What better time than spring to ramble and enjoy the artistic wonders of landscape, plant life and animal diversity in the Smokies? Students should bring to class a camera, cell phone and sketch pad to record some of nature’s finest art forms for further study that include wildflowers, trees, and maybe a bear or two. Learn about critters and the forest while making like-minded friends. Open to all skill levels and prepare to hike a few trails to see it all.

COURSE FEE: $340

Joel Zachry is a retired Tennessee Community College administrator and biology professor. He has been with the University of Tennessee-National Park Service Smoky Mountain Field School as an instructor since 1980 and co-director with his wife, Kathy, since 2013. Together, they own and guide for Great Outdoors Adventure!, enjoy travel, and are authors of “Bears We’ve Met, Short Stories of Close Encounters.” He has hiked the 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
gowithgoat.com