Alcoa Community Foundation working with the Friends of the Smokies is providing teachers with a 6-week paid work experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The pilot program is designed to help teachers to enhance student’s learning and apperication for our national parks. Teachers are donning park ranger uniforms and are working side by side with park employees. They are developing new skills through on-the-job experiences dealing with resource management activities and working with the visitor/children’s program.
They are also assisting in enhancing the K-8 Parks as Classrooms program as well as developing new curriclum to bring this program into area high schools.
Smoky Mountain Classrooms are environmental education programs available to area schools in North Carolina and Tennessee. The programs utilize park rangers as primary instructors with assistance from teachers.
The park’s outdoor “classrooms” become the teaching resource. These K-8 programs reflect North Carolina and Tennessee curriculum objectives and educational goals. There is no charge for these programs.
For more information on the Great Smoky Mountains’s Parks as Classroom program visit the National Park Service.
Tags: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service, Parks s Classrooms
Trackback
•
Posted in Smoky Mountain News
Dollywood, Patrick Murphy-Racey AP Photo - In this image released by Dollywood, Dolly Parton prepares to read her new book, "I Am a Rainbow," to children gathered for a performance at Parton's Dollywood theme park on Friday, June 12, 2009.
Dolly Parton created a charity 13 years ago to provide books to children and encourage literacy.
Now her first children’s book, “I Am a Rainbow,” will be featured in the philanthropy.
The 63-year-old Parton says working on projects for children gives her a chance to play and live a second childhood.
The book she wrote describes how colors can be used to explain emotions children have.
Parton had no say in the book’s selection for her charity, Imagination Library. A committee of teachers, child development experts and parents picks the books supplied to 1,000 communities in 47 states, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Proceeds from the sale of Parton’s book will benefit the charity.
Trackback
•
Posted in Smoky Mountain News
Aggressive bear activity around the Abrams Trail area has caused the National Park Service to temporarily close this popular trail destination. Most black bears spotted in the park do not bother hikers, however one particular bear will not leave people alone on Abrams Trail.
Park officials say that last year’s abundant food sources have resulted in more bear cubs this year. Berries which are the bear’s main food source have not ripened yet, so the bears may be looking to humans for additional food.
Along with the Abrams Trail, the following backcountry campsites are closed: campsites 10, 15, 40, and 93 and the Russell Field Shelter.
Active bear warnings:
• Backcountry Campsites 6, 13, 21, 24, 29, 35, and 38
• Cosby Knob Shelter
• Double Spring Gap Shelter
• Icewater Spring Shelter
• Mt Collins Shelter
• Mt LeConte Shelter
• Pecks Corner Shelter
• Tricorner Knob Shelter
• Crooked Arm Ridge Trail (lower portion)
• Laurel Falls Trail
• Little River Trail
• Trillium Gap Trail (Grotto Falls area)
If you plan on doing any backcountry hiking or visiting any of the areas with active bear warnings, it is suggested that you read the National Park Service’s webpage on “What Do I If I See A Bear“.
For a list of current park closures and warnings, click here.
Tags: Bear Sightings, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Trackback
•
Posted in Smoky Mountain News
The 19th Annual Patriot Festival kicks off in Pigeon Forge on July 4 at 1:00 PM. The festivities begin with the Twirling Medallion Majorette and Drun Corp and end with fireworks at 9:45 PM.
Festival Events Schedule
Twirling Medallion Majorette and Drun Corp 1:00 PM
Pigeon Forge Community Chorus 3:45 PM
Homer Hart 4:30 PM
Grand Majestic Theater’s “Swing Time” Cast 5:15 PM
The Temptations Revue 5:30 PM
Sarah Darling 6:15 PM
John Berry 7:00 PM
Classic Rock All Stars 8:15 PM
Fireworks 9:45 PM
I am personally looking forward to seeing the Classic Rock All Stars. This group is made up of Pete Rivera (Original drummer and lead singer for Rare Earth), Dennis Noda ( Bass guitarist for Cannibal and the Headhunters), Jerry Corbetta (Keyboardist for Sugarloaf) and Mike Pinera (Lead singer of Blues Image and guitarist for Iron Butterfly and Alice Cooper)
As always, the Patriot Festival promises to be a great event. We look forward to seeing you there.
Tags: Patrior Festival, Pigeon Forge
Trackback
•
Posted in Smoky Mountain News
The calving season is off to a strong start in the smokies with 7 new elk calves being born since the herd was established eight years ago. Biologists are expecting several more calves to be born in the next 4 weeks, which will increase the elk herd population to around 100.
Elk were introduced into the park in two releases, one in 2001, and the other in 2002. The herd numbered 52 animals initially. This year’s breeding success is a result of more breeding age females. Elks breed in the fall and give birth between late May and early July.
In 2006, 2007 and 2008, biologists trapped and relocated a handful of black bears that were preying on the newborn elk. Last year 16 of the 19 newborns calves survived.
For more information about the elk, contact the National Park Service
Tags: Elk, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trackback
•
Posted in Smoky Mountain News
0