CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATING Class of 2023

The class of 2023 Experience Your Smokies Tennessee gathered Saturday, January 20, 2024, at The Abbey, Townsend TN to celebrate this year’s class sessions. Twenty-Four class members, along with Experience Your Smokies board members and Alumni, enjoyed the event with special remarks from Katie Liming - Management Assistant, Superintendents Office, Jeanine Ferrence - Acting Supervisory Park Ranger, and Experience Your Smokies Chair Simon deVente (Class of 2016). Two class members were selected to provide their own reflections of program experiences. Class Coordinator is Mike Wetzel (Class of 2017).

This class is the twenty-third of Experience Your Smokies leadership classes. The nonprofit organization reaches across the State of Tennessee and the program gives diverse leaders a unique perspective of the Great Smoky Mountains with behind-the-scenes, hands-on educational experiences related to activities and issues within the park. Class topics include air quality, historic preservation, park wildlife, aquatic life, park management, exotic species and more. Each in their own way, class members come away with a greater appreciation of what is involved in managing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and challenges by the Park Staff.

Experience Your Smokies Tennessee cultivates committed advocates for the mission of Great Smoky Mountains National Park through immersive education and engagement opportunities.

 


Go behind the scenes and truly experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Participate in hands-on, real-life resource management projects and learn about Park wildlife, aquatic life, native and exotic plants, air quality, management, historic preservation and more. 

The EYS class topics include wildlife management, fisheries, exotic plants, air quality, historic preservation, park partnerships/volunteers, and resource protection.  The topics are covered in six one-half day sessions.

Program Details

  • The program runs from July and ends with graduation in January.

  • There are 6 class sessions, each covering a different aspects of Park operations.

  • Classes consist of approximately 25 participants.

  • The application period begins January 1st and closes February 20th.

  • A tuition fee is required and scholarships are available.

 

General website content photography provided by Jessica Hill, Class of 2016