportunity to participate in a six-month program led by Great Smoky Mountains National Park park rangers and other experts. Class members will take part in hands-on, real-life resource management and science projects.

2012 participant learns how Historic Preservation crew makes wood shingles

Formerly known as Experience Your Smokies Blount County, class applications are now open to any resident of the State of Tennessee. Diverse applicants are being sought from surrounding communities for the 2013 program.

"Experience Your Smokies has proven to be a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with today's stewards of the National Park and to consider your role in protecting park resources for future generations," said Dale Ditmanson, Superintendent Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "The Experience Your Smokies leadership team has proven its ability to take this successful program to the next level."

"Experience Your Smokies continues to grow in community awareness, popularity and potential here in Blount County," said Kathy Wilbanks, the program's volunteer coordinator. "Expanding this unique program - that is building strong relationships between the national park and our local communities – just makes sense. It's a win-win situation for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and for Tennessee," Wilbanks added.

Classes, which have approximately 25 participants, begin each July with a kick-off reception and end with graduation ceremonies in January. Alumni are given opportunities to participate in annual service projects and social events in the Park.

Class members are selected based on their leadership within the community, interest in the national park and commitment to stewardship.

Experience Your Smokies, Inc. is incorporated and administered by a volunteer board of directors and representatives from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information about applying for the program, contact Kathy Wilbanks at 865-982-2466.

Published January 27, 2013