BIODIVERSITY IN THE PARK— WHAT IS IT AND WHAT’S HAPPENING TO IT?
Presentation: by Todd Witcher
Place: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitors Center, Gatlinburg, TN
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Biological diversity is the resource upon which families, communities, nations and future generations depend. It is the link between all organisms on earth, binding each into an interdependent ecosystem, in which all species have their role. It is the web of life.

The Earth’s natural assets are made up of plants, animals, land, water, the atmosphere AND humans! Together we all form part of the planet’s ecosystems, which means if there is a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are at risk too.

But consider this: we are currently using 25% more natural resources than the planet can sustain! As a result species, habitats and local communities are under pressure and/or are directly threatened (for example from loss of access to fresh, clean water).

Speaking of Biodiversity ... here is one example ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for the rich biological diversity found within its boundaries. What does this biodiversity do for all of us, and how is it changing?

Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives. Put simply, reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water is in irregular or short supply.

Learn about the Park’s biodiversity and an organization (Discover Life in America) focused on documenting and preserving biodiversity in the Park and around the world.

--- Headquarters for Discover Life in America

Location: Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Leaders: Staff of Discover Life in America and Attending Scientists
* Click Here to Register

Directions: Take exit 158 on I-24 (turning left if westbound, right if eastbound). Immediately, you’ll see a sign on the right with an arrow pointing across the road to the Little Cedar Mountain Trail (a 4-mile loop). Take the gravel drive down to a parking area, which is adjacent to the interstate right-of-way fence.

More Little Cedar Details:

The Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area, just West of Chattanooga, is a gem in the TVA System of Public lands and lies along the shore of Nickajack Lake. In addition to the diversity of plant life, the mountain supports an abundance of wildlife. Deer and turkey are commonly spotted, and though the secretive animal is typically hard to catch sight of, coyote signs are also common. From one of the overlooks, it’s not unusual to catch sight of an osprey or even an occasional bald eagle.

Event Details: No experience is necessary. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species.

For the event, participants should:

• Bring food and water for the day (we will be in a place where there are no stores or restaurants).
• Dress for being outside and for whatever weather might arise.
• Download the iNaturalist application on your phone or smart device. This app will be used to document species, information and locations.
• Wear and bring sunscreen.

Join a BioBlitz, help inventory TVA public lands.

TVA and Discover Life in America are partnering to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands with a bioblitz format.

These ‘BioBlitzes’ will be open to the public and will highlight field collection, specimen identification and education sessions on birds, butterflies and plants.

“These biological inventory events offer an opportunity to learn more about the biodiversity that surrounds us in our backyards and on public lands,” said Todd Witcher, Executive Director of Discover Life in America. “By collecting species occurrence data, these BioBlitzes will help TVA better manage natural areas while raising awareness of the wonderful biodiversity that exists all around.”

BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.

Advance registration is required. Please click on the registration link above to let us know you will be there!

THE TROUBLE WITH POLLINATORS and THE POLLINATOR GARDEN
(presentation leaders: Dr. Becky Nichols - insects, and DLIA Executive Director Todd Witcher - on plants)
Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants, including more than twothirds of the world’s crop species. The United States alone grows more than 100 crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year in the U.S. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems.
Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25% of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to black bears. In many places, the essential service of pollination is at risk from habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases.

Join us to learn more about what’s happening to pollinators in and out of the park. You will also learn about the new “Pollinator Garden” being installed at Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Location: Melton Hill Dam Reservation
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Leaders: Staff of Discover Life in America and Attending Scientists

Directions: Take exit 364 on Interstate 40, proceed north approximately .7 mile toward Oak Ridge, and turn east into the Melton Hill Dam Reservation.

About Melton Hill: This preserved land is located on the TVA Melton Hill Dam Reservation, and includes both inland and riparian habitat.

Event Details: No experience is necessary. Participants will survey birds, butterflies and plants using nets and provided collection and preservation equipment. Experts will be on hand to train participants and identify species.

For the event, participants should:

• Bring food and water for the day (we will be in a place where there are no stores or restaurants).
• Dress for being outside and for whatever weather might arise.
• Download the iNaturalist application on your phone or smart device. This app will be used to document species, information and locations.
• Wear and bring sunscreen.

Join a BioBlitz, help inventory TVA public lands.
TVA and Discover Life in America are partnering to engage people in a biological inventory of TVA’s public lands using a bioblitz format.

These ‘BioBlitzes’ will be open to the public and will highlight field collection, specimen identification and education sessions on birds, butterflies and plants.

“These biological inventory events offer an opportunity to learn more about the biodiversity that surrounds us in our backyards and on public lands,” said Todd Witcher, Executive Director of Discover Life in America. “By collecting species occurrence data, these BioBlitzes will help TVA better manage natural areas while raising awareness of the wonderful biodiversity that exists all around.”

BioBlitzes are family friendly and offer opportunities for the public to have hands-on experiences and interactions with scientists, wildlife and the community at large. Anyone interested in Wildlife, Biology, Citizen Science, Biodiversity and getting outside are encouraged to participate.

Advance registration is required. Please click the above link to register for this event.