The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont received the grant to build on its goal of increasing diversity among its community scientists by introducing and expanding these hands-on programs to new audiences. The partnership will focus on addressing barriers that prohibit participation, including awareness of those opportunities and transportation to the park. 

Community science is a method for researchers to broaden their reach and capacity for data collection and observation with the help of community volunteers. Research programs at Tremont include bird banding, monarch butterfly tagging, salamander population monitoring, phenology tracking, otter spotting and more. 

Get involved in one of these projects at no cost by visiting www.gsmit.org/community-science.