Celebrate Biodiversity Days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning on June 19 - 21, 2013 with walk, seminars, demonstrations, scientist-led field trips, and other fun events both on the Tennessee side and North Carolina side of the Park.  All in celebration of the amazing diversity of GSMNP.  

Space will be limited; make your reservations early. (see below for schedule of events)

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variation of species in a given ecosystem, including all types of life forms from plants to animals. Here in the Smoky Mountains, estimates have been as high as 100,000 for how many unique species reside here. The variety of species in an ecosystem has become important to scientists since population and consumption of resources by society have been growing.

Why is biodiversity important?

The level of biodiversity in an ecosystem is a measure of how healthy that ecosystem is. Humans are affected by biodiversity in their everyday lives, with services such as clean air, fertile soil, and water purification all stemming from the ecosystem and its biodiversity. Thus diversity in ecosystems enriches human life through methods not easily seen, and we need biodiversity to support ourselves and all other life we share this planet with.

What are biodiversity days?

Biodiversity days is an event provided by Discover Life in America where workshops, presentations, and hikes are given to raise awareness for the importance of variation of life throughout the planet. Obscure species are also discussed to provide visitors with a fresh outlook on life forms.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 19th from 10 am to 3 pm- CENTIPEDES:  BIOLOGY AND IDENTIFICATION– Twin Creeks Science Center (Joseph Desisto - UCONN)

Centipedes are at the same time fascinating and scary. Learn about the biology and ecological roles of centipedes, be introduced to the 4 North American orders and many families, and see a demonstration of the many identifying characteristics. An overview of the who, what and where of centipedes, followed by a field collecting event, and a review of some examples.
-call to register.

Friday, June 20 from 10 am to 3 pm – FRESHWATER SPONGES OF TENNESSEE– Twin Creeks Science Center (Emily Stuart - LMU).

Little is known of freshwater sponges within Tennessee. They are truly unique benthic invertebrates. In this presentation I will discuss basic life history and habitat information. Some of the information covered will include foods, reproduction, symbiotic relationships with algae, and their basic function within an ecosystem and how they can act as a biological indicator species.  An overview of the who, what and where of freshwater sponges, followed by a field collecting event, and a review of some examples. - call to register.

Saturday, June 21st from 10 am to Sunset - FERN FORAY (survey trail to be determined.)

This is the continuation of the Inventory of ferns and associated species along the trails of the Park lead by DLIA botanists. The sampling method includes the utilization of 7.5 meter circular plots located approximately every 200 meters along trails. Between-plot sites are made up of observations and field identifications of flora along the trails between the formalized plots. The intent of the project is to inventory the ferns and associated flora over the entire Park utilizing the extensive network of trails, and a dedicated group of volunteer citizen scientists.  Trail to be determined.  Call to register and to be informed of the meeting place.

Please call to register!

For more information call 865-430-4757 or visit our website at www.dlia.org

Learn more about the biodiversity of GSMNP and the on-going All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) throughout this website.